[23] Josh xix, 21, xxi, 29.

ON TO HAIFA AND ACRE!

The next day (September 23rd), everything having been cleared up in this district, the Division set out for Haifa and Acre on the coast.  A glance at the map will show that these towns are about 12 miles distant from each other, both being about 23 miles from Nazareth—­there being two separate roads.  The northern road to Acre was taken by the 13th Brigade and the southern to Haifa by the 15th and 14th.  As regards our Squadron the first part of the journey to Haifa was just in the nature of a “route march,” although the pace ridden was fast at times.  The 15th Brigade was the leading one and the 13th Brigade as stated above made straight to Acre from Nazareth.  Passing through El Fule the 15th and 14th followed the railway for some distance, then bearing off to the right they joined the main road from Nazareth to Haifa along the hills bordering the plain.

From Sheikh Abreik[24]—­the highest point on the road—­the sea could be seen in the distance, a beautiful blue, whilst a refreshing breeze met the face.  A short distance further on, a halt was made.  During this the sound of guns was heard in the distance from the direction of the sea.  No opposition having been expected, all sorts of reports came down the column concerning the cause of the firing, such as—­

(1) British destroyers in the bay have mistaken the 15th Brigade for the enemy!

(2) The enemy have got a naval gun with which they are shelling the head of the column!

But all rumours proved to be false.  What was really happening was the Turkish garrison at Haifa (about 1,000 strong) with field and machine-guns were defending the town against our advance—­a hopeless affair, considering that they were entirely cut off, without any chance of obtaining supplies or reinforcements.

FOOTNOTES: 

    [24] In the days of the Romans Sheikh Abreik was the headquarters of a
    Tribune.

CAPTURE OF HAIFA BY THE 15TH BRIGADE.

The Sherwood Rangers went to the assistance of the 15th Brigade which really had a very difficult task, as the plain before Haifa was, in many places, boggy and almost impassable; in addition there were many streams flowing across it.  The main road to Haifa runs right along the foot of Mount Carmel[25] on the left of the plain, and bordering it.  It was here that the enemy had established themselves, covering every part of the ground with their guns.  With great dash, however, the 15th Brigade galloped the enemy positions, and within a short time had captured the town!  Much to everybody’s regret, the son of General Sir Pertab Singh was killed during this attack.  His loss was much regretted by his comrades, and all who knew him.