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MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit 1/1st Herts Yeomanry W.F.F.
From 1.2.15 To 31.12.15
Egypt Dabaa
Volume 5
War Diary of 1/1st Herts Yeomanry from December 1st to 31st 1915
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Hour, Date, Place |
Summary of events and information |
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Wed; Dec; 1st; 1915
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Regiment’s first day in camp at MENA, after arrival back from peninsula. The day was spent in drawing kit-bags from Stores at ABBASSIA (Cairo) and resting. |
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Thursday 2.
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Reveille at 5-30 a.m. Horses exercised 6 a.m. Spent the day in handing in Infantry equipment and drawing up lists of Cavalry equipment. |
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Friday 3.
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Reveille at 6-00 a.m. Stables at 6-30 a.m. Breakfast at 7-45 a.m. Horses exercised at 9 a.m. General routine. Received orders to be ready to move on Monday 6th; inst; All mark vii ammunition handed in. |
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Saturday 4. |
Riding school for Draft at 7 a.m. Handed over the horses of the regt; to 2nd Mounted Division. |
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Sunday 5.
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Holy Communion at 7-30 a.m. held in Mess of 1/2 Cty; of Lon; Yeo; Divine Service at 10 a.m. All surplus stores and kits returned to Q.M. Stores. |
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Monday 6.
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Recruits riding school at 7-30 a.m. Regt; paraded in marching order dis-mounted at 11-30 a.m. Move postponed until Tuesday. |
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Tuesday 7.
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Reveille at 4-30 a.m. All kits and stores dumped at 5-30 a.m. Breakfast at 6-30 a.m. Regiment paraded in dismounted marching order at 7 a.m. and marched out of MENA CAMP to trams. Proceeded by tram to ABU-el-ELA Stn and here entrained for ALEXANDRIA, leaving at 11 a.m. and arriving at 5 p.m. Proceeded to WARDIAN CAMP for the night. |
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Dec; Wednesday 8. |
Reveille at 6-30 a.m. Breakfast at 7-15 a.m. Still camp at WARDIAN. |
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Thursday 9.
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Reveille at 5 a.m. Breakfast at 6, Parade 7-30. Regt; moved out of WARDIAN CAMP to MEX (ALEX;) (where 2 Troops of “B” squad; 5th Composite Regt. joined us) leaving all kit bags behind. The day was spent in allotting horses etc. “B” squadron (formed out of old “B” & “D” squadrons of 1/1st ; Herts; Yeo;) under the command of Major C.F.W. De-Falbe left MEX in the evening with Lt L. G. Ram 2nd in Command and 2/Lts C.O.H. Bury, M.G. Routledge, C.F. Lock, H.F. Critchley, H.H. Simmonds, and 131 N.C.O’s and Men, and 129 horses, with 1st; Line Transport – 10 A.S.C. men and 20 mules – and entrained at GABBARY for DABAA. |
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Friday 10.
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“A” Squadron spent the day in making preparations for the move of the evening. The Squadron paraded full marching order at 9 p.m. and marched out of MEX CAMP under the command of LT. COL. E.B. Sheppard with Major H.J. Wyld 2nd in Command and Capt. A.O. Part, Lt. V.C. Ponsonby, and 2/Lts. G.N. Charrington, G.A. Barnett, E.Y. Fitz-Gerald, F.A. Burlton, G.G. Flint, 2/Lt. & Adjt. E. Gilholme, Qtr. Mstr. W.S. Ansell & Capt. L. West (R.A.M.C.T), 143 N.C.O’s & Men & 170 horses with the attached Transport of A.S.C. 28 drivers, 41 mules, 18 draft horses, 9 wagons & 1 Water-Cart. Entrained at GABBARY for DABAA at 12 a.m. 10/11/12/15 “B” Squad arrived at DABAA 6-30 a.m. and bivouacked near COAST GUARD BARRACKS. |
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Saturday 11.
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Arrived at DABAA at 7 a.m., detrained, and moved out on desert about 1 mile North of Railway Line, and pitched camp by COASTGUARD BKS. taking up the place as “B” Squad were moving off. “B” Squad left DABAA at 7-30 a.m. with 2nd Line Transport found by the AUSTRALIAN A.S.C. , and 6 days rations and forage. Left 2nd Lt. C.O.H. Bury (sick – Jaundice), Capt. L.V. Royle, Intelligence Dept. reported for duty. |
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Saturday 11th Dec (continued) |
Marched 23 miles West to Abu-Gerab, having sent back 2 men and 2 horses sick to DABAA. 1 Sect; of S.Mid. Mtd; Bde; Field Amb, Under Lt; Willis R.A.M.C. for duty. |
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Sunday 12.
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“A” Squad; remain at DABAA and act as Inlying Picquet daily. “B” Squad; left Abu-Gerab in the dark 5.30 a.m. and carried out a reconnaissance South of narrow gauge railway (disused) from a point S.E. of GERAB to BIR FUKA, over an area 5 miles broad, searching all BEDOUIN CAMPS for arms and ammunition. Shot 1 horse (broken down) at GERAB. |
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Monday 13.
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“A” Squad; carry on with general routine at GERAB. “B” Squad: receive orders at midnight 11/12-12-15 by Armoured Car Detachment to cancel reconnaissance at BIR SHAHIMA and return to DABAA. Marched towards ABU GERAB in heavy rain which made the road almost impassable for transport. Met Armoured Car Detachment with motor Ambulances 5 miles E of EBU GERAB and received orders from O.C.L of C DABAA to go to MATRUH, so, turned round and arrived EL BAGUSH 8-30 p.m., where there was a post of 15th SIKHS under Mjr; EVANS – 33 miles |
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Tuesday 14.
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“A” Squad; men are turned out between 1 & 2o/c a.m. 14-12-15 to go out to meet and act as convoy to Transport retiring from EBU GERAB to EL DABAA returning about 8 a.m. 20,000 sand bags arrived at DABAA and large quantity of barbed wire. D.L.O.Y. dug trenches N of COASTGUARD BKS; (“B” Squad; contd; ) Mjr EVANS having received orders to evacuate, gave orders for Squadron to escort convoy (17 wagons) to MATRUH, other troop – 50 of 15th SIKHS, 1 troop of D.L.O.Y. & 13 prisoners marched out at 6 p.m. , dusk, leaving fires burning. |
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Wednesday Dec; 15th 1915
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Gun section with “A” Squadron spent the day in erecting barbed wire entanglements and digging trenches on Tomb Hill. “B” Squad;- Halted at 1-45 a.m. at BIR JERAWALA - 17 miles – evacuated with 50 more SIKHS and 1 troop of 1st; City of Lon; Yeo; at 9.30 a.m. having had to wait for air reconnaissance, reached MATRUH – 14 miles – 2 p.m. with convoy from BAGUSH to MATRUH. Reported to G.O.C. W.F.F. (Mjr; Gen; WALLACE C.B.) and were attached to Composite Mounted Brigade under Brig; Gen; Tyndale Briscoe. Lt. Ponsonby and 12 N.C.O’s and men of MG Sect; having arrived by sea were attached to Squadron. |
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Thursday 16.
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Westminster Dragoons (1 / 2 Cty; of Lon; Yeo) come into DABAA. Water supply very inadequate all day. Gun Team of Bde; under orders to leave for ALEXANDRIA, en route for MATRUH, later in the day postponed. “B” Squad; Rested, Tents and men’s kits have not arrived. |
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Friday 17.
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Lt; Col; T.M.S. Pitt, Westminster Dragoons, takes over the duties of O.C. Section “B”. Men out all day trench digging. Gun Team left in the morning. “B” Squad; Rested, Men and horses bathed in Salt Lake. Firing in the distance S.W. |
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Saturday 18.
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Westminster Dragoons take over Inlying Picquet. We (Herts Yeo) supply Tomb Hill post – ¾ mile West of Camp, Quarry post ¾ mile N, NE of Camp, and 2 Detached posts 200 yards E of Camp. “B” Squad; Spent day refitting, received warning to expect attack. Nothing happened. |
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Sunday 19.
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D.L.O. & Surry Yeo; Detachment left for GABARRY in morning, “A” Squad; find Inlying Picquet. “B” Squad; Inspected our Sect; of Defence, short burst of heavy firing on our left flank of perimeter at 7-30 p.m. , bullets dropped in bivouac, no damage. |
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DABAA. Monday Dec; 20th; 1915. |
“A” Squadron went out to protect retirement of armoured car at 8 a.m. to repair telephone wires 20 miles out returning at 7 p.m. “B” Squad; sniping at night. |
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Tuesday 21.
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“A” Squad; “Outpost Squadron” Exceptionally hot for time of year. “B” Squad; Tents and kits arrived by sea – spent the day unloading from 3 trawlers – 8 dismounted N.C.O’s & men arrived from MEX (ALEX.) and were taken on the strength. |
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Wednesday 22.
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2 patrols sent out 10 miles S of El Dabaa to search for hostile Bedouins and note position of wells etc. and to Gemeima Wells to note if intact. 1 Officer and 20 men as picquet to Quarry Hill from 5-15 p.m. to 6-45 a.m. “B” Squad; Finished unloading ships – pitched tents – since 19-12-15 have been funding 1 troop to act as detached post on left flank of perimeter from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. |
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Thursday 23.
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Very gusty day. Inlying Squadron from 5-15 p.m. for 24 hours. “B” Squad; Training |
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Friday 24.
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Receive kits from MATRUH “B” Squad; Training |
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Saturday 25th.
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“A” Squad; furnish 2 Officers Patrols. Outpost Squad; for 24 hours. “B” Squad; Paraded 4 a.m. and took our places in order of march of cavalry column – 2Lt; H.F. Critchley funding the rearguard and escort to Mid; Field Amb; with 1 Troop. Marched 7 miles S,SE to top of WADI TOWEIWIA. This Wadi is very steep and it took us two hours to get the ammunition column up to the top with extra horses and all of our men. Then we went 3 miles W to CAIRN, a short time before reaching which our Sect; of R.H.A. Guns (NOTTS;) opened fire on the enemy towards JEBEL MEDWA and shortly after, about 11 a.m. our right connected up with the left flank of the Infantry column which had commenced a |
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December 25th 1915. (continued)
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frontal attack on JEBEL MEDWA from the direction of MATRUH. WE also heard the guns from 2 cruisers firing heavily from the North. From the CAIRN the cavalry column rapidly moved N.W. to JEBEL ELAMIA, having seen some |
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“B” Squad;
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300 of the enemy trying to escape Westwards. The column then turned E,SE at WADI SENAAB and deployed to drive the enemy (wo had been driven off the high ground) back on our infantry, who had now occupied the Northern slopes of JEBEL MEDWA and who were also holding a line from there to the North. When the cavalry turned E,SE the Squadron was sent E, to get in touch with the left flank of the Infantry, which we did, and connected up with a post of the 15th SIKHS. Just as we arrived the enemy opened fire on us from the North, and we were also fired on by the New Zealand Rifle Bde; who mistook us for the enemy because of our ARAB HORSES. As the cavalry advanced the Infantry closed in towards the East, and we kept on their left flank, searching the enemy’s main camp on the way. This was on fire, the bodies being mostly those of the EGYPTIAN COASTGUARDS in their uniform. The Squadron then advanced, joining up the gap between the cavalry and Infantry till 5 p.m. when the cavalry went back to Camp. Just as we started to go back we came under a very heavy fire for 10 minutes – no one was hit but one pony was shot in the neck which we got back to Camp. Arrived there at 8-45 a.m. having covered 50 miles. The officers of the Squadron taking part were Mjr; C.F.W. De Falbe, Lt; L.G. Ram, 2/Lts; C.F. Lock, H.F. Critchley, H.H. Simmonds, & 2/Lt; M.G. Routledge, who was detached with his Troop as escort to Sect; of NOTTS; R.H.A. The Cavalry & R.H.A. were engaged in a running fight from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The M/Gun Sect; of the Herts Yeo; under Lt; V.C. Ponsonby left Camp at 5 a.m. and proceeded S for 4 miles to WADI TEWIWIA, great difficulty experienced in getting ambulances and ammunition up to WADI. After moving West for about 5 miles it became engaged with mounted force of enemy who were apparently watching their right flank. There were quickly dispersed retiring in all directions leaving camels behind. The column was concentrated at 9 a.m. and moved off N to WADI MEDWA after crossing KHEDIVIAL RD; near 12th; milestone W from MATRUH. |
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MATRUH. Dec 25th 1915
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Infantry soon observed in action to S.E. The Sect; came under rifle fire, shells dropping ½ a mile to our right. It then attacked enemy in front machine guns being in action for 20 minutes, and drove them into WADI. Mounted brigade then moved N.W. to try cut off any force which might be retreating in front of Infantry. At 3 p.m. changed direction N and became heavily engaged at S.W. edge of WADI MERGIA. This action was continued, the Australian Light Horse & “B” Squadron Herts Yeo moving down to enemy’s camp while the Sect; of NOTTS: R.H.A. & M/Guns & remainder of force returned to MATRUH at 8 p.m. M/Gun Sect; was composed of 1 Herts Yeo; Gun, 1 Bucks and 2 Dorsets, all mounted on BUCKS horses, Herts Yeo; horses still being at ALEXANDRIA. Owing to deep mullet rocks and holes it was difficult to discover the exact losses inflicted on the enemy. About 173 were killed and 40 captured, besides camels, while a quantity of ammunition was destroyed and the camp set on fire. The casualties were: 1 Australian Light Horse Died of wounds 1 do do do Wounded 1 D.L.O. OFFICER Wounded |
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DABAA Dec 26 Sunday
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Celebration of Holy Communion at 7-30 a.m. Divine Service held at 9 a.m. “B” Squad; Rested |
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Monday 27.
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Sent out 2 patrols. General Routine. “B” Squad: Mjr; De Falbe handed over Command of Squad; to Lt; L.G. Ram having received orders to take over Command of 1/5th Battn; Norfolk Regt. |
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Tuesday 28.
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Sent out Officers Patrol. Found Well Guard. M/Gun Sect; At 2 p.m. 6 Squadrons and 3 M/Guns – 1 Herts Yeo – under Col; GRENFELL R.B.H. moved to GERAWALA being part of force of all arms under Brig; Gen; Earl of Lucan – with intention of locating SIDI HASSUNS Force, Bivouaced at The Wells. |
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DABAA. Dec; 29th; 1915 Wednesday
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Sent out Outpost Squadron. Lt; Col; E.B. Sheppard, 1/1st Herts Yeo; takes over command of Sect; “B” DABAA M/Gun Sect; Left Wells 6 a.m. moved S.E. while Infantry Column went S. |
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MATRUH
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Made big sweep towards BIR ABU BATTA, without opposition. Infantry found SIDI HASSUNS CAMP unoccupied but apparently hastily vacated, and captured over 100 camels and flocks of sheep and found many interesting papers and relics. Returned to GERWALA about 6 p.m. with 2 prisoners, sheep, and having burned tents, stores etc; Bivouaced. |
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Thursday 30.
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The day was spent in general routine. M/Gun left at 9-30 a.m. for MATRUH. Captured 4 of the enemy with rifles etc; en route. Arrived at MATRUH at 1-15 p.m. |
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DABAA Friday 31. |
Inlying Squadron. 2 patrols sent out. |
Volume 6
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit 1/1st Herts Yeomanry W.F.F.
From 1st January 1916 To 31st January 1916
Egypt DABAA & MATRUH
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DABAA Jan; 1st 1916 Saturday |
“A” Squad; paraded 11 o/c a.m. proceeded 10 miles West along KHEDIVIAL Road to convoy back to DABAA. R.N.S.A.C. men and car sent to repair telegraph wires. |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad; general routine |
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DABAA 2nd Sunday
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Weather very bad, gale from N.W. caused blinding snow storms. Impossible at times to see more than few yards. From mid-day rain fell heavily and continued almost incessantly all night. “A” Squad; Day and night outposts 4 patrols and well guard. |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad; Divine Service held in camp |
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DABAA 3rd Monday
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Rain still falling. By 10 o/c a.m. camp was flooded out completely. Moved camp ½ N.E. onto rising ground. Great discomfort to men and horses much kit being lost in mud. Very cold wind blowing. 2/Lt; G.G. FLINT, to hospital , Alexandria, dislocated collarbone |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad; Squadron drill |
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DABAA 4th Tuesday MATRUH |
Weather still bad, very cold. “B” Squad; General routine. Moving camp. Rain fell during day. |
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DABAA 5th Wednesday |
General routine. “A” Squad; Well guard |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad; Training and moving camp. Rain still falling. |
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DABAA 6th Thursday MATRUH |
“A” Squad; Training “B” Squad; Squadron drill and moving camp |
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DABAA 7th |
“A” Squad; 4 patrols, and a patrol to EL GHAZALIA Stn; to inspect Rly; Line and telegraph wires. |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad; Squadron drill and moving camp |
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DABAA Jan; 8th; 1916 Saturday
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“A” Squad; Inlying picquet for 24 hours. Headquarters and “A” Squad; receive orders to move to HAMMAM at 3-30 p.m. but order cancelled later LIEUT; COL; E.B. SHEPPARD hands over duties of O.C. Sect; “B” to 1/2nd County of London Yeo |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad; General routine and moving camp |
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DABAA 9th; MATRUH |
“A” Squad; Inlying picquet. Preparations made for move of next day “B” Squad; Church parade. Moved into new camp |
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DABAA 10th
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Reveille 5 a.m. Breakfast 6, Parade 7 a.m. Headquarters and “A” Squad; moved off to entrain at DABAA Stn; watering horses en route. Left DABAA at |
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HAMMAM |
10 a.m. in open trucks and arrived HAMMAM 2 o/c p.m. Camped on desert 400 yards N.E. of Rly; Stn; |
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MATRUH
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“B” Squad; paraded under Brig; Gen; Tyndale Biscoe 6-30 a.m. and took part in a reconnaissance along the coast W of camp. No; 2 Troop (2/Lt; M.G. ROUTLEDGE) on arrival at Old Matruh was detailed by Gen. Biscoe to go with Mjr; Williams (Bde; Mjr) and search the village. Nos; 1, 3, 4, Troops Herts Yeo; with 2 squadrons of Light Horse, under Gen; Biscoe proceeded at 4 miles W and 3 Troops Herts Yeomanry were ordered to search village of RACOUM. Nothing of importance was found in either village and no enemy located. |
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HAMMAM 11th
MATRUH |
Rev. 6 am. Settled down in camp. “A” Squad; Detailed an Inlying picquet (1 Troop) daily and two night picquets. “B” Squad; Squadron drill. |
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HAMMAM 12th
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“A” Squad; Reveille 5 a.m. Breakfast 5-30 a.m. Paraded 6 a.m. Headquarters and “A” Squadron moved off South 15 miles, acting as escort to Lt; Col; Ferguson Davies L.O.C. Bimbashi Jenning Bramley (Political Officer) and 6 native mounted guides. All encampments searched, the building at ZAWEIT was bricked up and emptied, a proclamation closing it as a meeting place being posted. An aeroplane which had been on reconnaissance to EL MOGHARA dropped a message reporting numerous Bedouin tents 4 miles S. These were searched and 3 prisoners were captured and brought into HAMMAM. One of these was a convict who had escaped from SOLUM. |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad; Squadron drill. |
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Jan; 13th; 1916 Thursday
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“A” Squad; General routine. Weather still rough “B” Squad; Squadron parade for tactical exercise |
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14th
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“A” Squad; General routine “B” Squad; Squadron drill |
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15th
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“A” Squad; 60 N.C.O.’s & men under 2/Lt; G.N. CHARRINGTON and 2/Lt; G.A. SHEPPARD left HAMAM for ALAMEIN taking a supply of petrol for aeroplanes. Received information from Flying Corp about 6-30 p.m. that suspicious objects were seen on skyline. 2 men from Intelligence Dept; were sent to reconnoitre and reported “all clear”. “B” Squad: Squadron drill |
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16th
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Regt; received orders to be ready to move to DABAA by train on Jan 17. BIMBASHI JENNINGS BRAMLEY and 6 native guides escorted by the detachment of 60 N.C.O.’s and men at ALAMEIN paraded with limber carrying petrol at 4 a.m. Marched South for 20 miles. On arrival an aerodrome was made. The 2 aeroplanes arrived about 12 noon, one was suffering from punctured tyre so could not proceed. The other carried out a long distance reconnaissance arriving at aerodrome shortly before dusk, having seen no sign of enemy. Camp was reached at 10 p.m. after a very difficult march over rocky shale. Horses were exhausted owing to lack of water. “B” Squadron. Church parade. |
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17th
