able to hold it, even if outnumbered.  The ground was so steep in the rear, that led-horses could be brought up to within 20 yards, or less, of the guns.  In front, too, the ground sloped away sharply, and on the other side of the valley was a ridge, similar to our own, to which the Turks had withdrawn, and where they could be seen in large numbers.  They kept up a very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, which, however, we heartily returned.  Their artillery, evidently, was being employed elsewhere, as will be shown shortly.  During the afternoon the Turks were seen to be reinforced, and showed every sign of attempting an attack.  “B” Sub-section came up and was in action alongside “C”; “E” Sub-section also was attached, but was held in reserve for eventualities.  It was soon seen, however, that the Turk had come to the conclusion that “discretion was the better part of valour,” for nothing further happened.

“D” SUB-SECTION’S CASUALTIES.

Meanwhile “D” Sub-section had been having a rough time.  They had taken up a position close to Brigade Headquarters with the Essex Battery, to protect it from a flank attack.  The Essex and Turkish artillery had a lively duel, during which shells fell thick, around this quarter.  Lance-Corpl.  Marriott was, unfortunately, killed, while Lieut.  Raynor, Ptes.  Taylor and Crane, and, later, Lance-Corpl.  Green, were wounded, in this action.  It may be mentioned here, that Lieut.  Raynor was hit in the arm, and after undergoing several operations in Nasrieh Hospital, Cairo, he was sent home and finally retired from the Army.  The manner in which he had organised “D” Sub-section, and in a few weeks made it a fighting unit of exceptional quality, had earned him great praise.  Sergt.  Fleet, who assumed command after Lieut.  Raynor was hit, did splendid work and was afterwards awarded the Military Medal.

All was quiet during the night, and at daybreak the patrols sent out, reported “all clear”; the Turks had “Imshied” (i.e., cleared out).  After watering, under a certain amount of shell fire, the Sub-sections that had been in the line re-joined the Squadron; the remainder had watered late the previous night, and were not allowed the time to water again.  Then commenced an exciting race across country towards the coast, in an endeavour to cut off the Turkish garrison at Gaza, which was stated at this time to be in full retreat.  The Brigade advanced 16 miles that day—­“Point 375,” Simsin-Bureir, Huliekht, Julis—­right through the ancient land of the Philistines.

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