THE GREAT ADVANCE OF 1918.
So well had the secret of the great operations, that were in view by the
Commander-in-Chief, been kept, that no one in the Squadron had any idea of
a general attack being in contemplation. It was, in fact, not until the day
that the Squadron was ordered to strike camp, that any officer or man
(except perhaps the officer commanding), became aware that a serious
movement was about to take place! An attack at any time would not, of
course, have been entirely unexpected, as we were always prepared for
something of the kind, but on this occasion the rumours that usually
precede operations of importance were entirely absent--although the number
of tactical schemes recently practised should have indicated that some
particular purpose was in view.
At 18.00 on September 17th, the Squadron paraded in full marching order,
and moved off, leaving all tents and buildings standing. _We never returned
to those quarters!_
The strength of the Squadron at this time was six officers, 212 O.R.'s, 181
riding horses, 80 draft mules, 43 pack animals. So far as can be
ascertained now, the following were the officers and N.C.O.'s:--
_Headquarters:_
Major L.F. St. John Davies, M.C.
Capt. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C.
S.S.M. Fleet, M.M.
S.Q.M.S. Fisher.
Farr.-Staff-Sergt. Robertson.
Sergt. Conuel (Transport).
Sergt. Ramsay (Orderly Room).
S.S.-Corpl. Anderson.
Sig.-Corpl. Foster.
Saddler-Corpl. Mellett.
_"No. 1" Section:_
Sec-Lieut. J.W. Cummer.
_"A" Sub-section:_ _"C" Sub-section:_
Sergt. Larwood, D.C.M. Sergt. Roberts.
Corpl. Rouse. Corpl. Gage.
Lance-Corpl. Holt. Lance-Corpl. Rose.
" Moverley. " Sneddon.
_"No. 2" Section:_
Lieut. A.O.W. Kindell.
_"B" Sub-section:_ _"D" Sub-section:_
Sergt. Hazlehurst. Sergt. Salter.
Lance-Corpl. Lawson. Lance-Corpl. Fox.
" Stokes. " Fuller.
Corpl. Pearse.
_"No. 3" Section:_
Lieut. A.G.P. Millman.
Sec.-Lieut. J.K.W. Arden.
_"E" Sub-section:_ _"F" Sub-section:_
Sergt. Potts. Sergt. Grice, M.M.
Corpl. Thompson. Corpl. Keetley.
Lance-Corpl. Pountain. Lance-Corpl. Buckingham.
" Woodhouse. " Patterson.
The route taken was familiar to everyone. Passing Rishon-le-Zion (Ayun
Kara) the Squadron came upon its old friend the Jaffa Road, thence, past
Yazur to Sarona, by exactly the same way as was taken in the previous May.
Bearing to the left, past the village, we arrived at Summeil and the camp
south of the River Auja, where Sec.-Lieut. Arden, who had been sent on in
advance to take over the Squadron area, showed us our position in the camp.
Arriving at dusk the whole Brigade (horses, wagons and men), were hidden
in orange groves; it was certainly not an easy task to fit everything up in
the dark, the avenues between the trees being narrow and in most places
only allowing horses to be led in single file.
The orders for the morrow (equally unenlightening) were to the effect that
no unnecessary movement was to take place, and that no one, on any account,
_was to go outside the groves_; the horses were to be watered at stated
hours from the stone gullies used by the natives for the irrigation of the
plantations; no fires were allowed; and all cooking was to be done with the
methylated spirit blocks which were issued out for the purpose.
The daytime was passed without incident, but 18.30 found the Brigade
paraded outside the groves ready to march at dusk. Crossing the Auja by the
wooden bridge, and proceeding stealthily along the sea shore, below the
cliffs, about five miles to west of El Jelil, it halted in "column of
troops," off-saddled, watered from a trough, supplied by water from a well
dug beside it, "linked" horses and laid down on the sand to get some sleep.
It may be imagined that by this time everyone was wondering what the next
day would bring forth!
ADVANCE TO LIKTERA (EL HUDEIRA).
Before daylight we were saddled up and "standing to"--a vigorous
bombardment of the Turkish trenches (which we had been told the previous
night to expect) was in full swing. Suddenly, it stopped! Who was there
among us who did not think of the part the infantry were then playing, and
upon whose successful attack so much was to depend?
When would orders arrive for us, on the beach, to move? Patiently waiting
and expecting, nothing however came! Suddenly at 07.00, the troops in front
were seen mounting, and at length the surprising order came through to us
that the entire Division was _to make its way to Nazareth_--quite 50 miles
behind the enemy's line, as the crow flies!