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Reveille 5 a.m. Breakfast 6 a.m. Paraded at 7 a.m. and moved off to HAMMAM Stn; watering en route. Loaded at 8 a.m., train leaving HAMMAM at 9 a.m., arriving at DABAA at 12-30 p.m. Camped on desert ¾ mile North of DABAA. Second train left HAMMAM at 11 a.m. composed of Transport, stopped at ALAMEIN to pick up detachment of 2 Officers, 60 men & Horses, arrived DABAA 4-30 p.m. Duty Squadron for week. No; 1 Troop 2/LT; H.H. SIMMONDS detailed to take over post N.E. of camp known as SURREY POST. Duties being to man trenches from dusk till dawn, and 1 post during day, and 2 patrols out 2 miles E. at dawn and at dusk. |
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DABAA Jan; 18th 1916 Tuesday |
“A” Squad; General routine |
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MATRUH
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“B” Squad; No; 1 Troop Surrey Post. No; 2 Troop 2/LT; M.G. ROUTLEDGE paraded 7-30a.m. with Capt; Royle (Intel. Off.) to reconnoitre for tracks of enemy with aid of a native tracker. Captured 4 prisoners at BIR SHOLA who gave information of sight of large camp of the SENUSSI which has not previously been located. |
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DABAA 19th MATRUH |
“A” Squad; Training “B” Squad; No; 1 Troop Surry Post. Remainder of Squadron exercising |
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DABAA 20th |
“A” Squad; 2 Night outposts in trenches E and W of camp. |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad; 1 Troop Surrey Post. 2/Lt; C.O.H. Bury rejoined from Hospt; Alexandria |
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DABAA 21st MATRUH |
“A” Squad; 4 patrols “B” Squad; Troop at Surry Post relieved. General routine. |
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DABAA 22nd |
“A” Squad; 2 Outpost Patrols |
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MATRUH
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“B” Squad; (Capt; A.O. PART) with 2 Troops of D.L.O.Y., 2 Troops of Surrey Yeo; under command of Major BIBBY moved out of camp at 2 p.m. and joined up with a column proceeding on a 4 days trek W by S to locate and attack the enemy. The column consisted of Infantry, 15th SIKHS, 2nd Regt; of S. Africans, New Zealand Rifles, 8th; Middx, and 6th Royal Scots. Cavalry included BERKS YEO; ROYAL BUCKS HUSSARS, AUST; LIGHT HORSE, supported by the guns of H.A.C. & Notts R.H.A. The G.O.C. MAJOR GENERAL WALLACE was in Command. |
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DABAA 23rd |
“A” Squad; Holy Communion 7-30 a.m. Divine Service at 9-30 West of Camp |
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MATRUH
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“B” Squad; The Advance Guard (C.O. MJR; BIBBY, 1 Squad; D.L.O.Y., 2 Troops SURREY YEO; Nos; 2&4 Troops HERTS YEO; 2/Lts; C.O.H. BURY & M.G. ROUTLEDGE) started at 6-30 a.m. going due West. At 9-30 a.m. it came in touch with the enemy and was ordered to take up position on right flank where it dis-mounted, the led horses being left in charge |
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MATRUH Jan; 23rd; Contd
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Of Lt; RAM. Enemy was found in such superior numbers in front and on right flank that further progress was impossible. After holding the enemy in check for 1 ½ hours it was found necessary to retire owing to the accurate fire of rifles and machine guns, and greatly superior forces of the enemy. At commencement of the retirement a gallant act was performed by LC; CPL: CARTMELL, who together with CAPT; EGERTON R.A.M.C. and a stretcher attached to the D.L.O.Y.’s succeeded in carrying SERGT; HAMMETT who had been severely wounded ¾ of a mile to a place of safety in spite heavy rifle and machine gun fire. After desultory firing for 2 ¾ hours the Infantry advanced. Major BIBBY’s Command moved further round on the right flank being only under slight fire for ½ hour and remained there until operations ceased. No; 1 and 3 Troops (2/Lt; H.H. SIMMONDS & H.F. CRITCHLEY) were in reserve until 2 p.m. and were then sent to support NOTTS; R.H.A. on left flank where they came under heavy fire and followed up the enemy until 5-30 p.m. where operations ceased. The column then bivouacked for the night. CASUALTIES. Wounded 4 N.C.O.’s and men, SERGT; HAMMETT – ABDOMEN, Pte; KOCH – Foot-, Pte; BALDOCK – Foot-, S.S.M. CARRUTHERS (Slight) left side. HORSES 1 killed, 9 wounded. MACHINE GUN SECT; (2/Lt; F.A. BURLTON) moved West from BIR SHOLA at 6-30 a.m. with BRIG; GEN; TYNDALE BISCOE’S which consisted of BUCKS HUSSARS 1 Squad; of AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE, and 1 Sect; of H.A.C. Guns. This force acted as left flank guard of main body. After going about 5 or 6 miles 300 of the enemy were reported moving South. At 8-15 the advance guard being held up the Infantry advanced and GEN; BISCOE’S force was sent to operate on left front with orders to try and word round enemy’s right flank. Action became general and the ROYAL BUCKS HUSSARS (less 1 Sqdn) with HERTS MACHINE GUN were ordered back to protect the left rear. Here they came in contact with a large force of the enemy who were attempting a turning movement and 1 squad of Aust; Light Horse were sent to reinforce them. In spite of this a retirement on the centre had to be made as the force available proved too small to hold the line of 3 miles. Shortly afterwards in response to an urgent demand from the G.O.C. for reinforcements, 1 Squad; of AUST; LIGHT HORSE was sent to support Infantry attack on enemy’s camp. The remainder taking up a position on Infantry’s left. At 4-15 the enemy’s camp was captured and set on fire |
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MATRUH JAN 23rd; Contd
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the enemy then retiring. Pursuit was impossible as horses then exhausted having been all day without water. The whole force bivouacked 1 ½ miles East of Camp. |
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DABAA 24th |
“A” Squad; 2 Outpost Patrols |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad;- The column returned to BIR SHOLA forming left flank guard and bivouacked there for the night. |
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DABAA 25th
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Weather very rough, gale blew all day accompanied by sand storm. “A” Squad; Day Outposts |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad; Column returned to Matruh |
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DABAA 26th |
“A” Squad; 4 Patrols. Rain fell heavily during afternoon and continued almost all night. |
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MATRUH |
“B” Squad; Horses exercised. |
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DABAA 27th MATRUH |
“A” Squad; General routine “B” Squad; Resting |
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DABAA 28th MATRUH |
“A” Squad; & Headquarters received orders to move to MATRUH on morrow “B” Squad; General routine |
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DABAA 29th
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Rev 4-30 a.m. Breakfast 5-30, parade 7 a.m. watering en route to taking up our position at the WESTERN SIGNAL DABAA, “A” Squad; HERTS YEO; moving off as Advance Guard at 8 a.m. to a mixed force under Command of Brig; Gen; LORD HAMPDEN, and composed as follows;- BERKS YEO; DORSET YEO; (less 1 Squad; ) HERTS YEO; (1 Squad; and Headquarters), 1 Squad; of 1/2nd Cty; of Lon; Yeo;, Notts & Derby Field Ambulance. 1 Coy; of 2/7th Middx; Regt; AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT TRAIN, EGYPTIAN ENGINEERS, EGYPTIAN CAMEL CORP, COASTGUARD DETACHMENT, MOBILE VET SECT;, numbering in all, 75 Officers, 1199 Other Ranks, G.S. Wagons 61, Limbers 32. M/Guns 2, Ambulances 8, Vehicles (2 wheeled) 17, Mules 302, Horses 1097, Camels 1041. Proceeded West along KHEDIVIAL ROAD en route for MATRUH. Road fairly good. Halted mid-day. BERKS YEO; joined column at GEMEIMA WELLS. Reached bivouac at JELEILA at 4 p.m. 16 miles. |
|
MATRUH Jan 29th; 1916 Contd |
“B” Squad; General routine
|
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JELEILA 30th
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Moved out of bivouac at 8 a.m. Road bad owing to soft sand and drifts. Captured 2 prisoners. Pushed on to BIR FUKA arriving in bivouac for night at 4 p.m. Infantry completely done up. 16 miles |
|
MATRUH |
“B” Squad; General routine |
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BIR FUKA 31st
|
Left FUKA at 8 a.m. “A” Squad; Advance Guard. Trekked on till EL GABUSH reaching bivouac at 3 p.m. Captured 3 prisoners. 18 miles. Major Bibby with 2 Troops with D.L.O.Y’s and 1 Squad; of AUST; LIGHT HSE arrived from MATRUH on their way to DABAA. Their transport never came in till dark owing to wagons getting bogged. |
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February 1st 1916
|
Moved out of bivouac at El Bagush and trekked to Gerawala, road 3 miles from Gerawala being impassable. Transport diverted to coast. Bivouaced for night at 3.30 p.m. (“A” Squad) – “B” Squad: General routine |
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“ 2nd
|
‘A’ Squad: Left Gerawala at 9 am for Matruh. Road continued very rough. Marched into Matruh 3 pm camping ¾ mile from inside perimeter from Eastern entrance. – ‘B’ Squad: General routine. |
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“ 3rd
|
‘A’ Squad: General routine- ‘B’ Squad (Capt A.O. Part) paraded 8-30 am Went on reconnaissance to East side of Matruh – Fuka Rd – as far as Wadi Abu Besma. No houses were found inhabited. A small fishing village 1 ½ miles S. of Suliman had been destroyed by fire. |
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“ 4th
|
‘A’ Squad Paraded 8-30 am for reconnaissance to Geber Mediva and Wadi Mergid. Nothing to report. ‘B’ Squad General routine |
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“ 5th |
General routine. Draft of 2Lt R.G. Faulconer + 53 men arrived from England. |
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February 6th 1916
|
Regt: paraded for Divine Service in Camp at 9.30 am Officers patrol sent out. |
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“ 7th “
|
One Troop ‘A’ Squad: paraded 7-30am to patrol 8 miles S.E. of Matruh and to return to Wadi Toweiwia – General routine |
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“ 8th “ |
One Troop ‘B’ Squad: parade 7-30 am to patrol 6 miles S of Matruh returning via Geber Mediwa – General routine |
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“ 9th “ |
General routine |
|
“ 10th “ |
‘B’ Squad: supply patrol as on 8th inst; – General routine |
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“ 11th “ |
Officers patrol left at 7.30 am (2Lt G.G. Flint) to patrol S.E. of Gerawala Rd about 6 miles thence to wheel westward and return via Wadi Toweiwia |
|
“ 12th “ |
General routine |
|
“ 13th “ |
Regt: paraded for Divine Service at 9.30 am in Camp. Officers patrol (2Lt H.W.E. Leslie) paraded 7.30 am, patrolled S. going 4 miles along Harubs Wadi |
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“ 14th “
|
A Squadron under Command of Capt: J.H. Drake composed of Lt L.G. Ram, 2Lts C.O.H. Bury, H.F. Critchley, G.G. Flint, M.G. Routledge, Capt. L. West R.A.M.C.(T) and 143 other ranks, 180 animals, 3 G.S. + 1 Limber wagons, and 1 water cart, accompanied by Detachment of 1st Aust; Divnl Train |
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February 14th 1916
|
Contd (carrying 3 days rations) left for Gerawala and El Bagush to arrive at the latter place on the 15th inst. to meet and escort back to Matruh. Sect ‘A’ H.A.C. and 1st LineTransport of N.Z.R.B. A telegraph line repair party joined convoy at Abu Gerab to repair land line between Abu Gerab and El Bagush. |
|
“ 15th “ |
Officers patrol (2 Lt R.G. Faulconer) paraded at 7.30 am to patrol to Wadi Shag and 6 miles South of Wadi Shag. Return to Matruh. General routine. |
|
“ 16th “ |
General routine. Surgeon Gen. Babtie V.C. P.D.M.S. inspected Herts Yeo; Camp on tour of inspection |
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“ 17th “ |
Officers patrol (2 Lt G.A. Barnett) to Wadi Shag. General routine. |
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“ 18th “
|
One Squad; under Command of Capt. A.O. Part with 2 Lts C.O.H. Bury. H.W.E. Leslie, R.G. Faulconer, E.Y. Fitz-Gerald moved from Marsa Matruh to Rakhum, 14 miles West, where they bivouacked for night. This squadron escorted Camel Corps convoy returning from Unjeilia, of about 1000 camels and a number of Bedouin prisoners back to Matruh. The advance post for force moving West to Sidi Barani. |
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“ 19th “
|
Officers patrol (2 Lt M.G. Routledge) to go East 2 miles South of Khedivial Rd to Wadi Rahamish & return. General routine. |
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February 20th 1916
|
Officers patrol of 1 Troop proceeded at 7.30 am to Wadi Toweiwia, and reconnoitre, thence Eastward, Wadi on left. Church parade cancelled owing to wind and sandstorm. Regt receives notice to return to Cairo as Divisional Cavalry to 52nd, 53rd + 54th Divns. |
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“ 21st “
|
Officers patrol (2 Lt G.G. Flint) to patrol 8 miles of Matruh. A Detachment of 4 Offcs, 38 O.R. & Coastguards and 6 Camels under Command of Major H.J. Wyld at 3.15 pm for the purpose of proceeding Bir Hamza to round up 2 Turkish Officers, 10 Muhafizich with 2 Camels in accordance with special instructions from G.O.C. W.F.F. Arrived at Gerawala on evening of 21st. Bivouacked for night. |
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“ 22nd “
|
Left Gerawala 4.15 am, marched for 6 miles S by W along telephone wire. Halted for ¾ hour for daybreak. Day broke 6.30 am, moved S.E. for 2 miles , crossed deep Wadi (only crossable at one point for Cavalry). Wadi contained large brackish cistern, proved afterwards to be Bir Zarka, ½ mile from cistern, on high ground near stone burial place, a rain-water well, plentiful. Halted, watered + fed. Large friendly Bedouin Camp close by. Going after leaving, very bad. Although arriving at Bir Zarka 8.0 am, did not leave until 11.30 am. Here, left flank of advance got out of luck owing to having to skirt Wadi Zarka, being impassable. Information received here from native that object of search had been seen 5 days previous ½ days march S. of Bir Hamsa. Then moved due S for Bir Abu Batta at 12 noon. After going 4 miles advanced troops’ horses were getting done up + were relieved. Exhaustion only accountable as due to hard work and bad forage for two months and also from shortness of ration allowed |
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February 22nd 1916
|
Contd. for the patrol (600 lbs for 44 horses). Reached Bir Abu Batta at 2.30 pm, several horses quite exhausted + difficult to get along, and nearly all footsore. (- General Routine) Grater part of last portion of journey done on foot, leading horses. Remained the night at Bir Abu Batta. Supplies running short. Horses had been saddled up for 11 hours. Coastguards Sergt information that Bir Hamza was 3 hours march from Bir Abu Batta. Searched all country from Bir Zarka to B.a.B. for 3 miles on either side. 3 miles from B.a.B. saw party of Bedouins with Camels examined same through glasses 3 miles away. Horses too exhausted to proceed to them. So now signs of Turkish Officers etc. |
|
“ 23rd “
|
Left Bir Abu Batta 7.30 am moved to N.W. After 13 miles found Bir Hamza. After 12 miles over stoney plateau (Horses mostly sorefooted) reconnoitring ridge about 1 mile S of route whole way. Arrived Bir Hamza 12 noon. Good fresh water. Roman cistern, halted for 2 hours. Destroyed 24 shot guns, sent Officers patrol over ridge, reported flat plateau stretching S for 10 miles to another escarpment. Started due N. for Matruh, calculated 22 miles. Struck ridge 1 hour after dark 6 miles SW of Matruh, got onto broken ground, halted for moon to rise. Finished up rations and forage. Marched into Matruh by moonlight, arriving in camp at 2 am morning 24 -16. Horses + men completely done up. General routine. |
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February 24th 1916 |
General routine. |
|
“ 25th “
|
Major General Peyton inspected the patrol of the 21st (under Major H.J. Wyld) and the Regt at stables. Regt. receives orders to proceed to Cairo on 27th inst. |
|
“ 26th “ |
General routine |
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“ 27th “
|
The Regt under Command of Lieut; Col; E.B. Sheppard (O.C. Column) paraded 10.45 am to proceed to Dabaa. The Column, consisting of 1/1st Herts Yeo. (16 Officers, 275 OR, 318 Animals, 18 wagons, 2 M/Guns) ‘A’ Batt H.A.C. (6 Offrs, 215 OR, 233 Animals, 4 Guns, 20 wagons) Signal Troop (1 Offr; 7 OR, 10 An) + 1st 2nd Line Transport. ‘D’ Squadron HY funding Advance Flank Guards and ‘A’ Squad H.Y. Rearguard. Arrived at Gerawala at 3.30 pm. Watered and bivouacked for night. 22 Native refugees found in shed at Gerawala, were questioned, and stated they were proceeding from Matruh to Behera with cattle. They were left behind through sickness from party of about 150. |
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“ 28th “
|
Reveille 6 am. Column left at 8.30 for El Bagush. Advance Gd ‘A’ Squad. HY, Rear Flank Gds ‘D’ Squad HY. Passed 30 natives children + number of cattle. Arrived El Bagush 4.30 pm. Watered from wells + bivouacked. Met by convoy with forage + rations to carry us through to Dabaa. Convoy consisted of Details of Bucks + Berks Yeo, and Camel transport. |
War Diary pages for the 29th February 1916 inc need images to complete the transcription
Volume No 8
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: 1/1st Herts Yeo W.F.F.
From: 1.3.16 To 31.3.16
|
March 1st 1916
|
Column moved out of Abu Gerab at 9.0 am en route for Dabaa. ‘D’ Squad Herts Yeo; Advance Flank Gds. ‘B’ Squad; Herts Yeo; Rear Gd. Arrived Dabaa 4.30 pm. Watered bivouacked. |
|
“ 2nd “
|
Day spent at Dabaa. All horses overhauled by Vet; Surgeon, 82 classed unfit to proceed further by road. Sent by train to Alex; from Dabaa under Command of 2/Lt E.Y. Fitz-Gerald. |
|
“ 3rd “
|
Reveille 4 am. Column left Dabaa 4.30 am. ‘A’ Squad; Herts Yeo; Advance Flank + Rear Gds. Watered mid-day at Ghazala Stn from tanks. Arrived Alamein 5 pm. Watered from Station, bivouacked for night. |
|
“ 4th “
|
Reveille 5 am. Moved out of Alamein at 8 am. ‘B’ Squad Herts Yeo; Advance Flank Rearguards. Watered mid-day Alamein Stn. Arrived Hammam 6 pm. Watered bivouacked for night. |
|
“ 5th “
|
Reveille 6 am. Column left Hammam 9 am. ‘A’ Squad Herts Yeo funding all Guards. Watered at wells before march. Arrived Hawara 4pm. Watered at tanks from station. Bivouacked for night. |
|
“ 6th “
|
Column (less guns, vehicles, personnel which proceeded by train) left Hawara for Gabbarry. Halted mid-day Amria, watered from wells. Arrived Gabbarry Camp 5 pm. |
|
“ 7th “ |
Reveille 6 am. Resting. |
|
“ 8th “ |
Regt resting. Advance party (By sea from Matruh) preparing Camp at [illegible] (Cairo). ‘A’ Squad; Herts Yeo arrived at Mena from Alex; |
|
March 9th 1916 |
Gabarry Camp. Hd 2bis M/Gun arrive at Mena 1 am 9/10 3-16 from Alexandria leaving ‘B’ ‘D’ Squadrons Herts Yeo; attached to 11th and 13th Divisions respectively. |
|
“ 10th to 19th |
General routine + re-equipping |
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“ 20th
|
Hd 2bis ‘A’ Squad M Gun Sect paraded dis-mounted for inspection by the G.O.C. 54th Divn Major Gen; F.S. Inglefield C.B D.S.O. |
|
“ 21st |
General routine |
|
“ 22nd
|
Half of Hd 2bis ‘A’ Squad; M Gun inoculated against “Paratyphoid”. Major R Halsey relinquishes the appointments of A.P.M. + Camp Commandant Mena Camp + takes over Command of ‘D’ Squad; Herts Yeo; at Alex; att; to 13th Divn under orders to proceed to Mesopotamia. |
War Diary pages for the 23rd March 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
“ 23rd
|
General routine. Receive news to proceed to El Kubri on 31 3-16. 2Lt G.A. Barnett appointed A.D.C. to Lt. Gen; Sir E. A. Latham [difficult to read – check] K.C.B. CruG [check] |
|
“ 24th |
General routine. Remaining half of the Hd 2bis ‘A’ Squad; M Gun inoculated against “paratyphoid”. |
|
“ 25th |
General routine |
|
“ 26th |
Divine Service held in Camp. NE of 3rd Fd; Ambulance Hospl at 9 am |
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“ 27th
|
‘D’ Squad; Herts Yeo under Command of Mjr R. Halsey (6 Officers, 154 OR, 152 Riding Horses, 13 large mules, 2 limbers, 1 water cart + interpreter) left Alex for Suez en route to Mesopotamia. |
|
March 28th to 30 1916 |
General routine and re-equipping |
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“ 31st
|
2Lt E.Y. Fitz-Gerald is transferred and attached to 5th Wing Royal Flying Corp. Hd: 2bis ‘A’ Squad; M Gun (att; 54th Divn) (9 Officers, 135 Other Ranks, 196 Animals, 2 Machine Guns, 8 limbers, 3 G.S. + 1 water cart.) Left Mena to proceed to El Kubri. En-trained at Abu-el-Ela Station (Cairo) left at 10.40 pm arriving at Kubri 7 am 1-4-16 |
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: 1/1st Herts Yeomanry
From: 1.4.16 To 30.4.16
B Squad 11th Div
|
KUBRI April 1st
|
“A” Squadron, Headquarters & Machine Gun section pitched Camp between KUBRI Station and SWEETWATER CANAL, East of Railway. “B” Squadron - at GABBARI. General routine. 1 man (RAMC) attached. |
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2nd
|
“A” Squadron General routine “B” Squadron do 2 men rejoined from Hospital Preparations commenced for moving to EL FERDAN next day |
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3rd
|
“A” Squadron General routine “B” Squadron at 1700 commenced entraining, and at 2000 left GABBARI Station for EL FERDAN to join 11th Division as Divisional Cavalry 2 ASC drivers attached for transport work |
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4th
|
“A” Squadron General routine “B” Squadron Lieut L.A.J.G. RAM promoted Temp. Captain d/11-11-15 At 0615 the Squadron arrived at EL FERDAN and took over a camp from a Squadron of the WARWICK YEOMANRY situated on the W. Bank of the CANAL one mile north of the Railway Station. 2Lt G. CUNLIFFE promoted Temp Lieut d/11-11-15 |
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5th
|
“A” Squadron General routine “B” Squadron No 4 Troop under 2LT G.A. SHEPPARD consisting of 26 men + 28 horses |
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April 7th
|
A Squadron Headquarters + M/Gun Section move from KUBRI WEST to KUBRI EAST, the other side of the SUEZ CANAL, and camp is pitched ¾ mile E. of CANAL 1 man proceeded to Base T.X. |
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EL FERDAN |
B Squadron General routine |
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8th |
A + B Squadron do |
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9th
|
A Squadron do 1 man to HELIOPOLIS to join ROYAL FLYING CORPS on probation B Squadron General routine |
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10th |
A + B Sqdn do |
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11th |
A + B Sqdn do |
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12th
|
A Squadron do B Squadron No 1 Troop 2Lt G.N. CHARRINGTON proceeded to RAILHEAD to relieve No 4 Troop |
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13th
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A Squadron General routine B Squadron do Very bad sandstorm all day. A sergeant while on patrol found two infantrymen who were lost, and brought them back to camp at RAILHEAD. Lt Col E.B. SHEPPARD arrived from KUBRI to inspect the Squadron. One NCO proceeded to KUBRI to be attached to Regt’l H.Q. for duty. |
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14th
