will see that
their respective camping-grounds are cleared up before departure.
4. _Transport._--On arrival in camp the transport in charge of each
unit will be picketed near its camp.
5. _Order of March and Baggage._--Each unit will be complete in
itself, being followed by first line transport, viz:--
1. Signalling equipment. 2. First reserve ammunition. 3. Entrenching
tools. 4. Water camels. 5. Stretchers. 6. Great-coat camels.
All followers not required with the above are to accompany the baggage
of their corps. The transport officer will act as baggage-master, and
all baggage-followers and baggage-guards will be under his orders. He
will see that the baggage moves off the ground in the following order,
viz:--Field hospital with its baggage in rear of fighting portion of
column; ammunition second reserve and ordnance park; staff baggage,
including supplies; regimental baggage with supplies in regimental
charge in order of march of unit; supply go-down; spare animals in
transport charge; rearguard.
(By order) S. M. EDWARDS, _Major_,
_S.O. Aden Column_.
_January 2nd, 1903, Sheikh Othman._--On January 2nd, 1903, the column
assembled at its rendezvous, Sheikh Othman, some ten miles from Aden.
_January 3rd, Bir Sayed Ali Wells_ (2-1/2 _miles north of
Firush_.)--An early start was made, though as it was the first day's
march as a column it was not intended to go very far. The going,
moreover, was bad. It takes time to accustom oneself to marching
through deep sand, just as it takes time to acquire the 'heather-step'
in August. However, every one did well, the water was good and fairly
plentiful, though somewhat scattered, and the spirits of the little
force rose high at the possibilities of the prospect before them.
_January 4th, Bir Salim._--The water at this camp was good, but
insufficient in quantity, necessitating the watering of the animals
some mile away.
_January 5th, Shaika._--Another good march, the only incident of which
was the breaking down of the treasure-camel, an important item of the
force.
_January 6th._--Owing to the necessity of making very early starts,
long before daybreak, Lieut.-Colonel English gave orders for bonfires
to be built overnight. These proved a great success, and enabled the
packing-up in the morning to be accomplished with facility and
dispatch.
_January 7th, Alhaja._--This place was reached after a long a
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