The 13th Brigade, being on the sands in front of the 14th, was to lead this
movement. The Poona Horse were to be the leading regiment of the 14th, with
ourselves (the 20TH MACHINE-GUN SQUADRON) immediately behind them.
"GET BACK OUR GUNS".
Upon advancing a short way up the coast, we reached what had been the
British front line, and evidences of the morning's action were to be seen,
as here and there several dead men and mules were lying about. As we passed
by this spot, an officer of an Infantry Machine-Gun Company called out to
us: "Good luck, get us back our guns. They raided us this morning and
captured two!"
A few yards further on, the old Turkish line was reached and a number of
killed and wounded Turks and animals were to be seen here also.
Right along the coast we went, "without let or hindrance," the high cliffs
affording us protection from the few shells coming over, nearly all of
which fell into the sea. The pace was killing, and the sand and rocks made
it heavy going for the horses. They were very fit though, thanks to the
hard training they had had at Deiran!
Still proceeding northward, about six miles along the coast, the cliffs
suddenly gave way to flatter ground; here we turned inland in a
north-easterly direction. Reports reached us that about 200 enemy infantry
(with transport) were in a wood on our right flank. "No. 1" Section and one
squadron of Poona Horse were detailed as "flank guard" to prevent the enemy
leaving the wood until the Brigade had passed by. The flank guard, however,
were instructed not to trouble to dispose of this small party, as bigger
"fish" were in view.
At 11.30 the Brigade had reached the Nahr Iskanderun. After crossing slowly
by two small, very shaky, bridges, units hurriedly watered here,
independently, by means of buckets, the banks of the stream being very
steep. The country now became delightful, cultivated, everywhere, with
orange groves and gardens. At 12.30 the Brigade, winding its way through
the groves, came out into the pretty little Village of Liktera (a Jewish
settlement called by them Hudeira), 26 miles from the starting point. The
inhabitants were overjoyed to see us, and as a halt was made here, and
horses off-saddled and fed, they soon made us at home with gifts of bread,
eggs and milk, refusing to take any payment therefor.
Until the inhabitants had seen the head of our Division, about a mile off,
they had not the slightest idea that there had even been a British attack!
They were particularly anxious to know how the people were faring in such
villages as Mulebbis, and other places, south of our old line, where they
had friends and relatives. As indicative that our advance was carried out
with speed and secrecy--while we were resting here, _a Boche motor lorry
arrived_! The driver, being unaware of anything unusual, drove quietly
into the town; he nearly fell off his seat when he was suddenly surrounded
by British troops! This lorry proved to be the advance guard of several
more, all of which were, of course, captured.
CAPTURE OF EL FULE.
After a sleep in the afternoon (what a luxury for the first day of a
"stunt!") and tea, the Brigade saddled up and moved off at 18.00, just
before dark. What a cheery crowd it was! But they had "some" march in front
of them, the object being the capture of Nazareth and the cutting of the
Turk's principal line of communication, _which would isolate practically
the whole of his army west of the Jordan_! Just outside the village, two
large marquees--a German Field Ambulance--hurriedly evacuated, were passed.
Earlier in the day an officer of the 13th Brigade had found an untasted
breakfast here, for which he had much reason to be thankful!
[Illustration]
Further on, the track taken (the main route being avoided) proved very
bad, and in many places the whole division had to proceed in "single file".
In some places, also, horses were led. The natives, who had gathered upon
the road-side from the villages which we passed, stood silently watching
us. They must have been amazed, and the troops must have appeared to them
veritable "ghosts of the night". At 23.30 a halt of 30 minutes was made, at
a small village, and horses fed. In the early hours of the morning many
horses, belonging to the forward part of the column, were passed by the
wayside. They were completely "done". No doubt they were, in some cases,
able, later on, to join up, but in their present state their riders had
taken their saddles off and had lain down beside them, to sleep. For the
moment these men had nothing further to do, but they must have run a
serious risk from hostile natives when the Brigade had passed by. At 04.00
the next morning we emerged upon the open Plain of Esdraelon.[20]
FOOTNOTES:
[20] _The Plain of Esdraelon stretches across Central Palestine, and
has an average width of about 10 miles. It forms a wide break between
the Mountains of Galilee on the north and those of Samaria on the
south. It has always been a great battlefield; in the Bible it is
called the Plain of Jezreel; see Judges iv, 3, v, 21, vi, 1; I Sam.
xxix, xxxi; I Kings xx, 25; Josh. xvii, 16._
A GREAT MOVE!