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A Squadron General routine. One man returned from Hospital. The following “Special Order Of The Day” was published by Brig. Gen. A. MUDGE commanding B Subsection :- KUBRI E. 14 April 1916 “The GOC wishes to place on record his appreciation of the gallantry displayed by Lt. Col. E.B. Sheppard 1/1st Herts Yeomanry on the afternoon of May 12 1916. Col Sheppard was going to cross the SUEZ CANAL in a small boat into which No 7143 Cpl KEAR K also got. KEAR, in pushing off from the landing stage, overbalanced and fell into the water. He could not swim and was rapidly carried away by the current which was running very strong at the time. Lieut Col. Sheppard at once jumped into the Canal, swam to Cpl KEAR, and supported him until picked up by a boat. But for this prompt, brave act Cpl Kear would in all probability have lost his life. Sd. John S. HILL Major Staff Captain “B” Subsection B Squadron General routine. Weather normal. |
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15
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A Squadron do B Squadron do Lt Col E.B. SHEPPARD left for KUBRI |
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16
|
A do do 1 man sick to Hospital B do do |
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17 |
A + B Sqdns do |
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18 |
A + B Sqdns do 3 man rejoined A Squadron from Hospital |
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April 19
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A Squadron General routine. 2 men rejoined from Hospital B Squadron No 3 Troop under 2Lt H.F. CRITCHLEY proceeded to RAILHEAD to relieve No 1 Troop |
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20 |
A Squadron General routine 2 men sick to Hospital B Squadron do 2 men returned from Hospital |
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21 |
A + B Squadrons do 2 men from “A” Squadron sick to Hospital |
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22 |
A + B Squadrons do |
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23
|
A Squadron do 1 man to Hospital sick B Squadron do Orders received from HQ 11th Division to move to MOASCAR in the 30th INST. |
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24 |
A + B Squadrons do No 260 SSM Bunker F. promoted 2Lieut d/1-3-16 |
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25 |
do do B Sqdn’s move to MOASCAR postponed by 11th Division. |
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26
|
A Sqdn General routine 1 RAMC man attached for duty B Sqdn No 2 Troop, 2LT M.G. ROUTLEDGE; relieved No 3 Troop at RAILHEAD |
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27
|
A + B Sqdns General routine 1 man from A Squadron proceeded to HELIOPOLIS to join ROYAL FLYING CORPS on probation |
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28
|
A + B Sqdns General routine 1 man sick to Hospital from “A”. On the morning of this day “A” Squadron received a report announcing the concentration of considerable enemy forces at WADI EL HADT. An Officers patrol under 2Lt G.G. FLINT was sent at 04 00. They proceeded 15 miles E. but saw no signs of the enemy + returned. |
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April 29
|
A Squadron General routine B Squadron do |
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30 |
A + B Sqdns do Major H.J. WYLD admitted to Hospital, Suez, sick. |
Volume No 10
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: 1/1st Herts Yeomanry
From: 1.5.16 To 31.5.16
|
KUBRI May 1st
|
A Squadron No 1 Troop under 2 Lt G.G. FLINT proceeded to Darb El Haj and relieved No 4 Troop (2 Lt F. BUNKER) |
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EL FERDAN
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B Squadron General routine which was altered today as follows:- Reveille 0430, Parade 0515, Water 0715, Feed 0730, Breakfast 0745, Stables 0900 to 1015 Afternoon parade 1630 |
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2nd
|
A Squadron General routine 2 Lt E. GILHOLME appointed Adjutant d/14-10-15 and granted temporary rank of Lieutenant while holding the appointment d/18-11-15 B Squadron General routine The following routine came into effect this day. Reveille 0430, parade or exercise 0530, Stables 0700, Breakfast 0830, Water & Feed 1130 + 1530, Dinner 1230, Tea 1730, dismounted parade 1630 |
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3rd
|
A Squadron 1 man proceeded to Base on furlough and one storeman rejoined from ABBASSIA B Squadron – General routine. In view pf the enemy’s activities at the Front orders were received for the Signal Post + Patrols to start out from Railhead at 0400 |
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4th |
A + B Squadrons General routine |
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KUBRI May 5th |
12a2 Squadron General routine – 1 man to Hospital sick |
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EL FERDAN
|
“B” “ NCO granted 2 months demobilization + proceeded to Base to await passage to England. Capt. L.G.RAM proceeded to CAIRO en route for England for 1 month’s leave. Capt R.F. BARNETT spent the night at RAILHEAD |
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6th
|
A Squadron General routine Capt. A.C.W. CLAYTON promoted Tempy Major d/28-8-15. Lieut R.H.M.A. SMITH temp Captain d/18-7-15. Lieut R.F. BARNETT temp Capt d/28-8-15 2Lt W.D. GIBBS Temp Lieut d/18-7-15 B Squadron General routine. Capt R.F. BARNETT went out with Officers Patrol visiting the Signalling Post + BIR EL MAHADAT and BIR MADKUR. At the BIR EL MAHADAT well footmarks of one camel and one man on foot were observed coming + going in a S.E. direction. This was duly reported to the 34th Bde. |
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7th |
A Squadron. Commencing from today a fatigue party paraded daily |
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KUBRI May 7th
|
A Squadron (Continued) (with the exception of Sunday) as strong as possible to fill in a line of trenches East of the Camp from which fire could be brought to bear on the Camp. Parade 1615 and time of tea altered to 1800. |
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EL FERDAN |
B Squadron General routine |
|
8th |
A + B Squadrons General routine |
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9th
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A Squadron General routine B Squadron Commenced erecting Horse Shelters, a fatigue party of 10 men working under orders from the R.E. Officer |
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10th
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A Squadron General routine B Squadron No 3 Troop relieved No 4 Troop at RAILHEAD |
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11th
|
A + B Squadrons General routine. Tracks of 1 camel + 1 man observed at BIR AL MAHADAT by Officer Patrol + duly reported |
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12th |
A Squadron General routine |
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EL FERDAN May 12
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B Squadron less the troop at RAILHEAD took part in a tactical scheme with the Mobile Column to test the use of Camels. Were out from 0700 to 1130 |
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13th
|
A Squadron 1 man to Hospital sick B Squadron 2 drivers (attached) left to rejoin their Units |
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14th
|
A Squadron General routine B Squadron do do Lt Col E.B. Sheppard arrived to inspect the Squadron |
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15th
|
A Squadron Machine Gun Section under 2Lt F.A. BURLTON proceeded to DARB-EL HAJ to relieve No 2 Troop (2 Lt H.H. SIMMONDS) B Squadron. Tracks of 1 man + 1 camel were observed at BIR EL MAHADAT by Officer Patrol + one well hole had been scraped out there being about six inches of water. Duly reported. |
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16th
|
A Squadron General routine. Divisional train transport handed over to 162nd Bde – 3 wagons G.S. 2 Limbers + 24 mules. |
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EL FERDAN May 16th
|
B Squadron General routine. Received instructions from G.H.Q. to report to Genl. PRICE G.O.C. 32nd Bde at Railhead. General PRICE requested that a troop of 1 officer and 26 men be sent to Railhead in order to take up positions by night with a view of capturing and bringing in any camel men visiting the well. 2/Lt G.N. CHARRINGTON proceeded to RAILHEAD with his troop + reported to G.O.C. 32nd Bde who issued the following instructions:- Map ISMAILIA + KATIA 1/100.000 Information Herts Yeomanry patrols report fresh Camel Tracks at BIR EL MAHADAT leading in a S.E. direction consisting of 1 camel + 1 native on foot. Intention To watch the well + capture anybody approaching well, if possible without the use of rifle fire unless resistance is offered Orders for Troop (Under 2/Lt G.N. CHARRINGTON) To proceed with troop to the W. Side of BIR EL MAHADAT starting from RAILHEAD at |
|
EL FERDAN May 16
|
B Squadron G.O.C 32nd Bge Instructions contd 3) Orders for troop Contd at FERDAN at 2100. To take up a position guarding well + remain out until 0600 Message All messages + reports to G.O.C. 32nd Bde FERDAN RAILHEAD Prisoners to be sent in under escort at once, blindfolded. The 32 Bde instructed 2 Lt G.N. CHARRINGTON that he might leave BIR EL MAHADAT at 0430. Lt Col E.B. Sheppard left for EL KUBRI |
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17th
|
A Squadron General routine 1 man sick to Hospital B Squadron General routine 2 Lt G.N. CHARRINGTON reported nothing was observed during the night 16/17 |
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18th
|
A Squadron General routine 16 A.S.C. drivers (attached) proceeded to Base Horse Transport Depôt. B Squadron Inspection of the Camp by C in C, Forces in EGYPT |
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KUBRI May 19 |
A Squadron General routine |
|
EL FERDAN
|
B Squadron General routine Orders received for 2 Lt G.N. CHARRINGTON to return from BIR EL MAHADAT |
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20
|
A Squadron General routine 1 man returned from hospital + 3 N.C.O’s + men from 20 Vety Hosp ABBASSIA. 1 NCO to Base to await passage to ENGLAND on furlough (re engagement) B Squadron No1 Troop (2 Lt G.N. CHARRINGTON) returned from RAILHEAD to the Squadron. No 2 Troop under 2 Lt M.G. Routledge proceeded to RAILHEAD to relieve No 3 Troop at posts F1 + F2. 3 men arrived from hospital. |
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21
|
A Squadron Lt V.G. PONSONBY returned from leave in ENGLAND + 1 man from hospital, 1 NCO to Base on furlough (re engagement) B Squadron General routine. 2 NCOs left for Base, one to take up a Commission and the other for two month’s leave. |
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22
|
A Squadron General routine The Commander in Chief inspected the Camp and defences. 1 man returned from Royal Flying Corps. B Squadron General routine |
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23 |
A + B Squadrons General routine |
|
24 |
A + B Squadrons General routine |
|
25
|
A Squadron General routine Major H.G. WYLD returned from hospital B Squadron General routine |
|
KUBRI May 26 |
A Squadron General routine |
|
EL FERDAN |
B Squadron General routine |
|
27
|
A Squadron General routine B Squadron No1 Troop under 2 Lt G.N. CHARRINGTON relieved No 2 Troop at RAILHEAD |
|
28
|
A Squadron 2 Lt H.H. SIMMONDS + 5 NCOs + men proceeded to ZEITOUN to attend course of instruction 3 M/Gun Class 2 NCOs Class Brig Gen A.H.M. TAYLOR DSO in charge of the training of all Yeomanry in the Section, made an informal inspection of the Camp, horses, etc. |
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29
|
A + B Squadrons General routine 1 Horse to Hospital and one shot (of B Sqdn) by orders of Veterinary Officer. |
|
30
|
A Squadron No1 Troop (2 Lt G.G. FLINT) proceeded to RAILHEAD. Half the Troop remained there with Troop Headquarters + half proceeded to HALFWAY HOUSE + remained there under the troop sergeant. 2 Lt F. BUNKER with No 4 Troop + the Machine Gun Section under 2 Lt F.A. BURLTON returned to KUBRI, the Post at DARB-EL HAJ being withdrawn. During the whole time they were there two Patrols went out daily but never came into contact with any of the enemy or had anything unusual to report. B Squadron General routine |
|
May 31
|
A Squadron Major H.G. WYLD sailed for ENGLAND on one month’s leave. Temp Lt V.G. PONSONBY granted temporary rank of Captain while holding the appointment of Bde M/Gun Officer from 17-5-15 to 14-2-16 1 man to hospital sick B Squadron 32 strong under the command of 2 Lt G. ROUTLEDGE left Camp at 1715 and bivouacked on the East side of the Suez Canal 1 ½ miles N. of FERDAN in order to take part in a tactical exercise the next day with the 34th Bde. Capt R.F. BARNETT acted as umpire for the cavalry. |
Volume No 11
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: 1/1st Herts Yeomanry LIVth Divn
From: 1.6.16 To 30.6.16
HQ & MG +
A & B Squadrons
COPY OF WAR DIARY FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 1916
HEADQUARTERS, “A” SQUADRON, “B” SQUADRON & MACHINE GUN SEC.
attached 54th Division
“B” SQUADRON, attached 11th Division
1/1ST HERTS. YEOMANRY.
|
KUBRI 1916 EL FERDAN |
“A” Squadron, Headquarters, Machine Gun Section “B” Squadron |
War Diary pages for the 1st June 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
KUBRI June 1st
|
“A” Squadron still finding detached posts of one officer and 16 other ranks at RAILHEAD and 8 [illegible] under a sergeant at HALFWAY HOUSE. From both these posts patrols are sent out daily, and a weekly reconnaissance is carried out from KUBRI EAST starting generally at 0230 and returning about 1130 |
|
EL FERDAN |
B Squadron took part in a tactical scheme with the 34th Brigade, returning to Camp at 0930 |
|
2nd
|
“A” + “B” Squadrons – General routine – one man from “A” Squadron sent to Base to await passage home on two months furlough. 3 transport drivers (attached) returned to Base Horse Transport Depot. |
|
3
|
“A” Squadron. General routine “B” Squadron. No 4 Troop proceeded to RAILHEAD & relieved No 1 Troop. 1 man sick to hospital. |
|
4
|
“A” Squadron. General routine. 1 man sick to hospital. “B” Squadron. General routine. Khamsene wind blowing and very hot. |
War Diary pages for the 5th June 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
5 |
“A” Squadron. do 2 NCOs + 8 men commenced a course of instruction |
|
KUBRI 1916 |
“A” Squadron, Headquarters, Machine Gun Section |
|
EL FERDAN |
“B” Squadron 1/1st Herts Yeomanry |
|
KUBRI June 5 contd |
[illegible] 1 man to hospital, sick. |
|
EL FERDAN
|
“B” Squadron General routine. Nos 1 and 2 Troop’s Horses transferred from Horse Lines to Horse Shelters which are still incomplete. Nos 2 + 3 Troop’s horses innoculated the “Mallein” test being used. 1 man to Field Hospital |
War Diary pages for the 5th June 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
6th
|
A Squadron 35 NCOs + men under Lt V.C. PONSONBY left KUBRI at 0230 to carry out a tactical reconnaissance. They proceeded E. to RAILHEAD where they watered and left there at 0415 , patrolling in a N.N.E. direction to ½ mile E. of 888 (D7) . Arrived back in Camp at KUBRI at 1145 no signs of the enemy being observed. Lt Col E.B. SHEPPARD and Major WOOLFF (1/5th BEDFORD REGT) accompanied the patrol. (Ref map – Egypt 1/100,000 Sheet C19) Lieut A.F. WARD embarked for ENGLAND to report to WAR OFFICE. B Squadron General routine – Nos 2 + 3 Troops Horses off duty owing to inoculation. Fatigue party (1 NCO + 6 men) started to erect mess hut under [illegible] |
War Diary pages for the 6th June 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
EL FERDAN 6th June
|
B Squadron (Contd) In accordance with instructions received from HdQrs 32nd Bde the [illegible] Railhead under 2 Lieut. G. SHEPPARD sent [illegible] officers [illegible] and locate tracks of an enemy force stated to be [illegible] Troop as [illegible] from the observation post of the SUSSEX CAMP. [illegible] till dark no tracks were found between our front line trenches and a distance of 4 miles. The patrol returned to camp at 2100. It was afterwards ascertained that they were not enemy troops. |
|
7
|
General routine “A” Squadron . 2 men returned from Hospital and 14 Other Ranks (Re-inforcements) arrived from Base. “B” Sqdn 2 Lt D. BURGESS and 35 O.R. arrived from England (re-inforcements) |
|
0830
|
Friendly aeroplane reported to have passed our Post F2. followed shortly afterwards by an enemy aeroplane. 1 Horse to Base Vety Hospital. |
|
8
|
“A” Squadron General routine – 1 man sick to Hospital “B” Squadron do |
|
9
|
“A” Squadron do “B” Squadron do 1 NCO to ALEXANDRIA to await passage to ENGLAND on furlough. |
War Diary pages for the 10th June 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
KUBRI 1916 June 10th
|
A Squadron General routine. 1 NCO to Base to await passage to ENGLAND on [illegible] + engagement. [illegible] arrived from ABBASSIA |
|
EL FERDAN
|
B Squadron General routine. Major J.H. DRAKE arrived from ENGLAND and took over Command – 3 Other Ranks returned from School of Instruction. ZEITOUN – 1 man to Hospital & 1 man to Field Hospital |
|
11
|
“A” Squadron General routine B Squadron do |
|
12
|
A Squadron do 3 arab ponies taken over from 59th INDIAN CAMEL CORPS. B Squadron do |
|
13
|
A Squadron do 2 Lieut W.D. GIBBS disembarked from ENGLAND and posted to A Squadron B Squadron Lt. Col. E.B. SHEPPARD arrived to inspect squadron accompanied by A/R.S.M. STEELE. W. |
War Diary pages for the 14th June 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
14
|
“A” Squadron General routine B Squadron do Inspection of draft recently arrived by o/c (Lt Col E.B. SHEPPARD) – 1 man to Field Hospital |
|
1600
|
Post F1 reported a Camel 2 Miles to their S.E. + reported to Bde H.Q. B Squadron On receiving instructions to round up the Camels it was found impossible to do as they had scattered and the going was heavy. It was afterwards ascertained that the camels belonged to the INDIAN CAMEL CORPS Railhead, ISMAILIA, and had gone past the [illegible] giving information that they proposed doing so. |
|
15
|
A Squadron carried out a tactical reconnaissance. Left KUBRI at 0230 and RAILHEAD at 0410 and proceeded to reconnoitre ground to Point 1020 (H.12) S of G in GRAVEL. WADI EL HAJ (in square G11 & H11) was also patrolled but nothing was seen and they returned via DARB EL HAJ arriving at KUBRI at 1130 without incident. (Ref Africa 1/250,000 – Sheet North H 36/1-N ) B Squadron General routine Lt Col. E.B. SHEPPARD returned to KUBRI |
|
16
|
“A” Squadron General routine – 1 man to Base on six week’s furlough “B” Squadron – No1 Troop under 2LT G.N. CHARRINGTON left camp at 1700 and bivouacked on E. side of Canal to take part in a tactical exercise next day with 34th Brigade. |
War Diary pages for the 17th June 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
17 |
A Squadron. General routine |
|
EL FERDAN June 17
|
B Squadron. No1 Troop took part in a tactical exercise which was not a success. B Squadron (Contd) There was a heavy mist which did not clear till 0800, and [illegible] returned to Camp at 0900. [illegible] from 11th Division H.Q. to be ready to move to FRANCE [illegible] after June 24 |
|
18
|
A Squadron General routine B Squadron do 1 man returned from Field Hospital Major DIBBY DUKE of LANCS Yeomanry arrived to take over camp. |
|
19
|
A Squadron patrolled WADI EL HAJ for 8 miles E. of DARB EL HAJ leaving Railhead at 0410 and returning to KUBRI at 1100. (Ref Egypt SINAI 1/250,000) They had taken with them a supply of picks and shovels, and acting on information received, a search was made in WADI EL HAJ for TURKISH shells. The search party was conducted by Capt TROWER C/271st Brigade RFA but nothing was found. One officer & 6 Other Ranks returned from Imperial School of Instruction ZEITOUN, and one man rejoined from the SIGNAL Troop W.F.F. B Squadron - General routine. 2 Lieut D. BURGESS and 10 ASC drivers sent to BASE, ALEXANDRIA being surplus to the Establishment. 1 man to Field Hospital. |
|
KUBRI 1916 June 20 |
A Squadron General routine |
|
FERDAN |
B Squadron do 1 man retn’d from Field Hospital |
|
21
|
A Squadron do B Squadron do Preliminary preparations for move |
|
22
|
A Squadron do Camp inspected by G.O.C. in C (Gen Sir A.J. MURRAY K.C.B. K.C.M.G. C.V.O. D.S.O.) B Squadron do 1 man to Field Hospital. Preparations for move continue |
|
23
|
A Squadron do B Squadron General routine |
|
24
|
A Squadron do B Squadron – Orders received from H.Q. 11th Division gthat move would take place on the 26th inst. & embark the next day at ALEXANDRIA One Troop of the DUKE of LANCASTER’S Yeomanry arrived in the morning and in the afternoon proceeded to Railhead & relieved No2 Troop which returned to Squadron at 1800 – one man returned from Hospital |
War Diary pages for the 25th AND 26th June 1916 need a new images to complete the transcription
|
FERDAN 1916 June 25
|
A Squadron - General routine – a party proceeded to ZEITOUN for instruction – one Officer and 4 OR for M/Gun Class – 2 OR for NCO’s Course – 2 OR for Signalling and 2 OR for Bombing Course. A Squadron General routine B Squadron 6 NCOs & men arrived from Base (sick men rejoined) [illegible] of DUKE of LANCASTER’S Yeomanry arrived to take over Camp. |
|
KUBRI 26 0700
|
[illegible] 2LT H.W. SIMMONDS with No2 Troop proceeded to Railhead to relieve No1 Troop under 2Lt G.G. Flint |
|
FERDAN 1500 |
[illegible] started to load baggage & horses at EL FERDAN siding |
|
1645 |
Train left FERDAN |
|
ALEXANDRIA 27 0200 |
Train arrived ALEXANDRIA DOCKS |
|
0230
|
Received orders to detrain A/R.S.M. STEEL W. accompanied the squadron as far as ALEXANDRIA being of great assistance. |
|
0320
|
All men, horses and baggage were detrained and proceeded to HMT HAVERFORD Lt Col. E.B. SHEPPARD. MAJ. De FALBE, CAPT RAM, Lt W.S. ANSELL and 2Lt D. BURGESS came onboard to see the squadron off, the Colonel making a short address before saying good-bye. |
|
0930
|
All personnel, horses, baggage and transport on board, embarkation stall being as follows: Officers 6. OR 137. Horses 107. Wagons, limbered 3. |
War Diary pages for the 28th June 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
28 |
A Squadron General routine |
|
KUBRI June 28
|
A Squadron General routine – Special patrol left RAILHEAD at 0400 under 2LT H.W. SIMMONDS proceeding in a N.E. direction to WADI EL HAJ. Followed [illegible] of [illegible] to foot of hills 800-900 - no signs of any enemy & returned to Camp at 1100 having covered about 16 miles. (Ref Egypt SINAI 1/250,000) B Squadron – HMT HAVERFORD left for sea (contd) 1 man to Hospital (sick) |
|
At sea 28
|
B Squadron Routine as follows: Reveille 0500 – stables and exercise 0530 – breakfast 0715 Captains inspection 1030 Mid-day stables 1100 – Dinner 1215 – stables 1600 – Tea 1715 Horses suffering from heat & 2 cases of colic |
|
KUBRI 29
|
A Squadron Hd Qrs M/Gun Section inspected at stables at 0600 by G.O.C. No1 Section General Defences (Maj Gen S.W. HARE) B Squadron General routine |
|
30
|
A Squadron patrolled ground E. from HALFWAY HOUSE to the foot of hills S. of pt 1020 overlooking entrance to MITLA PASS – left KUBRI at 0245 and returned at 1130 no signs of any enemy being observed. (Ref Egypt 1/250,000 Sinai) B Squadron General routine# |
VOLUME No 12
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Squadron 1/1st Herts Yeo 54th Divn
From: 1.7.16 To 31.7.16
War Diary
1/1st Herts Yeomanry
“A” Squadron, Headquarters, and Machine Gun Section
Attached 54th Division E.E.F.
Month of July 1916
|
1916
|
A Squadron, Headquarters, and Machine Gun Section 1/1st Herts Yeomanry Attached 54th Division E.E.F. |
|
KUBRI July 1st
|
General routine – Camp inspection by G.O.C. 8th Mounted Brigade (Brig. Gen. A.H.M. TAYLOR D.S.O.) 9 Horses transferred to MOB VETERINAY [sic] SECTION – 54th DIVISN |
|
2
|
General routine. Special Officers patrol sent out from Detachment at Railhead under 2Lieut H.W. SIMMONDS. Left Camp at 0400 proceeding in a N.E. direction to point 1 mile E of PT 295, ¼ mile S of WADI EL HAJ. No signs of the enemy were observed + patrol returned to Railhead at 1200 – distance covered 26 miles (Ref SINAI 1/250,000) |
|
3 |
General routine |
|
4 |
do 1 man returned from Hospital |
|
5
|
Squadron under Lt V.C. PONSONBY reconnoitred ground E.SE as far as entrance to MITLA PASS and also Pt 1020 – found all clear – left KUBRI E at 0230 and returned at 1130 (Ref SINAI 1/250,000) Lt Col. E.B. SHEPPARD embarked for ENGLAND on five week’s leave. |
|
6 |
General routine – 2 men returned from Bombing Course at ZEITOUN |
|
1916 |
A Squadron, Headquarters, & M/Gun Sec 1/1st Herts Yeomanry |
|
KUBRI July 7
|
General routine 2LT F. BUNKER and 25 NCOs & men proceeded to ALEXANDRIA to spend a week at the Sea Side Camp SIDI BISHR 1 NCO proceeded to Base to await passage home on two months furlough |
|
8 |
General routine |
|
9 |
do 1 NCO to Base to await passage home on six weeks furlough |
|
10 |
do |
|
11 |
do 1 man sick to Hospital – 2 men rejoined from WESTERN FRONTIER FORCE |
|
12 |
do |
|
13
|
Squadron under Lieut V.C. PONSONBY reconnoitred ground between DARB EL HAJ and WADI EL HAJ inclusive, as far E as Third CONICAL PILLAR. No signs of any enemy were observed. (Ref SINAI 1/250,000) 1 man sick to Hospital |
|
14
|
General routine – of which the morning part was altered as follows: Reveille 0400 Parade 0435 Breakfast 0715 Stables 0815-1000 Feeding party 1200 |
|
15 |
General routine. Party returned from Rest Camp, SIDI BISHR |
|
1916 |
HERTS YEOMANRY A Squadron, Hd Qr, M/Gun Sec |
|
July 17
|
General routine. One off & 7 OR returned from Courses of Instruction at ZEITOUN Hostile forces being reported at BIR EL TAWAL, it was decided to make efforts to capture them. 2Lt ORCHARDSON and 25 OR Imperial Camel Corps, fully rationed including water, for three days, left RAILHEAD and marched to the vicinity of WADI EL TAWAL and WADI EL GEBAB where they bivouacked, ready to proceed next day to BIR EL TAWAL and capture any hostile forces visiting the Well. They were instructed to take care not to become seriously engaged with the enemy, and should assistance be required to call on Detachment HERTS YEOMANRY near Junction of WADI EL TAWAL and WADI EL GEBAB where they would remain until informed by the O.C. I.C.C. that they were no longer required. Should the Detachment HERTS YEOMANRY join Detachment of I.C.C. the whole force would come under the command of Lieut V.C. PONSONBY (he being the senior officer present). |
War Diary pages for the 18th July 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
18
|
A mobile column was made up as follows: 3 officers 50 Other Ranks and 53 Horses riding. HERTS YEOMANRY under the |
|
June [sic July] 18 (contd)
|
Command of Lieut V.C. PONSONBY with transport 51 camels and 26 native camel drivers [illegible] Other Ranks and 5 riding horses of the 1st EAST ANGLIAN FIELD AMBULANCE [illegible] Rations for the 18th were carried on the men, and rations, forage and water for the 19th, together with signalling equipment, material for shelters, 3 prs litters and 1 pr cacolets were carried on the camels. The camel transport was despatched from KUBRI E at midnight 17/18th under small escort, and the main body followed at 0300. At 0705 the R.F.C. dropped a message from aeroplane informing o/c column that WADI EL TAWAL was apparently clear as far as BIR EL TAWAL, also BIR EL GIDDI. It was decided to bivouac ¼ W. of Junction of WADIS EL TAWAL and EL GEBAB, and column arrived there 1045. The camels arrived 1200. At 1610 a message was received from O.C. Imperial Camel Corps on Pt 1921 as follows: “To OC HERTS YEO “At 0950 ran into strong force of enemy holding Wells aaa |
|
1916 June 18
|
(Message continued) “They opened sharp fire [illegible] WADI at close range aaa Had to retire to S high ground aaa [illegible] accounted for 2 or 3 enemy but their position is too strong aaa Country too difficult for me to drive them out aaa Unless you send Troop and two litters I shall retire on high ground North of WADI tonight at 1700 aaa Wadi very bad going for horses in two or three places” From OC I.C.C. on Pt 1921 Time 1200 “ Owing to this message arriving four hours late, it was decided no good purpose could be effected by re-inforcing him that day. This was communicated to him, at the same time asking for his intentions. At 1800 he replied that he was retiring to join column, and |
|
19
|
arrived at 0615 on the 19th inst. The column returned to KUBRI at 1900 without incident’ (Ref. maps Egypt 1/250,000 and 1/100,000) |
|
20
|
General routine – 1 man sick to Hospital – All leave stopped and no-one is to proceed to the sea side rest camp SIDI BISHR until further orders. |
|
1916 |
HERTS YEOMANRY |
|
KUBRI July 21 |
General routine |
|
22 |
do 1 man rejoined from Hospital |
|
23
|
In accordance with instructions from Subsection H.Q. 2 Troops under 2Lieuts G.G. FLINT and F.BUNKER proceeded to RAILHEAD and encamped with the Troop already there arriving at 0800. Distribution of troops is now as follows: KUBRI 4 officers + 74 other Ranks; RAILHEAD 3 officers and 50 OR; HALFWAY HOUSE 10 OR |
War Diary pages for the 24th July 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
24
|
General routine. Lieut W.D. GIBBS relieved 2Lt H.H. SIMMONDS at RAILHEAD MAJOR H.J. WYLD granted extension of leave at recommendation of a medical board from 23 June to 16 August 1916 Three special patrols were carried out from RAILHEAD as follows (Ref SINAI 1/100,000) 2Lt F. BUNKER with 20 OR patrolled country to Pt 925 thence to Pt 1020 leaving RAILHEAD at 0445 & returning at 1215 reported all clear 2/Lt G.G. FLINT left camp at 0445 with 5 OR patrolled vicinity of post and vicinity and front of disused posts at CREWE and DARB EL HAJ. Returned at 0700 and reported all clear. Commencing from to day a patrol of one officer & 5 other ranks leaves |
|
1916 July 24 (contd) |
Railhead [illegible] , cover retreat of standing camel patrol on Pt 440 [illegible]
|
War Diary pages for the 25th July 1916 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
25
|
[illegible] KUBRI daily between 0315 and 0345 going 4-5 miles NE in the direction of CREWE. Reported all clear. 2Lt G.G. FLINT with 5 OR carried out a similar patrol to No 2 of July 24th, reporting all clear. 2Lt F. BUNKER carried out No3 patrol, but the standing camel patrol returned before patrol was due to start. 1 man sick to hospital – 1 off & 23 OR vaccinated against cholera. |
|
26
|
LIEUT W.D. GIBBS, 2LT G.G. FLINT & 18 Other Ranks from Railhead, patrolled country to Pt 925, turned W. down, WADI for 4 miles + patrolled disused Posts at CREWE and DARB EL HAJ returning at 1115 reporting all clear. The Standing Camel Patrol on 440 seeing our patrol moving W towards CREWE considered it to be hostile and retreated to DARB EL HAJ where it occupied a disused trench but did not open fire and later recognised our patrol. This matter was reported to the O.C. POST the standing patrol not having information of our patrol going out. Nos 2 & 3 patrols carried out from Railhead – all clear (REF SINAI 1/100,000) 1 officer and 26 Other Ranks vaccinated against cholera |
|
KUBRI 27
|
General routine. Usual protective patrols carried out from KUBRI and RAILHEAD without incident – 1 man sick to hospital – Remainder of men at KUBRI vaccinated against cholera. |
|
28
|
2Lt F. BUNKER and 20 O.R. left Railhead at 0445 proceeding to Southern point 1020 in D8 going via point 670 in D8. Patrol then went North to Pt 925 and returned to camp at 1130 reporting all clear. (Ref SINAI 1/100,000) |
|
29
|
General routine. Temp Lieut V.C. PONSONBY promoted to Temp Captain whilst commanding “A” Squadron via Major H.J. WYLD (invalided) dated 23 July 1916. |
|
30 |
General routine. Usual protective patrols from KUBRI and RAILHEAD |
|
31
|
Two special patrols went out as follows from detachment at Railhead:- 2Lieut G.G. FLINT and 20 men left camp at 0430, and patrolled country up to WADI EL HAJ (E.7), thence to Pt 990 in E.8 returned to camp at 1145 reporting all clear. Captain E. LANKESTER (Brigade Intelligence Officer) accompanied this patrol. Lieut W.D. GIBBS and 6 Other Ranks went to Pt 888 in (D7) and met a patrol there from “D” Subsection at 0900 as arranged (Ref Map 1/100,000) 2 men re-joined from Hospital for duty. |
VOLUME No 13
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Squadron 1/1st Herts Yeomanry 54th Division
From: 1.8.16 To 31.8.16
(Volume .14)
Confidential
War Diary of 1/1st Herts Yeomanry
Headquarters
“A” Squadron & Attached 54th Division E.E.F.
M/Gun Section
From 1st August 1916 to 31st August 1916
|
1916 |
1/1st Herts Yeomanry A Squadron, Headquarters & M/Gun Section attached 54 Division E.E.F. |
|
August 1st
|
General routine. 2Lt F. BUNKER visited most Southern point 1020 in D8, with 6 O. Ranks, to connect with a camel patrol from “B” Subsection, No1 Section. From this point communication was made with a troop of 3rd Co. LONDON YEOMANRY near the foot of MITLA PASS. 1 man to Hospital & 2 horses, and 1 man rejoined from Hospital. |
|
2
|
Lieut W.D. GIBBS and 5 O. Ranks and 1 BIKANIR Camelman went to 670 in D8 to report to O.C. Post on possibility of abolishing one of the Standing Camel Patrols (Ref 1/100,000) 2 men sick to Hospital |
|
3
|
Lieut W.D. GIBBS and 2Lt F. BUNKER took a strong patrol to Pt 670 in D8 and via 1020 (most Southerly one in D8) to 1300 in E8 returning via 860 D8. 2Lt G.G. FLINT took strong patrol to Pt 888 (D7) to meet a patrol from D Subsection No1 Section. A prolonged stay was made to assist Bde Signal Officer to establish helio communication with KUBRI and (KUBRI) RAILHEAD. 1 man rejoined from Hospital. |
|
4
|
2Lt G.G. FLINT and 7 Other Ranks visited southernmost point 1020 in D8, to connect with a Camel patrol from GEBEL MUDR at 0800 A series of patrols covered front of Railhead from 0330 until 1900 as an additional protection during movement of troops in the garrison. 1 man rejoined from Base |
|
5 |
General routine. Usual protective patrols from KUBRI and RAILHEAD |
|
6 |
do 1 man sick to Hosp. & 1 NCO returned from School of Instruction ZEITOUN. |
|
7 |
General routine |
|
8
|
A patrol consisting of Lieut E. GILHOLME and 6 Other Ranks from KUBRI and Lieut W.D. GIBBS and 6 Other Ranks from RAILHEAD visited Point 1020 in D8, where they connected at 0800 with a patrol of the 3rd Co. of LONDON YEOMANRY which had been driven back from the foot of RAHA PASS with two casualties. MITLA PASS was then examined and found clear and the two patrols returned to RAHA to search for a missing man; the man’s body was recovered without any attack from the enemy and the patrols returned without further incident. Lieut E. GILHOME’s party was out 12 hours leaving KUBRI at 0400 and returning at 1600 |
|
9
|
General routine - Usual protective patrols from KUBRI and RAILHEAD Captain V.C. PONSONBY proceeded with a party of Officers under Lieut Col E.W. BRIGHTEN C.M.G. |
|
KUBRI August 9th
|
Commanding 1/5th BEDFORD REGT to carry special reconnaissance. The party was mounted on camels. Capt V.C. PONSONBY left KUBRI on the afternoon on the 9th and returned on the morning of the 12th having made a special reconnaissance of the WADI EL HAJ and the surrounding country, visiting Points 1600, 1787, 1815, 1670 & 1940 |
|
10th |
General routine 1 man joined from Base |
|
11th |
do 2 Lieut G.G. FLINT proceeded to SIDI BISHR to take up appointment of RTO there |
|
12
|
Patrol from RAILHEAD under 2nd LT F. BUNKER visited Pt 1020, connected with patrol from “B” Subsection (No1 Section) – found MITLA PASS clear at this end and returned. |
|
13 |
General routine - Usual protective patrols from KUBRI, RAILHEAD and HALFWAY HOUSE |
|
14
|
6 OR from Headquarters under Lieut E. GILHOLME and Machine Gun Section under 2Lt F.A. BURLTON proceeded to BIR MURR (Point 309) and noted machine gun positions. Left KUBRI 0500 and returned without incident at 1000 |
|
15 |
General routine – 1 man rejoined from Base, and then admitted sick to Hospital |
|
August 16
|
A patrol of 12 from Railhead under 2Lt F. BUNKER visited southernmost point 1020 (D8) where a patrol from BIR MADKUR was met by arrangement. The BIR MBK patrol visited entrance to MITLA PASS supported by our patrol. No trace of enemy found & patrol returned to Camp. |
|
17 |
General routine |
|
18 |
do 1 man rejoined from Hospital |
|
19 |
A patrol of 12 under Lieut W.D. GIBBS did exactly as on August 16th |
|
20 |
General routine |
|
21 |
A patrol of 12 OR under Lieut W.D. GIBBS did exactly as on August 16th |
|
22 |
A patrol of 8 men under 2Lt F. BUNKER visited Pt 900 in D7 and reported all clear – 1 man rejoined from Hospital |
|
23
|
Lieut W.D. GIBBS and 8 men from Railhead visited Pt 900 in D7. Reported all clear – 15 NCOs & man were withdrawn from KUBRI RAILHEAD so that there might be enough men at KUBRI to effect a relief of those at RAILHEAD and HALFWAY HOUSE from time to time. The distribution is now as follows – “A” Squadron – at KUBRI 2 Officers and 61 OR at RAILHEAD 2 Off & 37 OR; at HALFWAY HOUSE 6 OR – Headquarters (1 Off & 12 OR) at KUBRI and also M/Gun Section of 1 Off & 21 OR Total at KUBRI 4 Officers and 94 Other Ranks |
|
August 24th
|
General routine Brig Gen BUTLER D.V.S. inspected the horses in the stables. Lieut Col E.B. SHEPPARD disembarked from leave in England. |
|
25th |
Usual protective patrols from KUBRI and RAILHEAD |
|
26th
|
Lieut W.D. GIBBS & 10 Other Ranks visited Pt 900 (D7) leaving KUBRI at 0445 and returning at 1000 The following Officers and NCOs were mentioned in dispatches for Distinguished and Gallant Services rendered during the period of General Sir C. MONRO’s Command of the M.E.F :- Lieut Col E.B. SHEPPARD Capt (Temp Major) DRAKE J.H. Lieut (Temp Capt) SMITH RHMA Lieut V.C. PONSONBY 3722 a/RSM STEELE W.H. 260 SSM (now 2Lt) F. BUNKER – awarded the D.C.M. 1716 Segt WHURR C. 1160 Cpl BEATSON W. |
|
27th |
General routine – 1 man rejoined from Hospital & 1 man admitted to Hospital |
|
August 28th
|
2nd Lieut F. BUNKER and 12 Other Ranks from RAILHEAD visited Pt 700 in D8; then went to the Southern Pt 1020 in D8 where the patrol from BIR MABEUIK was met by arrangement. Our patrol then went to Pt 900 in D7 and returned. The whole time taken was from 0445 until 1215, but one hour was spent on Pt 1020 |
|
29 |
General routine - usual protective patrols carried out without incidence |
|
30 |
do do |
|
31
|
Lieut W.D. GIBBS & 12 Other Ranks left camp at 0445 and visited Pt 900 (D7) and 860 (D8). Returned to Camp at 1100 – nothing to report. Brig Gen A. MUDGE, GOC “C” Subsection (No 1 Section) inspected the stables and Camp of KUBRI. E. |
VOLUME No 14
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Squadron 1/1st Herts Yeo 54th Div
From: 1.9.16 To 30.9.16
|
1916
|
1/1st Herts Yeomanry “A” Squadron, Hd Qrs, M/Gun Section, Attached 54th Division E.E.F. |
|
KUBRI September 1st |
General routine. Usual protective patrols from KUBRI, RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE |
|
2
|
2nd Lieut F. BUNKER AND 12 OR from KUBRI RAILHEAD visited most southern Pt 1020 in D8, met a patrol from BIR MABEUIK there at 0745 as arranged and returned to Railhead without incident. |
|
3 |
General routine – 3 OR proceeded to ZEITOUN to attend Courses of Instruction |
|
4
|
Lieut W.D. GIBBS & 10 Other Ranks from Railhead visited Pt 860 (D8) thence to Pt 900 (D7) and returned |
|
5
|
2nd Lieut F. BUNKER and 12 Other Ranks from Railhead visited southern Pt 1020 (D8), met a patrol from BIR MABEUIK at 0800 as arranged and returned. 1 NCO proceeded to Yeomanry Base Depot, ALEXANDRIA, for temporary duty. 1 man rejoined from Hospital for duty, and 1 man admitted sick to Hospital |
|
6
|
2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS and 32 Other Ranks proceeded to Railhead (KUBRI) and relieved Lieut W.D. GIBBS & 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER and 35 Other Ranks who returned to KUBRI. |
|
September 7th
|
Two troops A Squadron and Machine Gun Section consisting of 4 Officers, 74 Other Ranks, 77 riding and 4 pack horses, 12 mules under the Command of CAPTAIN V.C. PONSONBY proceeded to join the BIR MABEUIK mobile column. Leaving KUBRI at 1700 they arrived at Pt 309 at 1900, and at BIR MABEUIK where they bivouacked at 2320. |
|
7 (cont’d) In original appears after 8th |
A patrol from Railhead visited Pt 900 and returned via D7, 11, and CREWE POST. Left KUBRI Railhead at 0500 and returned 1100 having covered about 22 miles. |
|
7 (contd) In original appears after 13th |
1 man admitted sick to Hospital
|
|
8
|
Stand to arms 0415, left as escort to the camels 1500; left camels at EL SHATT Railhead at 1830 and arrived back at KUBRI without incident at 2015 |
|
9
|
Patrol under 2nd Lt H.H. SIMMONDS, accompanied by 6 Subsection Intelligence Officers left KUBRI Railhead at 0500 and proceeded to Pt 1020 where a patrol from 1/3rd Co. of LONDON Yeomanry was met. A halt of ½ hours was made at Pt 1020 whilst o/c 1/3 Co. of LONDON Yeo Patrol established communications with his main body. Returned to Camp 1230, nothing to report. |
|
10
|
54th Divisional Commander (Major General S.W. HARE) inspected 2 Troops A Squadron & M/Gun Section, mounted at 0530. He then proceeded to KUBRI Railhead and inspected the Detachment there under 2nd Lt H.H. SIMMONDS. |
|
1916 Sept 11 |
General routine – 3 men sick to Hospital |
|
12
|
Patrol from Railhead (KUBRI) proceeded to Pt 900 and 860 & met a patrol from 1st Co. of LONDON Yeomanry. Returned to Camp via DARB EL HAJ arriving in Camp at 1130 having left at 0500 and covered about 26 miles. |
|
12 (contd) In original appears after 13th |
3 men admitted sick to Hospital
|
|
13
|
Patrol from Railhead (KUBRI) proceeded to Pt 1020 & met a patrol from 3rd County of LONDON Yeomanry. Returned to Camp at 1115 having left at 0500 and covered about 26 miles. 1 man admitted sick to Hospital |
|
14
|
General routine – 12 OR performed duties as dispatch riders and as escorts to Convoys with BIR TAWAL COLUMN from 14/9/16 to 21/9/16 Lieut Adjt E. GILHOLME and 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER embarked for leave in ENGLAND. |
|
15
|
Patrol from Railhead (KUBRI) proceeded to Pt 1020 & met a patrol from 3rd Co. of LONDON Yeomanry. Returned to Camp at 1200 having left at 0500 and covered about 26 miles. 1 man rejoined from Hospital for duty. |
|
16 |
General routine - Usual protective patrols from KUBRI, RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE |
|
17
|
Do Do - Patrols as yesterday 2nd Lieut (Temp Capt) A.D. PENNANT relinquishes his temporary rank on alteration In posting and remains seconded. (Auty – LONDON Gazette, dated 22/8/1916) |
|
18
|
A patrol under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded to Pt 1020 & met a patrol from 3rd County of LONDON Yeomanry at that Pt. Also covered ground S. of Stone Pillar at Pt 888. Bench mark at Pt 700. Returned to Camp at 1200 having left at 0500 and covered about 30 miles. |
|
19
|
General routine – 6 men rejoin from furlough in England Usual protective patrols from KUBRI, RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE |
|
20 |
General routine - Usual protective patrols as yesterday |
|
21
|
A patrol under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded to Pt 1020 and met a patrol from 3rd County of LONDON Yeomanry. Returned to Camp at 1130 having left at 0500 and covered about 26 miles. 2 OR proceeded to Base to await passage home to England for 5 weeks & 6 weeks furlough respectively. |
|
22
|
A patrol under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded to Pt 900 and returned via CREW POST Arriving in Camp at 1030 having left at 0500, nothing to report |
|
September 22
|
One O/R rejoins from Hospital On return of NCOs & men from Sidi Bishr Rest Camp it was reported by the Senior NCO that 2 men had been admitted to Hospital |
|
23
|
Usual patrols. Nothing reported. One O/R admitted to Hospital. |
|
24
|
Usual patrols from RAILHEAD. Patrol from KUBRI suspended. One O/R transferred to X Aircraft Park ABOUKIR Two O/R returned from Imperial School of Instruction ZEITOUN |
|
25
|
2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS conducted a patrol to Pt 700, thence to Pt 900 & returned to RAILHEAD at 1030 having covered 22 miles. Nothing reported. |
|
26 |
General routine. One O/R invalided to England. |
|
27
|
Patrol under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded to Pt 1020 & met a patrol of 3rd County of London Yeomanry. Returned to Camp at 1100, covering 26 miles. |
|
28 |
Patrol from RAILHEAD to Point 900, returned via CREWE POST. |
|
Supplementary |
|
|
1916 September 19 KUBRI |
Orders received from G.H.Q. for Headquarter Staff to be detached from “A” Squadron (Authority G.H.Q. AQ 2488) d/d 18/9/1916) Lt Col. E.B. Sheppard proceeded Alexandria to report to D.A.G. 3rd Echelon. |
|
21 |
Lt Col E.B. Sheppard sailed for England to report to War Office |
|
24
|
1 N.O. & 5 O/R proceeded to Alexandria to report to D.A.G. 3rd Echelon 6 O/Ranks transferred from Hdqrs to “A” Squadron |
|
26 |
2 Horses transferred to Mobile Vety Sect. 54th Divn. from Hdqrs |
|
27
|
8 Horses transferred from Hdqrs to various units. 4 Arab Horses transferred from Hdqrs to “A” Squadron. |
VOLUME No 15
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Squadron 1/1st Herts Yeo 54th Div
From: 1.10.16 To 31.10.16
(Volume .16)
Confidential
War Diary of 1/1st Herts Yeomanry
“A” Squadron & Attached 54th Division E.E.F.