Now was to take place an interesting development in the operations. With
Nazareth within fairly close reach, our objective was at hand. We formed up
as quickly as possible in "Line of troop column," and then moved along the
plain to the east, heading slightly towards the north, gradually nearing
the north side as we proceeded forward. The objective for the 14th Brigade
was to cut the main road to Nazareth from the south, thus cutting off all
communication between the Turkish General Headquarters at Nazareth and
their line, which ran across the country from Arsuf to the north of the
Dead Sea. The 13th Brigade, which, it will be remembered, up to this point
had been the leading one, after forming up, made for the hills on the other
side of the plain, and, reaching them, turned to the east, towards their
objective which was _the Turkish General Headquarters at Nazareth_!
The "going" on the plain was very bad, especially in the dark, the ground
being a network of cracks and covered with a species of tall needle-grass,
the latter making it very painful for the horses, whilst the former,
continually giving way under their weight made the risk of broken legs a
real one. Fortunately, however, no serious accidents took place. What
wonderful creatures horses are! Those who were on that trek could not fail
to realise it, if they had never done so before! As time went on and the
goal was still not reached, it seemed that they _must_ drop at any minute,
_but still they kept on_, never faltering! A few dropped out, it is true,
but they were a very small percentage of the whole. What courage and
endurance they showed, to carry a weight of (say) 18 stone, _50 miles in 24
hours_ over the worst country imaginable!
About half way across the plain, the railway to Haifa was "cut," and,
pushing on, there were still some miles to go when day began to break. Many
thought they would now be "in for" a hot time, and expected guns to open
upon them from all sides.
But the Turk was still quite ignorant of our presence. In any case he was
not prepared for an attack at that distance behind his line! When it became
fully light the 13th Brigade could be seen on the top of the ridge on the
left moving parallel with us, and, in front of us, there was Mount
Tabor[21] which served as a "guide" for direction. At 05.30 enemy motor
lorries were seen crossing our front going towards Nazareth. We opened fire
upon them but they did not stop.
Proceeding up the hill, they discovered that our 13th Brigade troops were
on the top, when they stopped about half way up and opened fire with
machine-guns. Upon this our "No. 2" Section came up and "peppered" them.
One lorry caught fire and after a short time the occupants of the convoy,
trying to escape up the hill, were captured by the 13th Brigade. Shortly
after this incident, Turkish troops were seen marching up the road towards
us, but a squadron from the Sherwood Rangers and Deccan Horse with our "No.
3" Section quickly caused them to be quite in a hurry to surrender.
FOOTNOTES:
[21] _Mount Tabor rather resembles a sugar-loaf in shape, flattened at
the top; its height from the plain is about 1,500 feet. It was here
that Deborah commanded Barak to muster his army: "So Barak went down
from Mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. And the Lord
discomfited Sisera and all his chariots and all his host, with the edge
of the sword before Barak". (Judges iv, 14, 15). See also Judges viii,
18; Psalms xxxix, 12; Jer. xlvi, 18. The Crusaders built a church and a
monastery on Mount Tabor; they were destroyed in 1187 and the ruins
still remain. In 1255 the Knights of St. John held it but lost it in
1263 to Bibars._
THE ENEMY PANIC-STRICKEN.
From a small rise could be seen, looking down the road, a large camp and El
Fule railway station with trucks, carriages and engines, also large dumps
of material. Everywhere, crowds of enemy troops were to be seen rushing
about; apparently in a state of great panic. In these circumstances a
squadron of the Deccan Horse went down to "look into things" and after
"dealing" with a few of the excitable "Johnnies" the remainder surrendered.
About 900 prisoners were taken that morning. Later on in the day the
Brigade moved down to the station and encamped, the horses being watered
from a trough which was discovered about a mile along the railway.[22]
Here, there was found a large quantity of stores of all descriptions,
including Turkish cigarettes, which were not refused as a ration on such an
occasion. The capture of El Fule released an R.A.F. pilot, who, having to
land in consequence of engine trouble that morning, had been taken prisoner
by some Austrian gunners who, with their horses only, were retreating. They
were anxious to know which way the British were coming, in order to decide
which road they should take. Of course they did not learn anything, but
fortunately came along this road and thus fell into our hands.
Here it might be mentioned that the work of the R.A.F. was truly wonderful.