M/Gun Section
From 1st October 1916 to 31st October 1916
|
1916 October |
1/1st Herts Yeomanry A Squadron + M/Gun Section Attd 54th Division E.E.F. |
|
KUBRI 1
|
General routine. Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE 3 O Ranks proceeded to Zeitoun School of Instruction. 1 OR admitted to hospital 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN joined “A” Squadron from England |
|
2
|
General routine at KUBRI. Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE Patrol from RAILHEAD under 2nd Lt H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded to Point 1020 (in D8) and met 3rd Co of LONDON Yeo patrol from BIR MABEUIK. Left Camp at 0500 and returned at 1200 having covered 26 miles. Country reported all clear. |
|
3
|
Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD. 20 Remount horses received at KUBRI in return for 20 Arab horses. Patrol under 2nd Lt H.H. SIMMONDS left Camp at 0500 and proceeded to Point 900 (in D7). Returned via Point 440 and CREWE POST at 1130, covering about 22 miles. |
|
4 |
General routine. Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE |
|
5
|
--do-- --do— Patrol under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded to Pt 1020 & met 3rd Co of LONDON Yeo patrol from |
|
KUBRI 5 (Contd) |
BIR MABEUIK. Left Camp at 0500 – returned at 1130, covering 26 miles. Reported country all clear. |
|
6
|
General routine. Reveille ¼ hour later. Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD Patrol under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded to Point 900, via Pt 700, and returned at 1130. Covered 22 miles, reported all clear. |
|
7
|
General routine & usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE 25 O Ranks returned from Sidi Bishr Rest Camp |
|
8
|
Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD. General routine. 1 Officer (2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS) & 25 O Ranks proceeded to Sidi Bishr Rest Camp 1 O Rank rejoined from X Aircraft Park ABOUKIR |
|
9
|
General routine & protective patrols from RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE Patrol under 2nd Lieut F.A. BURLTON proceeded to Point 900 (D8) returning via CREWE POST. Covered 22 miles & found country clear. CAPTAIN V.C. PONSONBY (OC A Squadron, Herts Yeo) proceeded from KUBRI to RAILHEAD and stayed over night. |
|
10
|
General routine at KUBRI. Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE Patrol under 2nd Lieut F.A. BURLTON, accompanied by BRIG-GEN. A MUDGE (Commanding) Commanding “C” Subsection, and CAPTAIN V.C. PONSONBY, left RAILHEAD at 0500 and proceeded to Point 1020 (D8). Met 3rd Co. of LONDON Yeo patrol at Pt 1020, and returned to Camp at 1200, covering about 26 miles. Ground reported all clear. Capt PONSONBY then returned to KUBRI 1 O Rank admitted to Hospital Suez |
|
11
|
General routine and usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE 2 O Ranks returned from Hospital |
|
12
|
General routine & usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE All tents at KUBRI struck at 0530 and kept down all day to give Camp an airing. Patrol from RAILHEAD under 2nd Lieut F.A. BURLTON proceeded to Point 1020 in D8. Left Camp at 0500 & returned at 1145, Country reported all clear. |
|
13
|
General routine, and usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE Patrol under 2nd Lieut F.A. BURLTON left RAILHEAD at 0500 and proceeded to Pt 900 via Pt 710. Covered about 22 miles and reported country all clear. |
|
14 |
General routine and usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD & HALFWAY HOUSE |
War Diary pages for the 14th October 1916 to 18th October 1916 inc need new images to complete the transcription
|
1916 October |
|
|
18 (continued)
|
To Point 1020 (D8) + met 3rd Co. of LONDON Yeo patrol from BIR MABEUIK. All ground reported clear. Returned to Camp at 1200, having covered a distance of 26 miles. |
|
19
|
Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD. Troop training in morning (mounted) , and afternoon (dismounted) at KUBRI. 1 O.Rank returned to duty from hospital. |
|
20
|
Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD. Routine at KUBRI same as 19th Patrol consisting of 12 O.Ranks under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS left RAILHEAD at 0500 and proceeded to Point 900, via CREWE POST, and returned at 1100. Ground covered, 20 miles, all reported clear. 1 O.Rank admitted to Field Ambulance, and 1 O.Rank proceeded home on furlough. |
|
21
|
Troop drill + saddle inspection by O.C. at KUBRI. Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD. Patrol of 12 O.Ranks under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS left RAILHEAD at 0500 and proceeded to Pt 1020. Met 3rd Co. of LONDON Yeo patrol from BIR MABEUIK. All surrounding ground found to be clear, and returned to Camp at 1200, having covered 26 miles. 1 O.R. returned from Field Ambulance. |
|
KUBRI 22nd
|
General routine at Kubri + usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD and HALFWAY HOUSE 3 O.Ranks returned from ZEITOUN School of Instruction |
|
23rd
|
General routine at Kubri + usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD and HALFWAY HOUSE Patrol under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS left RAILHEAD at 0515 and proceeded to point 1020 (D8) Met 3rd Co. of LONDON Yeomanry Patrol from BIR MABEUIK. Made good all surrounding ground and returned to camp at 1130 Draft of 2nd Lieut W. PAULTON and 46 Other Ranks arrived at KUBRI from England. 2 O.Ranks returned to duty from Hospital + 1 OR evacuated from Field Ambulance to Suez Hospital. 3 ORanks returned from SIDI BISHR. |
|
24th
|
General routine at Kubri + usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD and HALFWAY HOUSE Draft inspected by O.C. A Squadron |
|
25th |
General routine at Kubri + usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD and HALFWAY HOUSE |
|
26th |
---------- do --------------- ------------------- do -------------------- |
|
27th
|
---------- do --------------- ------------------- do -------------------- Patrol under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded to Pt 1020 + met 3rd Co of LONDON Yeo Patrol. Thence on to Pt 900 (D7) and CREWE POST. Left Camp at 0515, returned at 1230. Reported all clear. |
|
28
|
General routine at Kubri and usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE 3 ORanks sent to report to Officer c/c MILITARY RAILWAYS KANTARA for duty. 2 ORanks returned from Hospital. 2 ORanks proceeded home on furlough. |
|
29
|
Usual Sunday routine + protective patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE Capt V.C. PONSONBY & 2/Lieut F.A. BURLTON and 3 ORanks proceeded to ZEITOUN School of Instruction. Lieut W.D. GIBBS assumes command during absence of Capt PONSONBY. Lieut + Adjt E. GILHOLME rejoined unit from Leave in ENGLAND. 1 ORank proceeded home on furlough. 1 OR returned from Hospital + 1 OR admitted to Hospital. |
|
30
|
Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN and 40 ORanks proceeded to GENEFFE RAILHEAD to relieve detachment of Middlesex Yeomanry there. Left KUBRI at 0645 and took over post at 1000. 2 ORanks sent out at 1530 round OLDHAM, on WEST and NORTH sides, to DEADMANS LUMP (3/4 mile E of P607 C6) remained till just before dusk and reported in to ASHTON, and returned to GENEFFE RAILHEAD. 2 ORanks left camp at same time + patrolled to Pt 555 (C6) remained to dusk, reported to SALFORD. 1 NCO + 2 men left camp at 1530, proceeded to WIGAN (C7) thence to Pt 340 (C7) remained there till ¼ hour before light failed + proceeded to MANCHESTER. Reported + bivouacked there. |
|
October 31st KUBRI
|
General routine at KUBRI. Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD and HALFWAY HOUSE. Patrol from RAILHEAD under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded to Point 1020 (D8) Met 3rd Co of LONDON Yeo patrol there, returned to camp. Reported all clear. 2 ORanks left GENEFFE RAILHEAD at 0400 + patrolled round OLDHAM to DEADMANS LUMP. Found all clear + returned. 2 ORanks proceeded on patrol from GENEFFE RAILHEAD to Point 555 (C6) reported all clear at Salford and returned. The patrol of 1 N.C.O. + 2 men which had bivouacked at MANCHESTER left at 0415 and proceeded to Pt 250 (B7) where they remained till daylight. Reported back to MANCHESTER that all was clear + then returned to GENEFFE RAILHEAD, having covered a distance of 23 miles. |
|
27th |
Inspection of camp at KUBRI by G.O.C.-in-C. |
VOLUME No 16
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Squadron 1/1st Herts Yeo 54th Div
From: 1.11.16 To 30.11.16
(Volume 17)
Confidential
War Diary of 1/1st Herts Yeomanry
“A” Squadron & M/Gun Section Attached 54th Division E.E.F.
From 1st November 1916 to 30th November 1916
|
1916 November
|
1/1st Herts Yeomanry Attached 54th Division A Squadron + M/Gun Section |
|
KUBRI EAST NOV 1
|
General routine. Usual protective patrols from KUBRI RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE. Lieut + Adjt. E. GILHOLME relieved 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS at RAILHEAD. Usual morning + evening protective patrols by detachment at GENEFFE RAILHEAD to DEADMANS LUMP via OLDHAM + returning via ASHTON. |
|
2
|
General routine at KUBRI. Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE. Also protective patrols morning + evening from GENEFFE RAILHEAD to point 555 (C6) reporting at SALFORD + returning to RAILHEAD. Another patrol to DEADMANS LUMP as on 1st inst. Evening patrol to MANCHESTER via WIGAN + Point 340. Bivouac for the night. Following morning to Pt 250, thence to MANCHESTER en route to RAILHEAD. Long patrol from GENEFFE RAILHEAD to E in WADI EL GIDDI. |
|
3
|
General routine at KUBRI. One OR returned from Hospital. Usual morning + evening patrols from KUBRI RAILHEAD also a special reconnaissance patrol to Pt900 returned via CREWE POST. This patrol was under the command of Lieut + Adjt E. GILHOLME, accompanied by an Officer of the 1/10th LONDON Regt. |
|
KUBRI NOV 3rd (contd)
|
Patrols morning + evening from GENEFFE RAILHEAD same as on 2nd Long patrol from GENEFFE RAILHEAD to OMN ADM All patrols reported all clear. |
|
4.
|
General routine at KUBRI. Stripped Saddle Inspection by LIEUT GIBBS. 1 ORank returned from Hospital and 1 OR admitted to Hospital. Usual morning + evening patrols from KUBRI RAILHEAD. A patrol under Lieut + Adjt E. GILHOLME left RAILHEAD and proceeded to Pt 1020 (D8) and returned to RAILHEAD at 1200. An Officer of the R.F.A. accompanied this patrol. 1 OR detached for duty at Ordnance Depot ISMAILIA. Patrols as usual from GENEFFE RAILHEAD, accompanied by DORSET YEOMANRY. |
|
5
|
General routine at KUBRI, and usual morning + evening patrols from KUBRI RAILHEAD, also from GENEFFE RAILHEAD. |
|
6
|
General routine at KUBRI and usual protective patrols morning and evening from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE. Detachment of 40 ORanks under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN left GENEFFE RAILHEAD and returned to KUBRI at midday, having been relieved at the outpost by the DORSET YEOMANRY. |
|
NOVEMBER 1916 KUBRI 6 (contd) |
A patrol of 12 OR under Lieut + Adjt E. GILHOLME left RAILHEAD at 0530 and proceeded to Pt 1020 (D8) where they met the BERKS YEO patrol from BIR MABEUIK. All surrounding country made good + returned to RAILHEAD reporting all clear. |
|
7
|
General routine at KUBRI + usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE. 1 OR admitted to Field Ambulance. A patrol under Lieut + Adjt E. GILHOLME proceeded to Pt 925 + thence on to Pt 900 + returned. Nothing to report. |
|
8
|
General routine at KUBRI + usual patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE 1 OR proceeded to the Yeomanry Base Depot, to await passage home to ENGLAND on furlough |
|
9
|
General routine at KUBRI + usual morning + evening patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS, from KUBRI, relieved Lieut E. GILHOLME at RAILHEAD. 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER returned from leave in ENGLAND. Patrol of 12 O.R. proceeded to Pt 1020 + met BERKS YEO patrol from BIR MABEUIK. Returned to RAILHEAD at 1130. Reported all clear. |
|
10
|
General routine at KUBRI + usual patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE Lieut + Adjt E. GILHOLME proceeded to School of Instruction, ZEITOUN, and is attached for duty there. |
|
NOVEMBER 1916 10 (contd)
|
A patrol of 12 OR under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded from RAILHEAD to Pt 900, via CREWE POST + returned reporting all clear. Inspection of KUBRI CAMP by Lieut-General Sir CHAs DOBELL K.C.B., C.M.G. G.O.C. Eastern Force at 0645. BRIG GEN T.M.S. PITT also inspected the stables. Stripped saddle inspection by Lieut GIBBS at 1130. |
|
11
|
Usual morning + evening patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE General routine at KUBRI |
|
12
|
General routine at KUBRI and usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD and HALFWAY HOUSE. 1 OR admitted to Field Ambulance. |
|
13
|
Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE and General routine at KUBRI A patrol of 12 ORanks under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS left RAILHEAD at 0530 and proceeded to Pt 1020 (D8). Patrol from BERKS YEO from BIR MABEUIK was met at Pt 1020, and reported all clear. The patrol then returned to RAILHEAD, arriving at 1100. |
|
NOVEMBER 1916 KUBRI 14th
|
Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE. General routine at KUBRI. Inspection of A Sqdn + M/Gun Section mounted at 0615 by BRIG GENERAL T.M.S. PITT G.O.C. 6th Mounted Brigade. |
|
15th
|
Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE. Routine at KUBRI altered to:- Stables 0600. Breakfast 0715. Mounted parade 0830. Stables 1100. Dismounted training 1430. 1 NCO + 3 men (in two parties) detailed to patrol along East Bank of SUEZ CANAL between the hours of 2200 and 0100 and between 0100 and 0330. The patrol to cover ground from 1 mile beyond BALUCHISTAN to GHURKA POST. |
|
16th
|
General routine at KUBRI same as 15th. 1 OR admitted to Field Amb. Usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD + HALFWAY HOUSE, also the night patrols from KUBRI. HALFWAY HOUSE evacuated. 1 ORank returned from Hospital. |
|
17th
|
General routine at KUBRI and the usual protective patrols from RAILHEAD, and night patrol from KUBRI. Saddle inspection at 1100 and rifle inspection at 1430. |
|
18th |
General routine at KUBRI + protective patrols from RAILHEAD. |
|
19th |
Detachment of 30 Other Ranks under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS left RAILHEAD |
|
NOVEMBER 1916 KUBRI 19 (contd)
|
+ joined Squadron at KUBRI. Day spent in packing up and loading kits and tents on to lighter, preparatory to moving to AYUN MUSA, and clearing up camp generally. Capt V.C. PONSONBY + 2nd Lieut F.A. BURLTON and 30 OR returned from ZEITOUN. |
|
20
|
Reveille 0500. Dismounted party got all kits and baggage loaded up + embarked on lighter by 0730 + proceeded to El Shatt, arriving at about 0930. Barge unloaded + part of kit + baggage packed on to train at 1200, and proceeded to AYUN MOSA. Mounted party left KUBRI about 0945 arriving at AYUN MUSA about midday. Remainder of day spent in erecting tents + horse lines etc. 1 ORanks returned from hospital. |
|
AYUN MUSA 21
|
1 OR admitted into hospital (Field Ambulance) Reveille 0530. Camp Fatigues & Exercise horses 0830. Saddle Inspection 1100. All arms & ammunition inspection at 1500. |
|
22
|
Troop training + riding school 0830. Stables 1100. Lecture 1500. 1 OR admitted into Field Ambulance. |
|
23
|
Horses exercised 0600-0630. Stables 0630. Breakfast 0730. Stables 0930. Watering 1030. Stripped Saddle Inspection by O.C. BERKS Yeomanry at 1200. Kit inspection by Troop Leaders at 1430 and by O.C. BERKS Yeo at 1530. 27 Remount Riding Horses + 3 Draft Mules received. 2 Other Ranks admitted to Field Ambulance. |
|
NOVEMBER 1916 AYUN MUSA 24
|
Three Troops on parade at 0830 for mounted drill. Remaining troop took over Remounts at 0830 + spent the morning in exercising + allotting horses. Stables 1100. Rifle inspection 1515 and lecture 1545. |
|
25
|
Horses exercised 0600. Stables 0915. Pay 1200. 2 O.Ranks proceeded to ALEXANDRIA Base Depot for passage home to England on furlough. 4 O.Ranks proceeded to Imperial School of Instruction, ZEITOUN. 1 O.Rank returned from Field Ambulance. |
|
26 |
Church parade 0830. Inspection of Camp by O.C. BERKS Yeo at 1100, and of horse lines by 1130. |
|
27
|
Riding School 0830-1130. Stables 1130-1300. All arms inspection 1430. Lecture 1500. Stables 1530. 1 O.Rank admitted to Field Ambulance and one O.R. evacuated from Field Ambulance to Suez Hospital. |
|
28
|
Squadron parade mounted at 0830 for drill and riding school. Work in afternoon consisted of rifles, bandoliers + Iron ration inspection at 1430 + practice in taking up positions in case of “Alarm” being sounded. |
|
NOVEMBER 1916 AYUN MUSA 29th
|
Two troops paraded mounted at 0830. Lieut W.D. GIBBS and 45 Other Ranks proceeded to KUBRI with 73 Arab ponies + bivouacked for night. 75 English horses were detrained early next morning + Arab ponies entrained for Remount Depot Abbassia. 3 Other Ranks returned from Field Ambulance, 2 Other Ranks admitted to Field Ambulance. 1 Other Rank returned from School of Cookery, ALEXANDRIA. |
|
30
|
Two troops paraded mounted at 0830. Afternoon occupied in getting fresh horse lines put down. Horse-party returned from KUBRI at 1900. 2 Other Ranks evacuated from Field Ambulance to Stationary Hospital. |
VOLUME No 17
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Squad 1/1st Herts Yeo 54th Div
From: 1.12.16 To 31.12.16
Confidential (Volume 18)
War Diary of 1/1st Herts Yeomanry
“A” Squadron & M/Gun Section Attd 54th Division
From 1st December 1916 to 31st December 1916
|
1916 AYUN MUSA |
1/1 HERTS YEOMANRY. (“A” Squadron & M/Gun Section) Attached 54th Division. |
|
NOVEMBER [sic] 1.
|
Troop Training & Riding School 0830 - 1130. Bayonet drill 1430. Lecture 1530. Redoubt Picquet (1 N.C.O. & 4 men) furnished by Squadron, daily. |
|
2.
|
Usual morning routine. Saddle inspection 1215. 2 O.R. to Hospital. 4 O.R. detached at Signal Office, Ayun Musa, for instruction and duty. |
|
3. |
Church parade 0900. Inspection of Horse Lines at 1130 by O.C. Berks Yeomanry. |
|
4.
|
Squadron inspected by O.C. Berks Yeomanry in Riding School at 0830. Practice Alarm during the afternoon. |
|
5. |
Usual daily routine. Inspection of new Remounts G.O.C., 6th Mounted Brigade. (Brig-Gen. T.M.S. Pitt) |
|
6. |
Usual daily routine. |
|
7.
|
Squadron paraded mounted 0830. “Alarm” (Practice) sounded 1030. Brig.-Gen. Palin, G.O.C. “A” Subsection inspected all troops taking up positions. Usual routine in the afternoon. |
|
8. |
Usual daily routine. 3 O.R. to Hospital, and 2 O.R. to Field Ambulance. 1 O.R. returned from Hospital. |
|
9. |
Usual morning routine; saddle inspection at 1230. |
|
10. |
Sunday routine. Inspection of tents at 1115. |
|
11.
|
Brig-Gen. T.M.S. Pitt, G.O.C., 6th Mounted Brigade inspected “A” Squadron in Riding School at 1000, having first inspected the Machine Gun Section at Mounted Drill. |
|
12. |
Usual daily routine. 2 O.R. returned from Hospital. 1 O.R. admitted to Hospital. |
|
AYUN MUSA December 13. |
Daily Routine. Lecture to Officers & N.C.O.s by Major Williams, 10th Hussars, at 1800. 2 O.R. returned from Hospital at Alexandria. |
|
14. |
Usual daily routine. |
|
15. |
“ “ “ |
|
16. |
“ “ “ 2 O.R. admitted to Fld.Amb., and 2 O.R. returned from Hospital SUEZ. |
|
17. |
Usual Sunday routine. 4 O.R. returned from School of Instruction, ZEITOUN |
|
18.
|
Daily routine. O.C. Berks Yeomanry inspected troops at Troop Drill in morning. Lecture at 1800 to N.C.O.s and Section Leaders, by Major Williams, 10th Hussars. |
|
19. |
Daily routine. Lecture by O.C. Berks Yeomanry at 1800. |
|
20. |
“ “ 3 O.R. returned to Hospital. |
|
21. |
Squadron drill, and daily routine. |
|
22. |
Daily routine. 2 O.R. proceeded to Cairo on detached duty. |
|
23. |
“ “ |
|
24. |
Horses exercised before breakfast. 3 O.R. returned from Hospital, and 1 O.R. to Field Amb. |
|
25. |
“ “ “ “ Church Parade 0900. |
|
26. |
“ “ “ “ |
|
27.
|
Usual daily routine. Special order of the day, (Christmas & New Year messages from His Majesty the King), read to Troops on parade. |
|
28. |
Usual routine. 2 O.R. to Field Ambulance. |
|
AYUN MUSA December 29. |
Usual daily routine. 1 O.R. returned from Detention Camp, SHALLUFA. |
|
30.
|
“ “ “ 2 O.R. “ “ Field Ambulance, 1 O.R. returned from Cairo. 1 O.R. proceeded to School of Instruction, Zeitoun, and 1 O.R. admitted sick to Field Ambulance. |
|
31. |
Church Parade. Inspection of Horse Lines by O.C. Berks Yeomanry at 1130. |
VOLUME No 18
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Squadron 1/1st Herts Yeo 54’ Division
From: 1.1.17 To 31.1.17
Confidential (Volume 19)
War Diary of 1/1st Herts Yeomanry
“A” Squadron & M/Gun Section 54th Division E.E.F.
From 1st January 1917 to 31st January 1917
|
1917 AYUN MUSA |
1/1 HERTS YEOMANRY. (“A” Squadron & M/Gun Section) Attached 54th Division. |
|
January 1. |
Usual routine. 2nd Lieut G.A. Barnett rejoined Squadron. |
|
2.
|
Usual routine. 1. O.R. admitted to Field Ambulance. 6 O.R. having been in contact with a case of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis, were placed in Isolation Camp. |
|
3. |
Daily routine. Squadron inspected mounted by O.C. Berks Yeomanry |
|
4. |
Usual routine. 1 O.R. to Hospital. Orders received at 1730 to return to KUBRI EAST on the 5th. |
|
5.
|
At 0030, move was cancelled owing to very heavy rain having washed away the Light Railway between EL SHATT and AYUN MUSA. Squadron exercised at 0830. At 1100, orders were received to proceed to KUBRI at once, Camel Transport being provided. The Squadron & M/G Section moved off at 1430, one troop being detailed to escort 154 Camels. This convoy was unable to pass through the water east of Shatt, and returned into EL SHATT for the night. The camels were unloaded, and baggage reloaded on to a lighter by 2100, and a guard of 1 N.C.O. and 3 men placed on board. One Officer, (2nd Lieut G.A. BARNETT) and 23 O.R. left behind in AYUN MUSA to bring along the bulky baggage which could not be carried on camels, by the light railway as soon as possible. 6 O.R. also left behind in Isolation Camp. |
|
6.
|
The remained of the Troop at EL SHATT had reveille at 0430, and moved off at 0530 to KUBRI. The lighter left the pier at 0645, arriving at KUBRI EAST at about 0800. The baggage etc was transhipped from the boat to a train, which left KUBRI siding at 1130, arriving at MOASCAR about 1530. The Squadron & M/Gun Section then went into Camp just East of the Station. 1 O.R. to Field Ambulance. |
|
1917 January MOASCAR |
|
|
7. |
Usual Daily Routine. Fatigues cleaning up Camp. |
|
8. |
Horses exercised after breakfast, and usual routine after dinner. |
|
9. |
Usual daily routine. 2nd Lieut, H.A. WADDINGTON joined Squadron from England. |
|
10.
|
Usual daily routine. 2nd Lieut BARNETT and 23 O.R. arrived at MOASCAR at 1800 from AYUN MUSA BRINGING the remainder of baggage. 5 O.R. proceeded to ZEITOUN for course of Hotchkiss Gun Instruction. |
|
11. |
Usual daily routine |
|
12. |
“ “ “ 6 O.R. rejoined Squadron from ENGLAND |
|
13. |
“ “ “ Saddles inspected by O.C., 1 O.R. returned from Hospital |
|
14.
|
Church Parade. 1 O.R. admitted to Field Ambulance, and 1 O.R. proceeded to England for admission to Officer Cadet Unit. |
|
15. |
Usual daily routine. |
|
16. |
“ “ “ |
|
17.
|
G.O.C. 54th Division (Maj-Gen HARE) inspected the horses saddled in the morning. Usual routine. 1 O.R. rejoined from detached duty in ALEXANDRIA. 11 Officers Chargers were received from the Remount Depot, but being found below the standard for Officers Chargers, were taken on the strength as Troop Horses. |
|
18. |
Usual daily routine. 1 O.R. to Hospital. |
|
19. |
“ “ “ 6 O.R. returned from the Isolation camp at AYUN MUSA. |
|
20. |
Usual daily routine. 1 Officer & 6 O.R. returned from Imperial School of Instruction, ZEITOUN. 2 O.R. admitted to Field Ambulance. |
|
1917 January MOASCAR |
|
|
21. |
Church Parade, and usual routine. 3 O.R. returned from Hospital. |
|
22. |
Usual daily routine. Full kit inspection by O.C. |
|
23. |
“ “ “ 2 O.R. transferred to A.S.C., M.T. |
|
24. |
“ “ “ 1 O.R. returned from Field Ambulance |
|
25. |
“ “ “ |
|
26.
|
The Squadron & M/Gun Section partook in 54th Divisional Tactical Scheme, one troop being employed with the Skeleton Enemy force. Paraded 0630, and returned to Camp about 1500 |
|
27. |
Horses exercised in morning, and saddle inspection by O.C. |
|
28.
|
Church Parade. Orders were received that the Division were to move to ROMANI on the 1st Feb by Route March. Arrangements made for move with Divisional Camel Transport. |
|
29.
|
Usual daily routine. Colonial Pattern Saddlery condemned, and the Squadron was equipped with Universal Pattern Saddlery. 1 O.R. returned from Hospital. |
|
30. |
Cleaning up camp, and making preparations for move. |
VOLUME No 19
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Squadron 1/1st Herts Yeo 54’ Division
From: 1.2.17 To 28.2.17
Confidential
War Diary for “A” Squadron & M/Gun Section 1/1st Herts Yeomanry 54th Division E.E.F.
For the month of February 1917
|
1917 February |
A Squadron + M/Gun Section 1/1 Herts Yeomanry |
|
MOASCAR 1
|
Squadron + M/Gun Section paraded at 1015 to proceed to EL FERDAN by march route, under order of Brig. Gen Ward, G.O.C. 163rd Infantry Brigade. 6 O.R. were left behind in Moascar Camp to hand camp over to the 42nd Division on its arrival. 15 O.R. under 2nd Lieut WADDINGTON were detailed to proceed by train from MOASCAR with the train echelon baggage for KANTARA. 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN proceeded to Hospital. Squadron left camp at 1030, marching independently of the Infantry Column, arrived at EL FERDAN at 1315 + bivouacked for the night. |
|
EL FERDAN 2 |
Left bivouac at 0830 + proceeded to KANTARA, arriving 1300 |
|
KANTARA 3
|
First Line Transport was left here in the Divisional R.A. Wagon Park. No camels being available, the unit was supplied with forage + rations by a supply train. The Squadron left Kantara at 0930, arriving GILBAN 1200, but the cooking utensils did not arrive until 1800 |
|
GILBAN 4
|
Left at 0745 + marched at the head of the Column to PELISIUM SIDING, arriving at 1000. Horses watered at the troughs supplied by the pipe line. |
|
PELISIUM 5
|
Left at 0745, arrived at ROMANI 1100. 2nd Lieut WADDINGTON had come on from KANTARA with train echelon baggage + had erected a small proportion of tents + arranged camping ground. 2nd Lt. WADDINGTON + 7 O.R. returned to KANTARA to draw Remounts. |
|
ROMANI 6 + 7 |
Routine |
|
8 |
The Squadron and M/Gun Section were reorganised, + put on an establishment for Camel Transport |
Squadron
|
|
Off |
O.R. |
Riders |
Pack |
Camels |
Drivers |
[Fantasses] |
|
|
6 |
100 |
110 |
4 |
12 |
6 |
12 |
M/Gun Sect
|
|
Off |
O.R. |
Riders |
Pack |
Camels |
Drivers |
[Fantasses] |
|
|
1 |
26 |
27 |
8 |
11 |
4 |
4 |
Note: “fantasses” is assumed – struggle to read the word
War Diary pages for the 8th February 1917 we need a new image to complete the transcription
|
ROMANI 8
|
22 O.R. being surplus to this establishment were attached to the Depot Battalion 54th Division, with 15 animals The Squadron [illegible] to MOHAMADIYA + bathed in the sea there. |
|
9
|
Parade 1030 for tactical scheme in the direction of MOHAMADIYA. Bathed, fed, + had dinner there returned to camp about 1500 |
|
10 |
Tactical scheme in morning |
|
11
|
Routine. Orders were received to proceed on to RABA, under the Command of Lt Col The Earl of Exeter, C.R.A. 54 Division. Kit bags + all heavy stores were to be left at the Base at ROMANI before leaving. A train echelon to provide second blankets + a small amount of kit being provided, all N.C.Os + men were ordered to make bundles of their second blankets containing personal kit + slacks, weight not to exceed lbs per man. This kit was entrained at 0900 under a guard of 2 NCO + 8 men. Order of March, H.Q. D.A., H.Q. D.R.E., Herts Yeo, Div Sig, Coy H.Q. + No 1 Sect, Div Mob Vet Sect, D. Am. Col. Left Sect 10 + Heavy Batty, followed by camel transport in same order. |
|
12
|
Paraded 1130, + head of column passed starting point KILO 42 at 1200. 2nd Lt WADDINGTON was detailed as O.C. Guards Camel Transport. No 2 Troop detailed as Advance Guard + No 3 Troop as Right Flank Guard. One days complete rations were carried on the man + horse. Fortunately 4 spare camels were lent for the march for the purpose of carrying third feeds. Double feeds were carried on the horse. Arrived in RABAH about 1400. |
|
RABAH 13
|
Left at 0830 + proceeded to KHIRBA, arriving about 1000. 2nd Lt PAULTON was O.C. Guards Camel Transport. No 4 Troop advance guard, + No 1 Troop right flank guard. |
|
KHIRBA 14
|
Left at 0830 for BIR EL ABD, arriving at 1200. No 3 Troop Advance Guard, + No 2 right flank guard. 2nd Lt SIMMONDS was O.C. Guards Camel Transport. 1 Horse died here. |
|
BIR EL ABD 15
|
Paraded 0830 for SALMANA. No1 Troop advance guard, No 2 Troop right flank guard. One O.R. proceeded to Alexandria for duty on board ship |
War Diary pages for the 16th February 1917 to 28th August 1917 inc need new images to complete the transcription
VOLUME No 20
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Sqdn 1/1st Herts Yeo’y 54’ Division
From: 1.3.17 To 31.3.17
|
1917
|
1/1st Herts Yeomanry. A Squadron + M/Gun Section 54th Division E.E.F. |
|
EL ARISH March 1. |
General routine. 2 O.R. admitted to Hospital. 1 O.R. to UK for commission. |
|
2.
|
“ “ 2nd Lieut BARNETT + 2 O.R. returned from Div. H. Qrs. 1 O.R. attached to 163 Bde H. Qrs. |
|
3. |
“ “ 1 O.R. returned from Field Ambulance. |
|
4. |
Church Parade |
|
5. |
Squadron reconnaissance scheme to EL BURJ. Ref map AFRICA 1/250000 Sheet EL ARISH |
|
6.
|
General routine. 1 O.R. returned from Field Ambulance. Orders having been received for the M/Gun Section to be attached to the 16th M/Gun Squadron, 18 O.R. with 30 animals and pack saddlery, 11 camels + 4 drivers, accordingly marched to EL BURJ. The 2 M/Guns MAXIM 303 were previously returned to Ordnance. |
|
7. |
General routine. 1 O.R. to CAIRO for commission. Lieut W.D. GIBBS returned from Field Amb. |
|
8.
|
Squadron escorted 162nd Infantry Brigade to EL BURJ. No 2 Troop under 2nd Lieut H. SIMMONDS paraded at 0900 and proceeded as advance guard. Remainder of Squadron picqueted a line of hills one mile south of the road between point 100 J1 + EL GEBAAI + were in position by 1000. 1 O.R. (RAMC attd) proceeded to KANTARA EAST for trade test. 2 O.R. having returned from Hospital + 1 O.R. from trade testing (personnel of the M/Gun Section) proceeded to EL BURJ to join the 16th M/Gun Squadron. Lieut GIBBS admitted to Div. C.C.S. |
|
9.
|
General routine. 3 O.R. to Hospital. 2 O.R. to KANTARA for trade test. 54 Div Skeleton Scheme, in which the Squadron Leader + Second in command took part. |
|
10. |
General routine. 3 O.R. to CAIRO for commission in E.L.C. 1 O.R. to Field Amb. |
|
11. |
Church Parade. 4 O.R. to ALEXANDRIA for trade test. |
|
1917 12. |
Squadron scheme to BARDAWIL. 2 O.R. returned from Field Ambulance. |
|
13. |
Staff ride for Officers + NCOs under Squadron Leader. |
|
14 + 15 |
Gen routine + Bathing Parade. 1 O.R. returned from 54 Div C.C.S. |
|
16. |
Squadron scheme to BIR LAHFAN |
|
17.
|
Routine + Bathing. 1 O.R. to Field Amb. Squadron Leader proceeded to RAFA for special reconnaissance with the staff of 54th Divn. 2nd Lieut BARNETT assumes Temp Command. |
|
18.
|
Divine Service. 2nd Lieut BARNETT proceeded to G.H.Q. for special duty. 2nd Lieut H. SIMMONDS assumes command of Squadron. 2nd Lieut PAULTON + 2 O.R. returned from School of Instruction, ZEITOUN. |
|
19.
|
2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN returned from ZEITOUN. Orders were received for the Squadron to move to EL BURJ on the 20th. 1 NCO + 4 O.R. to guard the train echelon baggage. |
|
20.
|
Squadron left EL ARISH at 1500 and escorted the 161st Brigade to EL BURJ, arriving 2000. Two troops escorted camels, leaving at 1200. |
|
21.
|
Squadron continued the march to SHEIK ZOWAIID, leaving EL BURJ at 1630. 1 O.R. to Alexandria for commission. 1 O.R. returned from Field Ambulance. |
|
22. |
Routine. 1 O.R. to Field Ambulance. |
|
23. |
Routine |
|
24.
|
Squadron moved to RAFA arriving about 1200. Capt PONSONBY rejoined the Squadron and took over Command. |
|
25.
|
Squadron left RAFA, which is now Railhead, at 0600 and arrived on position at ABASAN EL KEBIR at 0800 to protect the right flank of the Division while resting at Khan YUNUS and BENI SELA. Sqdn left ABASAN again at 1530 for IN SEIRAT marching with the |
|
1917 March 25
|
Divisional Artillery and wheeled transport, arriving at IN SEIRAT at 1830. No lights or fires were shown at all either during the march or in bivouac. All ranks were greatly pleased to be back in the green fields again. The Horses appreciated the good grazing. |
|
26.
|
The Squadron, less one troop, was ordered to follow the Imperial Mounted Division and A + N.Z. Mounted Division across the WADI EL GAUZZEE and to secure SHEIKH ABBAS remaining there until relieved by the 163rd Infantry Bde; the mounted Divisions moving to the East + North East. Owing to a very heavy fog, all mounted evac impeded until 0700. No 4 Troop, under 2nd Lieut BUNKER were detailed to escort the Royal Engineers developing the water supply in the WADI EL GAUZZEE. The Squadron secured SHEIKH ABBAS without opposition at 1015 and was relieved by the 163 Brigade at 1200. The Squadron was then watered from a well found nearby. During this time the 53rd Division and the 161st Brigade were attacking GAZA, and the mounted Divisions were operating against enemy detachments on the East and North East of GAZA. The Squadron, less one troop, moved across the WADI at TEL EL JEMME about six miles away, arriving in position about 1400 to watch the right flank of the Division, and got into touch with the Imperial Camel Corps outpost. No 4 Troop rejoined here at 1700. Fortunately drinking water was found at a well + the Squadron watered. No further orders being received, 2nd Lieut H. SIMMONDS and 2nd Lieut H. WADDINGTON were sent at 1830 to Div Hdqtrs for orders. They returned at 2200 at the same time as a despatch rider with orders timed at 1600 instructing the Squadron to retire immediately inside the outpost line, as the right flank of the Division was being withdrawn to a line between SHEIKH NEBHAN and MANSOURA, owing to the enemy being strongly reinforced from BEERSHEBA |
|
26. |
The Squadron bivouacked behind the outpost line at 0200 |
|
27.
|
Moved at dawn to SHEIK NEBHAN where rations and water were drawn. The Squadron Leader went to Divisional Headquarters MANSOURA for further orders. The Sqdn meanwhile had breakfast and fed. Owing to the situation becoming somewhat critical the Squadron was ordered up into general reserve to the 54th Division and took cover in a small Wadi half a mile south west of MANSOURA, where they were subject to periodical shelling throughout the day but were fortunate in having no casualties. One horse belonging to a mounted orderly attached to Divisional Headquarters was killed. At 1600 it was decided that the force should retire on IN SEIRAT. The Squadron got orders to retire independently after dusk. The day was exceptionally hot and men + horses suffered severely from thirst. Horses were watered and water bottles filled in the WADI EL GAUZZEE at 1900. Water had not been obtainable for 30 hours up till this time. It being impossible to issue rations and forage at SHEIK NEBHAN owing to shell fire, the Squadron retired to its former bivouac at IN SEIRAT arriving 0030. |
|
28.
|
Rations + water were drawn at 0700 + horses were watered from the lake at DEIR EL BELA at 1000. Lieut W.D. GIBBS rejoined the Squadron here from Hospital. The Squadron received orders to move out through the outpost line (which was now held by the 52nd Divn which had moved up from KHAN YUNUS) in order to pick up wounded or stragglers left outside the outpost line during the retirement of last night. Information was received that 200 Enemy cavalry and a battalion of infantry had been observed in the neighbourhood of TEL EL JEMME and enemy patrols moving along the WADI EL GHUZZE. The Squadron moved through the outpost line at 1400 and searched the ground in a north easterly direction from SHEIKH NEBHAN and EL BREIJ for a mile and a half but was unable to find any wounded or stragglers. Several small parties of Turks were encountered and a few shots were exchanged, but very little resistance was offered. Altogether 33 Turkish prisoners including a mounted man were captured by the Squadron, the greater portion of these being caught by No 1 Troop under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN. The Squadron returned through the outpost line at 1700 and a report was immediately submitted to Headquarters 54 Division informing them of the position of valuable stores, ie, armoured motors, Ford car, motor bicycles, etc, which had broken down outside the outpost line. As much material as possible was brought in, including 15 Rifles. |
War Diary pages for the 29th March 1917 to 31st March 1917 inc need new images to complete the transcription
VOLUME No 21
+ appendices
EGYPTIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Sqdn 1/1st Herts Yeomanry
From: 1.4.17 To 30.4.17
Confidential
War Diary
of the
A Squadron
1/1 Herts Yeomanry, 54th Division E.E.F.
for the month of April 1917
|
1917 |
A Squadron, 1/1st Herts Yeomanry, 54th Division |
|
IN SEIRAT April 1.
|
The Squadron, in conjunction with the 1/5 Norfolk Regiment covered a reconnaissance East of the WADI GHUZZE, along a line from SHARTA to TEL EL JEMMI. Left camp at 0815. Small parties of enemy mounted patrols were observed, but no encounters took place. Returned to bivouac at 1530. MAJOR-GEN. S.W. HARE C.B., GOC 54 Division admitted to Hospital, and BRIG-GEN. H.G. SANDILANDS C.B., C.R.A. of the Division assumed temporary command. 3 O.R. returned from Trade Testing. |
|
2 + 3 |
Bathing Parade + saddle inspection |
|
4.
|
General routine. The Squadron Leader, with No 4 Troop reconnoitred the crossing of the WADI GHUZZE in the neighbourhood of UM TEIBEG |
|
5.
|
Routine. The Squadron Leader attended a lecture for Commanding Officers in the Division, on the “Tactical employment of Tanks” |
|
(Good Friday) 6. |
Squadron left bivouac at 0620 to cover a reconnaissance by Divisional R.A Commanding Officers in the neighbourhood of SHARTA. Returned at 1400 without incident, having watered at KUTSHAN. |
|
7. |
General routine |
|
(Easter Sunday) 8. |
Holy Communion service at 0600. Voluntary evening service in the lines at 1900. 2 O.R. arrived from EL ARISH |
|
9.
|
The Squadron covered a reconnaissance of Divisional Commanding Officers between 0800 and 1300 in the neighbourhood of SHARTA, joining up with the I.C.C. post at TEL EL JEMMI. Considerable enemy movement was observed and a small engagement took place between 52nd Division & enemy on our left at EL BURIABYE, Returned to bivouac at 1545. |
|
10
|
The Squadron covered a reconnaissance of Divisional Commanding Officers between 0800 and 1300. At 0830 a strong troop of enemy cavalry were observed 2000 yards East of SHARTA, but withdrew to SHEIKHS ABBAS on being engaged at long range by a troop of STAFFORD YEOMANRY wo had come up from TEL EL JEMME. At 0930 an enemy aeroplane flew down to about 900 feet, and opened machine gun fire on the squadron dismounted + the men with the load horses. We were fortunate in having no casualties. Aeroplane was driven off by our rifle fire. Increased enemy movement was observed again in the direction of SHEIKH ABBAS, also on the FAZA-BEERSHEBA road. Returned to bivouac at 1530. |
|
11 + 12
|
General routine. Squadron paraded at 0800 for special instruction in the use of Gas Helmets, which have just been issued. |
|
12
|
2nd Lieut F.A. BURLTON with two O.R., two horses, left the Squadron to be attached to the 16th Machine Gun Squadron, and will take over the old Herts Yeomanry Machine Gun Section, now with the 16th Machine Gun Squadron, 5th Mounted Brigade. |
|
13
|
No 3 Troop under 2nd Lieut W. PAULTON paraded at 0700 to cover R.E. working party in the neighbourhood of DORSET HOUSE. Bivouac at IN SEIRAT was shelled at 0630 by heavy artillery from long range, probably 10,000 yards, 30 pounds falling within 100 yards of the lines. 1 O.Rank + one horse slightly grazed. |
|
14 |
Routine |
|
15
|
Squadron paraded at 0630 to cover reconnaissance in vicinity of DORSET HOUSE, CHARING CROSS, and TEL EL JEMMI. Shots were exchanged with small mounted enemy patrol, who retired to cover of Turkish lines. Bivouac at IN SEIRAT was again shelled during the absence of the Squadron, no damage being done. Bivouac was moved to a position outside direct line of fire from enemy guns to RAILHEAD. 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER admitted to hospital. No 4 Troop taken over by 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON. |
|
1917 April 16
|
No 2 Troop under 2nd Lieut H. SIMMONDS paraded at 1400 to cover reconnaissance of R.A. Officers in vicinity of KUTSHAN, returning to bivouac at 1800. Preparations were made to move out of bivouac for several days operations. Great coats were stacked in a dump formed for spare kit + stores at IN SEIRAT. The Squadron moved out at 2000, strength 6 Officers, 94 ORanks, and took up a line of outposts between EL MENDHUR and TEL EL JEMMI, along the WADI SHERIA, about 2 ½ miles, connecting with the 163 Infantry Bde on our left. Troops of the Imperial Mounted Division and Imperial Camel Corps Bde passed through the outposts before dawn. |
|
17
|
Patrols were sent out to keep touch with the Imperial Mounted Division on our right flank, 54th Divisional Headquarters being informed of their movements by helio communication. The 162nd and 163rd Infantry Bdes having occupied SHEIKHS ABBAS and MANSOURA ridges and the line being overturned by the 52nd Division with the 53rd Division beyond, with their left resting on the sea, the position was consolidated. The Squadron found a line of night outposts from EL MENDHUR to TEL EL JEMMI, rations + water being brought up by camel convoy to EL KUTSHAN. |
|
18 |
Orders were received to withdraw to KUTSHAN |
|
19
|
Heavy bombardment commenced at 0530, lasting about 2 ½ hours, after which a general attack on the whole line took place. 162nd and 163rd Infantry Bdes of the 54th Division were engaged in very heavy fighting. The Squadron in accordance with Divisional Order No 19 left KUTSHAN at 0600 and moved into a position in reserve under cover of the ridge at SHEIKH ABBAS, with the 161st Brigade. Covered position taken up in a small wadi, and remained in position throughout the day. |
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20
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The enemy having extended his line in an Easterly direction, a readjustment of the position was made. The Squadron moved back to a position half a mile East of DORSET HOUSE at 0700. Here we were less exposed to shell fire, and more convenient watering arrangements were found. |
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1917 DORSET HOUSE April 21 |
Routine |
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22 |
“ and clearing up. 1 O.R. to hospital. |
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23 |
“ |
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24
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No 3 Troop under 2nd Lieut W. PAULTON, paraded at 0630 to get in touch with the mounted patrols, in the neighbourhood of MUN KHEILEH, and were subjected to hostile shelling. Returned to bivouac at 1100. |
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25
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Routine. Horses only receiving a mobile ration of grain and dries, every opportunity was taken of grazing. The Squadron provided an escort of 2 NCOs and 4 men for Prisoners of War, to be permanently stationed in WADI NUKHABIR, one mile East of DORSET HOUSE, to take over Prisoners from units of 54th Division. |
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26 |
Routine |
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27
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Horses were exercised to the sea near DEIR EL BELAH + men given the opportunity of bathing. Signalling communication was established with Divisional Headquarters, helio and flag by day and lamp by night. |
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28 |
Routine. Kits were brough up from IN SEIRAT, + troops were well dug in and comfortable. |
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29
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Orders were received at 1400 to move the Squadron to vicinity of TEL EL JEMMI, from which point, daily patrols were to be sent out in front of 229th Bde, 74th Division, and in front of the right of the 54th Division, and to connect with the mounted patrols from SHELLAL. Squadron moved at 1630, arriving at 1800. |
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30
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Squadron Leader, with No 1 Troop under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN patrolled in direction of MUNKHEILEH and ASAFERIYEH, connecting with the Australian Light Horse patrols. Left bivouac at 0700 returning at 1130. Patrol was shelled at MUNKHEILEH, but no casualties. Officers patrol under 2nd Lieut W. PAULTON left bivouac at 0700 + patrolled towards Pt 280, and got in touch with Australian Light Horse patrols there. [signed] V.C. PONSONBY Capt OC, A Squadron 1/1 Herts Yeo |
VOLUME No 22
EGYPTIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Sqdn 1/1st Herts Yeo’y 54th Division
From: 1.5.17 To 31.5.17
Confidential
War Diary
of
A Squadron, 1/1 Herts Yeomanry
54th Division E.E.F.
for the month of
MAY 1917
|
|
A Squadron, 1/1 Herts Yeomanry, 54th Division, E.E.F. Reference Maps. SYRIA. JERUSALEM. 1/250000. and GAZA (X) 1/40,000 |
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1917 May 1.
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0700. No 4 Troop under 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON patrolled the country between the Infantry Post at DUMBELL HILL and half a mile East of ASEIFERIYEH. No enemy movement observed. An Officers patrol under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS proceeded out towards MAGAN, and found the country all clear. Both patrols returned to bivouac at 1200. Duty Troop provided 1 N.C.O + 5 men, mounted, for a post situated in Square R.36, to receive Prisoners of War from units of 54th Division, and escort them to the Compound. 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER returned from hospital. Lieut W.D. GIBBS attached to Divisional Hdqrs as Intelligence Officer. |
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2.
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No 2 Troop under 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON patrolled as on the 1st, leaving bivouac at 0700. Patrol observed from ASEIFERIYEH, a small mounted enemy patrol of 8 men returning to Turkish lines near KHIRBET SIHAN. Officers patrol under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN proceeded out in direction of EL MAGAN. Reported all clear. |
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3.
|
The Squadron, less No 4 (Duty) Troop, paraded at 0230, to endeavour to capture enemy patrols reported to be in MUNKHEILEH. Nos 2 + 3 Troops got into position under cover of WADI BAHA to cut off the enemy retiring, the remaining troop being detailed to gallop through MUNKHEILEH from the north, as soon as the two troops were in position. This took place at 0420. Enemy patrols had apparently moved off earlier in the night, there being no signs of them anywhere. The Squadron returned to bivouac at 0700. The place for watering horses is at C14, which takes 1 ¾ hours from bivouac and back. However, wells having been developed at MENDUR, trops are now able to water there on return from patrol duties outside the defences, thereby saving three miles. |
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1917 May 4.
|
No 3 Troop under 2nd Lieut W. PAULTON patrolled the country East of ASAFERIYEH, and drove in a small enemy mounted patrol, who were also fired on by our artillery as they neared the enemy lines. Considerable enemy movement was observed in ATAWINEH Redoubt, about 3800 yards from our Infantry Position at SHEIKH ABBAS. Our patrol was fired on from forward enemy trench in Square Y.G. at 0925. The Squadron Leader accompanied No 4 Troop under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER to EL MAGAM, and got into communication with Australian patrols from EL SHELLAL. |
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5.
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No 4 Troop under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER, strengthened by 10 O.R. from No 2 Troop, left bivouac at 0545 to cover a reconnaissance by Lt. Col. C. GARSIA, G.S.O.1. 54th Division, accompanied by the Squadron Leader. Returned to bivouac at 1030. |
War Diary pages for the 6th May 1917 need a new image to complete the transcription
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6th.
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No 2 Troop under 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON left bivouac at 0545 to cover a Survey party R.E. An enemy infantry patrol of 5 men was captured in the WADI SIHAN, half a mile East of ASEIFERIYEH at 0830. Prisoners, who were well equipped + showed no signs of shortage of food, belonged to the 54th Turkish Division, attached to 53rd Divn. The troop then pushed on to a point approximately 3000 yards due East of ASEIFERIYEH, from which point a good view of the Turkish position east of that point was obtained. No sooner had the plain table been set up than a heavy fire at 800 yards range was opened on the covering troop from the direction of ATAWINEH, and the party was forced to withdraw. During this withdrawal a Barr & Stroud Rangefinder belonging to the Survey Party was lost. 2nd Lieut WADDINGTON at 1230 decided to recover the lost instrument, and taking 6 O.R. with him, was skilful in recovering same. He was again [illegible] to rifle fire at close range, but this was stopped by B. Battery 271 Bde R.F.A., who made accurate shooting. Hostile aircraft, taking advantage of the moonlight, bombed + machine-gunned the bivouacs between the WADI GHUZZE and KHAN YUNUS, at 1945, but effected to damage in this unit. |
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1917 May 7.
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No 3 Troop under 2nd Lieut W. PAULTON patrolled at ASAFERIYEH and ½ mile East of MUNKHEILEH. No enemy observed. |
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8.
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The Squadron (less duty troop No 2) left bivouac at 0645 to cover Survey party R.E. in the direction of ATAWINEH REDOUBT. Covering parties reached a line Y.5. central, Y12, and Y18, without incident. At 1025 heavy rifle fire was opened from a trench located half a mile west of ATAWINEH REDOUBT, to which No 3 Troop replied at 1000 yards range, assisted by B. Batty. 271 Bde. During this time one O.R. was wounded. The Squadron withdrew at 1245, and after watering, returned to bivouac, arriving at 1530. During the morning, one Hotchkiss Automatic Rifle was recovered, also a valuable telescopic periscope, with various equipment. It was observed that our dead, probably killed on April 19th, had been stripped of boots + socks, but otherwise unmolested. A patrol from the Fife & Forfar Yeo Battn of the Scots Fusiliers supported our patrol on the left flank. |
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9.
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No 4 Troop, under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 0645 to cover R.E. Survey party North of the WADI BAHA, between 0830 and 1200. Covering party was heavily fired on from rifle pits in Y18, and was forced to withdraw towards MENDUR. One horse was wounded in the fetlock and subsequently destroyed. |
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10.
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No 2 Troop, under H.A. WADDINGTON found the standing patrol at ASAFERIYEH between 0800 and 1300, without incident. The Artillery forward Observation Post having been established outside the wire defences, the standing patrol is now in a position to apply for artillery assistance more quickly. |
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11.
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No 1 Troop under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN found the standing patrol at ASAFERIYEH between 0800 and 1300. Nothing to report. |
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1917 April 12.
|
No 3 Troop under 2nd Lieut W. PAULTON, reinforced by No 2 Troop, in addition to finding the Standing Patrol at ASEIFERIYEH, afforded protection to salvage party recovering brass shell cases. Six camel loads, (say 600 18-pounder cases) were recovered during the morning. No incident reported. |
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13.
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No 4 Troop under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER carried out the standing patrol at ASEIFERIYEH until 1300. Artillery registration of this neighbourhood in the afternoons necessitating the withdrawal of patrols. |
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14.
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No 2 Troop under 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON found the standing patrol until 1300. Enemy patrols were observed in WADI BAHA, but no encounter took place. |
War Diary pages for the 15th May 1917 need a new image to complete the transcription
|
15.
|
No 1 Troop under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN covered a Survey Party in WADI BAHA East of MUNKHEILEH. At 1015, while endeavouring to ambush an enemy patrol of one officer + ten other ranks, our flank points were heavily fired on from rifle pits in Y30 a. The enemy officers patrol disappeared on the fire commencing, and our covering troop was forced to retire on account of superior fire from the enemy. One horse was severely wounded and fell when within 400 yards of the enemy, but the [illegible] succeeded in getting back to cover. The troop returned to bivouac at 1300. |
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16.
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No 3 Troop under 2nd Lieut W. PAULTON left bivouac at 0700 + found the standing patrol at ASEIFERIYEH and MUNKHEILEH, + returned to camp at 1430. No 4 Troop under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER left bivouac at 1100 to water at C.14, and then proceeded to relieve No 3 Troop, on Standing patrol duties. At 1400 information was received that Desert Column patrols had been held up in the morning in the neighbourhood of EL MAGAN. The Squadron was ordered to endeavour to reconnoitre the ground from the direction of MUNKHEILEH with a view to locating the enemy. An officers patrol under 2nd Lieut H. SIMMONDS left MUNKHEILEH at 1630 and found the country between KHIRBET UM RIJL and EL MAGAN all clear. He then reached a point immediately north of first A in ZUMMARAH (from) |
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TEL EL JEMMI 1917 May 16 (contd)
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from whence bearings on four redoubts were taken varying between 52 and 62 degrees. Horses and camels were observed grazing at UMADREH, and two troops enemy cavalry moving north west and found rifle pits facing south west on the road in Y30 a.b. empty, but showing signs of having been occupied that day. Empty enemy cartridge cases were also found. At 1815 ten mounted enemy appeared moving N.W. from EL MAGAN. 2nd Lieut SIMMONDS was probably allowed to approach so near the enemy lines through being mistaken by the enemy for one of their own patrols. Much useful information was thus obtained. |
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17
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No 1 Troop under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN found the usual standing patrol at ASEIFERIYEH and withdrew at 1330 – nothing to report. |
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18
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No 2 Troop under 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON provided the standing patrol, between 0730 and 1330, and got into touch with Desert Column Mounted Patrol south of WADI BAHA, who were heavily fired on from Y30, losing one man killed, at 1130. Enemy observation post was located in WADI BAHA in Y24 c. |
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19
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No 3 Troop under 2nd Lieut W. PAULTON found the standing patrol at ASEIFERIYEH between 0730 + 1330. Nothing to report. Very oppressive weather – Khamaseen blowing. Water camels + escort got lost in the dust between C.14 + bivouac, and did arrive until early next morning. |
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20
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No 1 Troop carried out the standing patrol at ASEIFERIYEH and got into touch with our 229th Bde outpost who were observed to engage enemy dismounted troop from TWO TREE FARM at 1000. Enemy eventually retired mounted towards SIHAN. |
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1917 May 21
|
No 4 Troop under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER found the standing patrol between 0730 and1300, without incident. |
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22.
|
No 2 Troop under 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON found the standing patrol at ASEIFERIYEH. Considerable enemy movement was observed in a north easterly direction from EL MAGAN at 0830. At 1215 a troop of enemy cavalry approached MUNKHEILEH in extended order. Patrols were also observed moving south west from the high ground north of the WADI BAHA. The troop was concentrated at ASEIFERIYEH and with the cooperation of the artillery, the enemy were forced to retire towards ZUMMARAH. Owing to registration, the troop was ordered to withdraw to bivouac for the day. 1 O.R. sick to hospital. |
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23 |
No 3 Troop under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS found the standing patrol as usual, without incident. |
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24
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No 1 Troop under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN found the standing patrol at ASEIFERIYEH, and observed natives harvesting, with a mounted covering party, in the neighbourhood of EL MAGAN. The Squadron Leader made arrangements with O.C. Detachments, 163rd Bde (50 men) to ambush parties of the enemy who were in the habit of following in our patrols as they withdrew. No 2 Troop under 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON relieved No 1 Troop at 1230, the Infantry by then having got into position, unobserved. At 1300 our troop observed enemy patrols moving down towards them, and under arrangement with O.C. Infantry party, openly withdrew at 1500, with a view to enticing the enemy towards the infantry. Nothing further, however, was seen of the enemy patrols by the infantry who retired at 1900. 1 Off 2 O.R. proceeded to Cavalry School of Instruction, ZEITOUN. |
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25
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No 4 Troop under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER left bivouac 0700.On leaving MENDUR found the enemy were shelling BRIKET ABU MAILIK and WADI SIHAN. The patrol then moved south down the WADI MUNKHEILEH and found a small enemy mounted patrol at MUNKHEILEH, who hastily retired towards harvesting party at MAGAN whom they were presumably covering. ASAFERIYEH and TWO TREE FARM found all clear, the troop withdrew at 1300. 54th Division having gone into reserve, our patrol duties were taken over by the 74th Divisional Squadron, A Sqdn 1 / 2nd County of London Yeomanry, under the Command of Major J. HAIG. Permission was granted for us to remain at our present bivouac, half a mile west-north-west of TEL EL JEMMI |
War Diary pages for the 26th May 1917 need a new image to complete the transcription
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26
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All Arms inspection. No 1 and 4 Troops spent the day on the sea-shore at DEIR EL BELA bathing [assumed; part of text not covered by photo] |
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27 |
General routine. Voluntary Church Service in the evening, Nos 2 + 3 Troops bathed during the day |
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28 / 29/ 30 |
General routine, with bathing etc |
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31
|
General routine. Two troops attended lecture on uses of Gas, with practical demonstrations V.C. PONSONBY Capt OC A Squadron 1/1 Herts Yeo |
VOLUME No 23
EGYPTIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Sqdn 1/1st Herts Yeo 54th Division
From: 1.6.17 To 30.6.17
War Diary
of the
“A” Squadron, 1/1 Herts Yeomanry
54th Division E.E.F.
For the month
of
JUNE 1917
|
|
Reference Maps GAZA-SHELLAL 1/40,000 and SINAI, BEERSHEEBA. Sheet North H36/E.I.V. 1/125,000 |
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1st
|
Routine. Half of the Squadron attended a Gas Demonstration in the neighbourhood of DORSET HOUSE, at 1000. 1 O.R to Hospital. |
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2nd |
Routine. Half the Squadron spent the day at DEIR EL BELAH, bathing. 1 O.R. to Hospital. |
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3rd |
Routine. ----do---------do------------do-----------do----------do---------- |
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4th
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Routine. Riding school at 0645. About 30 remounts have been recently received from Remount Depots, which, had of a necessity, to be taken straight into use in the field though not properly broken to work. |
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5th |
Routine. Riding school at 0645 |
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6th
|
The Squadron found 50 mounted orderlies, despatch riders, horse holders, also 16 spare horses for officers of 54th DIV. OBSERVATION CORPS going out on a scheme during operation of 6th MOUNTED BRIGADE in direction of BEERSHEEBA from SHELLAL. All available squadron officers took the opportunity of making a reconnaissance of that country. Left bivouac at 0730, returning at 2145. |
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7th |
Routine. 1 O.R. to Hospital. |
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8th
|
Nos 2 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS, paraded at 0600 to find standing patrol at ASEIFERIYEH, MUNKHEILEH, KHIRBIT UM RIJL, and Pt 280 on WADI EL SHERIA. At 1030 two enemy mounted troops were observed in H23 moving towards EL MAGAN. No 1 + 4Troops, under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 11.00 to relieve No 2 + 3 Troops. At 1615 mounted enemy patrols appeared on Pt 280, but were driven back towards EL MAGAM by our fire. Returned to bivouac 1900. The G.O.C. 54th DIV. MAJOR GENERAL S.W. HARE C.B. visited the lines at 0800, and expressed satisfaction at the sanitation of the camp. 2 O.R. to Hospital. 1 O.R from Hospital. |
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9th
|
The Squadron found standing patrols as yesterday in reliefs of half squadrons from 0645 to 1730. Covering troops to harvesters, in neighbourhood of EL MAGAM, were driven in at 0840, shots being exchanged at 900 yards. Orders were received at 1730 that a night standing patrol was to be found at Pt. Sq. H.I.d. 96 on left bank of WADI SHEIRIA. 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER with 13 ORs left bivouac at 1800 to take up above position. Patrol returned to bivouac at 0600, 10th inst, without incident. On the 54th DIV relieving the 52nd DIV in the LEFT-SECTION, the squadron was placed under orders of G.O.C. RIGHT-SECTION. The 52nd, 54th, 74th DIV Squadrons are being responsible for all patrolling NORTH of a line from HISEIA CROSSING to first A of ABU HAREIRA. SOUTH of that line all patrolling will be carried out by troops of the DESERT COLUMN. The patrol duties of the three Squadrons (52nd, 54th, 74th ) are placed under the orders of MAJ. J. HAIG 1/2ND COUNTY OF LONDON YEO. 74th DIV SQDRn The RIGHT-SECTION will be divided into the flowing SECTORS:- RIGHT SUB-SECTOR:- The line KHIRBET UM RIJL and Pt 280, on WADI SHERIA, with control of all approaches to this line. This sector is also responsible for a night standing patrol at Pt. Sq. H.I.d. 96 on LEFT BANK of WADI SHERIA. LEFT SUB-SECTOR. The line TWO TREE FARM, WADI SIHAN, WADI BAHA, and MUNKHEILEH inclusive, with control of all approaches to this line. The 53rd DIV SQDRn (D.L.O.Y.) will find a daily patrol at Pt 300 on the ABU SHAWISH ROAD. |
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10th
|
No 2 Troop, under 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON left bivouac at 0645 for patrol duties in R.S-Section. Patrol found Pt 280 occupied by enemy, who were apparently covering harvesters. These were engaged at 900 yds and driven in to EL MAGAM by 0845. Returned to bivouac at 1700. 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN and 13 O.Rs found the night standing patrol and returned at 0615 without incident. 2 O.Rs to Hospital. |
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11th
|
Nos 3 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieuts H.H. SIMMONDS + F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 0700 for patrol duties. Returned to bivouac at 1800. Communication was established with 53rd Div Squadrons (D.L.O.Y.) patrol at 1000 on Pt 300 ABU SHAWISH ROAD. Owing to the fact that enemy patrols were moving in the intervening ground, & also owing to a mirage, indentification [sic] was very difficult. No 2 Troop, under 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON, found the night standing patrol. Nothing to report. |
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12th
|
Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN left bivouac at 0630. Small enemy patrol retired on our approaching to Pt 280 at 0830. Communication was established with 53rd DIV SQDRn by helio from MUNKHEILEH. Returned from bivouac at 1730. 2 O.Rs from hospital. |
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13th
|
Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON, left bivouac at 0600 for patrol duties in Left Sub-Section. Returned at 1715. Nothing to report. 2 O.Rs to Hospital. |
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14th
|
Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS, left bivouac for patrol duties in L.S.-S, at 0700. Returned 1630. Exceptionally little enemy movement observed. |
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1917 June 15th
|
The squadron left bivouac at 0730 to cover a reconnaissance by B.G. R.A. E.F. in left sub-section, in conjunction with 74th DIV Sqdrn (1/2nd C.L.Y.) in right sub-section piqueting a line WADI BAHA, HILL 265, DEAD HORSE VALE, BARLEY RIDGE, and TWO TREE FARM, between 0900 and 1200. Nos 2 + 4 Troops then took up the usual standings patrols until 1630. Night standing patrol left bivouac at 1800, returning 0600 without incident. 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON admitted for Field Ambulance. |
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16th
|
Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0430 for patrol duties in right sub-section. Enemy mounted patrols were observed to be holding Pt 280 on WADI SHERIA at 0530, and were driven off towards EL MAGAM by 0615. Telephone wires, used for communication between right + left sub-sections, had been cut by enemy. Returned to bivouac at 1630. Usual night standing patrol was found. Nothing to report. |
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17th
|
Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieuts H.H. SIMMONDS and F. BUNKER left bivouac at 0515 for patrol duties in right sub-section, also acting as covering party to Infantry working parties in WADI SHERIA. At 1500, orders were received that the Infantry required covering until 1730, with the result that Troops did return to bivouac until 1930. A very long day for both men + horses, as it was exceptionally hot. Night standing patrol found as usual, without incident. |
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18th
|
Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0645. At 1300 the Squadron Leader took over and arranged handing over the patrol area to GLASGOW YEOMANRY, 52nd Div Squadron. Returned to bivouac 2030, little enemy movement observed. 1 O.R. to hospital. |
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1917 19th
|
Routine. Men + horses had a complete rest, which was badly needed after the work of the last fortnight. |
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20th
|
Routine. The Squadron spent the day on the sea-shore at DEIR AL BELAH, bathing. 1 Officer and 2 O.Rs returned from Imperial School of Instruction, ZEITOUN. |
|
21st
|
Routine. Saddle Inspection by the O.C. 2nd Lieut W. PAULTON and 1 O.R. admitted to hospital. 1 O.R. returned from Hospital. |
|
22nd
|
Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 0700, for patrol duties in left sub-section. Patrol returned to bivouac without incident at 1630. 2nd Lieut P. LOFTS returned to Squadron from duty with GLASGOW YEOMANRY. |
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23rd
|
Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0540, returning at 1430, owing to artillery registration taking place during the afternoon. A report was rendered on wells + cisterns between ASEIFERIYEH and TWO TREE FARM. 2 ORs to hospital, 1 O.R. from Hospital. |
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24th
|
Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieuts P. LOFTS + F. BUNKER left bivouac at 0710 for patrol duties in left sub-section. Patrol returned, without incident, at 2000. Enemy were registering BARLEY RIDGE and TWO TREE FARM during the afternoon. The night standing patrol was posted in Pt 09 H.I.d.96 and cleared Pt 280 WADI SHERIA, before returning to bivouac, without incident, at 0630. The night patrol is now in communication with unit by telephone. 1 O.R. from hospital. |
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25th
|
Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS, left bivouac at 0610, for patrol duties in Right Sub-section. At 1400, points reported 60 dis-mounted enemy retiring North |
|
TEL EL JEMMI 1917 June 25th contd
|
from direction of ERK, where firing had been heard. 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS took an Officer’s patrol to watch their movements. A clever ambush was apparently laid by enemy, as, on reaching a spot in H. 18. c. central, the patrol was heavily fired on at 500 yards range, by a force estimated at 60 rifles. The first mentioned 60 enemy had apparently mounted and moved to a new position in WADI SHERIA unobserved, leaving a small number continuing in direction of ABU HAREIRA as decoy. As the patrol galloped back, it was followed by a troop of mounted enemy who got within 200 yards, who, however, did not pursue far enough to come under fire from our post at PT 280. Returned to bivouac at 1730 without further incident. Night standing patrol was found as usual without further incident. |
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26th
|
Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieuts P. LOFTS and F. BUNKER left bivouac at 0550 for patrol duties in right sub-section. A small enemy mounted patrol approached Pt 280, from direction of Pt 310, at 1145. Endeavour was made to draw them on, but without success. One man, however, was seen to be wounded by our fire, but was rescued by his patrol. No further incident. Patrol returned to bivouac at 1600. Night standing patrol was found as usual and returned at 0600 – nothing to report. 1 OR from Hospital. |
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27th TEL EL JEMMI 1917
|
Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left camp at 0645 for patrol duties in right sub-section. At 0800, a patrol was sent to 53rd DIV SQDRn (D.L.O.Y.) in H. 29.b. who informed us “they were engaging intermittently small parties of the enemy” also “that enemy were showing strength in WADI IMLEIH, estimated number 300”. At 1145, a patrol was sent up WADI SHERIA to bend in H. 17.b., and observed enemy post on Pt 310. Two troops of 52nd DIV. SQDRn (GLASGOW YEO) meanwhile having been sent out to support 53rd DIV. SQDRn. Nothing further was seen of enemy. Returned to bivouac at 1630. 1 OR to Hospital. |
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28th
|
Routine. The Squadron was inoculated with T.A.B. against Typhoid. An isolated case of scarlet fever occurred in No 2 Troop. 2 ORs to Hospital. |
|
29th |
Routine. 1 OR from Hospital. |
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30th
|
Routine. 1 OR to Hospital. 6 ORs to Imperial School of Instruction, Zeitoun. V.C. PONSONBY Capt OC “A” Squadron 1/1 Herts Yeomanry |
VOLUME No 24
EGYPTIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Sqdn 1/1st Herts Yeo
From: 1.7.17 To 31.7.17
CONFIDENTIAL
War Diary
of the
“A” Squadron, 1/1st Herts Yeomanry
54th Division E.E.F.
For the month
of
JULY 1917
War Diary pages for the 1st July 1917 to 9th July 1917 inc need new images to complete the transcription
|
1917 July 10th
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The Squa’s No 1 Troop left bivouac at 0220 to take part in operations in neighbourhood of MUNKHEILEH in conjunction with 52nd DIV SQDRN (GLASGOW YEO) and 74th DIV SQDRN (1/2 C.L.Y.) under orders issued by MAJ. J. HAIG, commanding DIV. SQDRNs operations, with the object of capturing enemy patrols at daybreak. The Squadron, on leaving UM RIJL, galloped through MUNKHEILEH onto WADI BAHA, while the ground SOUTH of TWO TREE FARM was cleared by 52nd DIV. SQDRN and 74th DIV. SQDRN. No enemy were encountered; and returned to bivouac 0600. 1 Troop, under Sgt WALDER, P, left bivouac at 0600 for patrol duties in LS-S. Returned to bivouac, without incident, at 1700. The Squadron Leader returned from leave and took over command of the Squadron again. 4 ORs proceeded to Imperial School of Instruction, ZEITOUN. |
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11th
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieut P. LOFTS left bivouac at 0400, for patrol duties in LS-S. After taking up the usual observation posts, a heavy rifle fire was immediately opened on the posts at MUNKHEILEH, WADI BAHA and ASEIFERIYEH. Fire was returned and the enemy’s fire got under control in ten minutes. Considerable activity was observed in line of REDOUBTS to E and S.E. of ASEIFERIYEH. A sniper’s post was located on high ground S of WADI BAHA in Sq. Y. 23. and shots were exchanged. The morning patrol was sent to TWO TREE FARM at 1500, and returned without being fired on. Returned to bivouac 1630. 1 OR from Hospital. |
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12th
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0620 for patrol duties in the LS-S. Little enemy movement observed. Returned 1530 without incident. 1 OR to hospital. |
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13th
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 0450, for patrol duties in L.S.S. Returned at 1700 – nothing to report. At 1800, 1 NCO and 8 ORs left bivouac to take up night standing patrol at gap in wire at WADI GHUZZE, S.E. of TEL EL JEMMI. Patrols returned at 0600 without incident. |
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14th
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under Squadron Leader, left bivouac at 0550 for patrol duties in R S-S. Enemy post was observed in a trench, 800 yards S of MAGAM, from Pt 280, but withdrew when patrols were sent in direction of Pt 310, at 1130. Inter-communication patrols were sent at 1130 to 53rd DIV SQDRN POST (D.L.O.Y.) in H22 – nothing to report. Returned, without further incident 1730. 1 OR to hospital. 2nd Lieut SIMMONDS proceeded on 7 days leave. |
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1917 July 15th
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieuts P. LOFTS and F. BUNKER left bivouac at 0620 for patrol duties in RS-S, and also covering a reconnaissance by C.R.A. 52nd DIV. Moving patrols were able to reach MAGAM without being interfered with and pamphlets “The truth about the War” were dropped in conspicuous places. Returned to bivouac 1800. 4 ORs from School of Instruction, ZEITOUN. 3 ORs from hospital. 1 OR to hospital. |
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15th / 16th
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At 2200, 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN and 5 ORs proceeded mounted to MAGAM and found trenches in that neighbourhood “all clear”. The patrol then divided, 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN and 2 ORs proceeded 2000 yards on a bearing 65 degrees from MAGAM, with the object of discovering if the enemy were in the habit of posting night outposts in front of SANA and HAIRPIN REDOUBTS (ref. map. TEL-EL-SHERIA 1/40,000). No sign of enemy was observed, and patrol returned through Squares Z.25 Z.26 Y.24 Y.23 and Y.28 to MENDUR at 0235. The other patrol, Sgt. FOOLKES H. and 2ORs left MAGAM 1115 in a S.E. direction to find out if trenches in J7 and 13 were occupied at night. No sign of the enemy observed. Returned to MENDUR 0300. Flares were sent up at intervals between 0200 and 0300 to assist patrols in their bearings. |
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16th
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops under Sgt MAYER R left bivouac at 0450 for patrol duties in RS-S and were afterwards taken over by the Squadron Leader. Intelligence officer and officers of I.C. Corps made a reconnaissance of the patrol area. A covering patrol for the officers was sent to Pt 310 and then onto MAGAM, and returned without being interfered with. Returned to bivouac 1700. 1 OR to hospital. |
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17th
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Routine. The Hotchkiss guns were fired in WADI GHUZZE, E of the camp, during the morning. 1 OR proceeded on 7 days leave to Cairo. |
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18th |
Routine. The Hotchkiss guns were fired, as yesterday. |
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19th |
Routine. The Squadron went to DEIR EL BELAH for bathing. |
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20th
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieut P. LOFTS, left bivouac at 0620 for patrol duties in LS-S. The patrol returned at 1800, without incident. |
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21st
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0350 for patrol duties in LS-S. At 0805, the remainder of the Squadron left bivouac to carry out a reconnaissance, supported by one section 52nd DIV ARTILLERY, the object being to report on an infantry position running from Y.24 Y.23.A. to NORTH of HILL 265. Under cover of artillery fire, a personal reconnaissance was made by the Squadron Leader, supported by No 4 Troop, without interference. A patrol in Y24 was fired on after the reconnaissance was completed. The Squadron, less the patrol Troops, returned to bivouac at 1400, and Nos 1 + 3 Troops returned 1630, without further incident. 2nd Lieut H.A. WADDINGTON admitted to hospital. 1 OR to hospital. |
War Diary pages for the 22nd July 1917 needs a new image to complete the transcription
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22nd
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieut F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 0550 for patrol duties in the LSS. Artillery registration by the enemy during the afternoon, in neighbourhood of WADI BAHA and HILL 265. Patrol returned to bivouac 1700 without incident. 1 NCO and 8 ORs left bivouac at 1800 to take up night standing patrol on S BANK of WADI SHERIA in Sq. H.9.d. Patrol returned 0900 and reported all clear during the night. 2 ORs to hospital. 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS returned from leave [note: ‘leave’ is assumed as photo cut off at edge] |
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23rd
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No 1 + 3 Troops, under the Squadron Leader and 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0620, for patrol duties in R.S.S. The day post has now been advanced from Pt 280 to H.18.a. Enemy observation post of at least 12 men was located in J.20, central on the banks of WADI IMLEIH. Little enemy activity was observed, and patrols were able to proceed to ERK, and ½ mile E of MAGAM, without being interfered with. 1 NCO + 8 ORs found the usual night standing post in H.9.d., without incident. 1 OR to hospital and 1 OR from hospital. |
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24th
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieuts P. LOFTS and F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 0320, for patrol duties in RS-S. On entering the patrol area, a troop of WELLINGTON MOUNTED RIFLES was found at Pt 310, forming the left of one regiment reconnoitring in direction of SANA REDOUBT. At 1200 WELLINGTON MOUNTED RIFLES became engaged in neighbourhood of ERK, by a force of Turks coming up WADI SHERIA from SANA REDOUBT and were forced to retire. A half-section was despatched to keep in touch with them. Gun post remained in position in observation at MAGAM, and 60 enemy were observed N of WADI SHERIA, on a bearing 133 degrees from a point 200 yards SW of MAGAM. 1 HOTCHKISS GUN was placed at H.11 central, to control trenches SE of MAGAM. At 1430, enemy were observed retiring in direction of HAREIRA. Patrol returned, without further incident at 1630. Owing to artillery registration, the night standing patrol did not take up position until 2000. As soon as it was light, a heavy mist came down + made observation uncertain for an hour. Patrol returned at 0615 without incident. 1 OR to hospital. |
War Diary pages for the 25th July 1917 needs a new image to complete the transcription
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25th
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0550 for patrol duties in the RS-S, and took up observation post at Pt 280. At 1030, a BRIGADE of ANZACS came up from a S.E. direction, and engaged the enemy in neighbourhood of ERK, supported by artillery. Our patrols remained in touch with the ANZACS. At 1045, located reported enemy observation post in Sq. Z.25.C.18. Patrol returned to bivouac at 1700 without further incident. 2nd Lieut H.H. SIMMONDS attached to DIV HQS for [word missing as photo cut off] as A.P.M. |
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26th |
Routine. 4 ORs returned from Imperial School of Instruction, ZEITOUN, and 1 from leave. |
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27th |
Routine. 1 OR to hospital. |
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28th
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On the occasion of the visit to the Right Sub-Sector of the SHEIKH ABBAS SECTOR of the Commander in Chief, E.E.F., GEN. SIR EDMUND ALLENBY, K.C.B., the Squadron were detailed as escort, and at 1000 took up position on a line H.19.d and H.16 the QUEENS OWN ROYAL GLAGOW [sic] YEOMANRY being on our left. The Squadron Leader, with half a troop to act as local escort, met the Commander in Chief, who was accompanied by LIEUT. GEN. SIR P.W. CHETWODE, BT., K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O., commanding EASTERN FORCE and his staff, and MAJOR GEN. SIR H.G. CHAUVEL, K.C.M.G., commanding DESERT COLUMN, and staff at ABU BAKRA at 1100, the Squadron Leader being responsible for the Commander in Chief’s safety during the visit. They accordingly proceeded to WADI SHERIA, in neighbourhood of UM RIJL, and then returned through the gap in the wire in WADI GHUZZE to TEL EL JEMMI, arriving there 1215. The Squadron withdrew at 1230. 3 ORs to Imperial School of Instruction, ZEITOUN, and 3 ORs n leave to Egypt. 2 ORs from hospital. |
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29th
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieuts P. LOFTS and F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 0420 for patrol duties in the L.S-S. At 0930, patrols covered a reconnaissance by G.O.C. 157th Inf. Bde. in this area. Returned to bivouac 1745, without incident. |
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30th
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under the Squadron Leader and 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN ledt bivouac at 0350 for patrol duties in the L.S.-S. At 0930, a reconnaissance was made, under our covering patrols, by the commanding officers 157th Inf. Bde., in this area. Returned to bivouac at 1630 without incident. Voluntary Evening Service in the lines at 1930. 1 OR to hospital. |
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31st July
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieuts P. LOFTS and F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 0550 for patrol duties in the L.S.-S., and covered a reconnaissance by 3 officers, 157th Inf. Bde., in this area. The enemy’s artillery registered during the morning, on a line TWO TREE FARM, WADI SIHAN and ASEIFERIYEH, about 20 shells falling into ASEIFERIYEH without doing any damage to the patrols. Returned to bivouac 1700 without further incident. 1 N.C.O. + 5 ORs left bivouac at 1800 for usual night standing patrol. After clearing WADI SHERIA as far at Pt 280, patrol took up a position 500 yards W of UM RIJL, having sent the horses back through the wire at MENDUR. At 1950, enemy patrol of about 6 men, was observed working round from the South. On being fired on by our patrol, part retired, and part continued to work round on our right flank. Our patrol, accordingly, gradually withdrew, engaging the enemy. Enemy then disappeared, and after reporting to O.C. Infantry at Redoubt, post was taken up 500 yards S. E. of wire without further incident. Mounted patrol at dawn found all clear up to Pt 280. Patrol returned to bivouac at 0615. |
VOLUME No 25
EGYPTIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
WAR DIARY
Unit: “A” Squadron 1/1st Herts Yeo 54th Div
From 1st August To 31st August 1917
Confidential
War Diary
of the
“A” Squadron, 1/1st Herts Yeomanry
54th Division E.E.F.
For the month
of
AUGUST 1917
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1917
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Reference Maps, GAZA-SHELLAL 1/40,000 and SINAI-BEERSHEBA, SHEET NORTH. H-36/E. IV 1/125,000 |
War Diary pages for the 1st August 1917 needs a new image to complete the transcription
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AUG 1st
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0620 fpr patrol duties in the RIGHT SUB-SECTOR (R.S.-S) of the area covered by the Divisional Squadrons, taking up observation posts at Pt 280 and 310 on WADI SHERIA. Communication was established throughout the day with the WELLINGTON MOUNTED RIFLES who were operating S of ERK. ERK and MAGAM were reconnoitred at intervals during the day. Returned to camp at 1700 without incident. Night standing patrol of 1 N.C.O. and 8 ORs left bivouac at 1815 for post in neighbourhood of UM RIJL. Returned 0600 and reported all clear. 1 N.C.O. and 3 ORs also found COSSACK POSITION [note: ‘position’ assumed as text cut off] in WADI GHUZZE, 800 yards S.E. of TEL EL JEMMI, without incident. |
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2nd
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieuts P. LOFTS and F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 0320 for patrol duties in the R.S.-S. ERK and MAGAM were reconnoitred at interval throughout the day and found all clear. Pamphlets entitled “The truth about the War” were dropped in conspicuous places. Returned to bivouac, without incident, at 1630. Usual night standing patrols were found without incident. 1 OR to hospital. |
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3rd |
Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under Capt. V.C. PONSONBY and 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0550 for |
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1917 Aug 3rd contd
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patrol duties in the R.S.-S. and took up the usual observation posts on WADI SHERIA. Troops of the DESERT COLUMN were operating S.E. of ERK, supported by artillery, against the enemy in neighbourhood of SANA REDOUBT. Returned without incident at 1700. 1 OR returned from hospital. 1 OR proceeded on leave in Egypt. |
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4th |
ROUTINE. 2 ORs proceeded on leave in Egypt. |
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5th
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“ The Squadron spent the morning at DEIR EL BELAH, bathing. A voluntary Church Service was held in the evening. 1 OR to hospital. 3 ORs returned from leave in Egypt. |
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6th |
ROUTINE. |
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7th
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under 2nd Lieuts P. LOFTS and F. BUNKER, left bivouac at 0420 for patrol duties on the LEFT SUB-SECTOR (L.S.-S) of the area covered by the Divisional Squadrons, namely the line TWO TREE FARM, ASEIFERIYEH, and MUNKHEILEH. No enemy movement observed during the day. Returned to bivouac 1800. 4 ORs proceeded to Imperial School of Instruction, ZEITOUN. |
War Diary pages for the 8th August 1917 needs a new image to complete the transcription
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8th
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under Capt V.C. PONSONBY and 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0350 for patrol duties in the L.S.-S. At 1330, in order to cover a reconnaissance by BRIG-GEN. POLLOK MCCALLS in neighbourhood of TWO TREE FARM, two strong sections, supported by Hotchkiss Guns, were sent to clear the area. The advanced points of the section in WADI [query: text cut off?] |
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1917 Aug 9th
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under Capt V.C. PONSONBY and 2nd Lieut P. LOFTS, left bivouac at 0550 for patrol duties in the L.S.-S. An officer’s patrol left ASEIFERIYEH at 1130 to reconnoitre TWO TREE FARM, in which movement had been reported. On turning towards WADI SIHAN from BARLEY RIDGE the patrol came under hot fire from WADI ATAWINEH, one horse being slightly wounded. The Artillery Observation Post after reported 30 men, dismounted, leaving the WADI in direction of ATAWINEH REDOUBT on being shelled by our artillery. At 1530, the Commanding Officers 156th Inf Bde arrived to reconnoitre the line Y.23.a. HILL 265 and VALE OF DEAD HORSE. Our covering patrol was fired on from enemy trenches in Z.7.c. to which we replied with Hotchkiss Gun from VALE OF DEAD HORSE WADI. The reconnaissance was completed without incident and patrols returned to bivouac 1945. Usual night standing patrols were found without incident. 1 OR to hospital. |
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10th
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0620 for patrol duties in the R.S.-S. No enemy movement observed during the day. Returned to bivouac 1730. Usual night standing patrols found without incident. 1 OR to hospital. 1 OR from hospital. |
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11th
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Nos 2 +4 Troops, under Capt. V.C. PONSONBY, left bivouac at 0710 for patrol duties in the R.S.-S. Returned to bivouac at 1430 without incident. According to 52nd DIV Order No 67, dated 7/8/17, The Squadron, under Capt V.C. PONSONBY |
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1917 Aug 11th contd
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at MENDUR 0245, where the horses were taken over. Returned to Camp 0330. No 1 Troop, having returned independently at 0315. Owing to enemy escaping down a small WADI, very few were accounted for, but considerable damage was done to the REDOUBT. All ranks wore a 3” white cloth band round each arm, and a 5” white cloth triangle on back of tunic for identification purposes. Capt. R. ABEL SMITH, having arrived from ENGLAND, assumed Command of the Squadron. 1 OR from hospital. 3 ORs proceeded on leave to Egypt. 2 ORs proceeded to Imperial School of Instruction, ZEITOUN. |
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12th
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under the Squadron Leader and 2nd Lieut P. LOFTS, left bivouac at 0750 for patrol duties in the R.S.-S., being relieved at 1200 by Nos 1 + 3 Troops. Small enemy working parties observed in SANA REDOUBT. Returned to bivouac 1600 without incident. 5 ORs returned from Imperial School of Instruction, ZEITOUN. 3 ORs returned from leave. 2 ORs to hospital. A voluntary church service was held in the lines at 1930. |
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13th |
Routine. 1 OR to hospital. |
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14th
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“ Special order of the day issued by Lieut. General, Sir P.W. CHETWODE, BT., K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O., on relinquishing his command of EASTERN FORCE. EASTERN FORCE, having ceased to exist, the 54th Division will comprise part of the XXIst Corps. |
War Diary pages for the 15th to 19th August inc need new images to complete the transcription
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1917 Aug 20th
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1 NCO + 5 ORs left bivouac at 0420 for patrol duties in the R.S.-S. returning at 1700 – nothing to report. Night standing patrols found as usual without incident. 1 OR to hospital. 5 ORs proceeded on leave to Egypt. |
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21st
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1 NCO + 5 ORs left bivouac at 0620 for patrol duties in the R.S.-S. Returned at 1800 without incident. 1 OR to hospital. |
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22nd
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Owing to 74th Div Squadron, (1/2nd COUNTY OF LONDON YEO) leaving this area, this Squadron had to forfeit the usual three days’ rest. Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under the Squadron Leader and Capt V.C. PONSONBY left bivouac at 0420 for patrol duties in the L.S.-S. Returned to Camp at 1545 without incident. |
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23rd
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under Capt V.C. PONSONBY and 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0420 for patrol duties in the L.S.-S., returning at 1700 – nothing to report. 1 OR to hospital. |
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24th
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Nos 2 + 4 Troops, under Capt V.C. PONSONBY and 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left camp at 0550 for patrol duties in the L.S.-S. Returned to bivouac at 1715, without incident. 1 OR to hospital. 1 OR to Imperial School of Instruction, ZEITOUN, as a candidate for R.F.C. Commission. |
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1917 Aug 25th
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Routine. 2nd Lieut E.C. DEAKIN, DUKE OF LANCASTER’S OWN YEOMANRY, posted for duty with this Squadron, and posted to No 4 Troop. 2 ORs to hospital. |
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26th
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The XXIst Corps Cavalry Regiment (consisting of DUKE OF LANCSTER’S OWN YEOMANRY (“A” Sqdrn), QUEENS OWN ROYAL GLASGOW YEO (“C” Squadr0n), and HERTS YEO) As the GLASGOW YEO paraded at 0615 E of the Camp. MAJOR-GENERAL SMITH, G-O-C, 52nd DIV, visited the lines at 1030. A voluntary Church service was held in the lines at 1930. |
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27th
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The XXIst Corps Commander, LIEUT-GEN E.F. BULFIN, C.V.O., C.B., inspected the Squadron on parade at 1600, and also in tactical work in conjunction with D.L.O.Y., and at the finish he expressed his great satisfaction with the turn-out of both men and horses. 2nd Lieut W.H. NICHOLLS, HERTS YEOMANRY, posted for duty with his Squadron, and posted to No 3 Troop. |
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28th
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1 NCO and 5 ORs left bivouac at 0420 for patrol duties in the R.S.-S. Returned at 1600 without incident. 1 NCO and 8 ORs found usual night standing patrol at UM RIJL – nothing to report. Night standing patrol at WADI GHUZZE now increased to 1 NCO and 12 ORs. ORs returned from leave in Egypt. |
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1917 Aug 29th
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1 NCO + 4 ORs left bivouac at 0550 for patrol duties in the R.S.-S. Returned to bivouac 1800 – nothing to report. Night standing patrols found as usual without incident. 1 OR to hospital. 5 ORs to Egypt on leave. |
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30th
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1 NCO + 4 ORs left bivouac 0645 for patrol duties in the R.S.-S. Returned to bivouac 1815 without incident. 1 OR to hospital. |
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31st
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Nos 1 + 3 Troops, under Capt V.C. PONSONBY and 2nd Lieut C. NEWMAN, left bivouac at 0415 for patrol duties in the L.S.-S. No enemy movement observed and patrol returned to bivouac 1600. 2 ORs to hospital. |
We need to check that there are no further entries post 31st August 1917