Prior to the "stunt," in order to ensure that the enemy should not be aware
of the massing of our cavalry just before the attack and their subsequent
movements after the infantry had broken through, they flew continually over
the enemy aerodromes and prevented enemy airmen from rising. Perhaps it
should be said they rather tempted them to do so, but--they never did!
Consequently, on the day of our attack, the enemy had no information at all
of what was happening, as his planes were on the ground and remained there
until they were either burnt or captured. They certainly would not rise! At
El Fule a very large aerodrome had been established, and a large collection
of enemy machines was found there. It was not long before these were joined
by some of our own which arrived almost as soon as it had been taken.
During the day the 13th Brigade had been dealing with Nazareth, and that
night our Brigade slept at El Fule. Next morning we were to go southwards
to Jenin (which might or might not have been captured), and clear the
intervening country.
FOOTNOTES:
[22] _About a mile south of the site of the present station at El Fule
was the scene of a great battle between the French and the Turks, on
April 16th 1799, called the Battle of Mount Tabor. Kleber with about
1,500 men kept 25,000 Syrians at bay; he was almost defeated when
Napoleon with 600 men arrived. The Turks, thinking a large army was
upon them, fled. Here also are ruins of a church of the Crusaders,
destroyed by Saladin._
JENIN[23] CROWDED WITH ABANDONED MATERIAL.
With this end somewhat in view, Lieut. Kindell was ordered to fix up two
machine-guns in a captured Boche motor-car, and, acting as left "flank
guard" to the Brigade, was directed to go to Jenin by a road running
parallel to, and on the left of, the one to be taken by the Brigade. When
fitted up the car looked quite formidable. Lance-Corpls. Fox and Fuller and
Ptes. Boak (with signal flags) and Franklin accompanied him. The driver of
the Brigade car was lent for this special occasion.
After re-filling with German petrol in the morning, they started off upon
their journey. They soon came up with all kinds of derelict enemy transport
and Turkish stragglers coming in. At one point ahead, could be seen a crowd
of people (which proved to be natives) around some deserted enemy motor
lorries. A troop of "S.R.Y." (detached from the Brigade for the purpose),
came galloping over, but, as already stated, they proved to be only
villagers looking about for some "plunder," and they were soon sent about
their business. Further on Lieut. Kindell's car was joined by two other
cars of the "Light Car Patrol" each with a machine-gun, so that the party
now consisted of three cars with four guns.
On arriving at Jenin they found the streets simply choked with abandoned
Turkish transport. It was only by moving each wagon aside by hand that
they were able to proceed through the town and meet the Brigade before it
arrived there on the other side; the cars were then sent off again on a
patrol. Unfortunately, upon returning through the town, the driver of our
car, on turning a corner, ran into the pole of a wagon, and broke the
radiator. Such was the end of the Squadron "armoured" car, much to the
disappointment of the occupants, who were just beginning to enjoy their
novel experience.
It should be stated that the town of Jenin, together with a very large
number of prisoners, had been captured the previous night by the
Australians. Here, too, was an aerodrome and several burnt enemy
planes--more evidence of the splendid work of the R.A.F.
Our Brigade remained in the Jenin area until evening, when, having watered,
we went back along the El Fule road towards Nazareth and about half way,
bore off to the right, encamping upon the hills south-east of El Fule and
south of the El Fule-Beisan Road. The next morning (22nd September), we
moved down the hills northwards and camped just south of the Beisan Road,
near water. The day was spent in a well-earned rest.
The transport arrived at the camp complete, and allowed of forage and
rations being replenished. How it had been able to come through the enemy
country by roads suitable for transport without being attacked, remained a
mystery to those who do not know the circumstances! During the day
thousands of Turkish and German prisoners were marched along the road from
Beisan, usually in the charge of only a few mounted men.
FOOTNOTES:
[23] _Josh xix, 21, xxi, 29._
ON TO HAIFA AND ACRE!
The next day (September 23rd), everything having been cleared up in this
district, the Division set out for Haifa and Acre on the coast. A glance at
the map will show that these towns are about 12 miles distant from each
other, both being about 23 miles from Nazareth--there being two separate
roads. The northern road to Acre was taken by the 13th Brigade and the
southern to Haifa by the 15th and 14th. As regards our Squadron the first
part of the journey to Haifa was just in the nature of a "route march,"
although the pace ridden was fast at times. The 15th Brigade was the
leading one and the 13th Brigade as stated above made straight to Acre from
Nazareth. Passing through El Fule the 15th and 14th followed the railway
for some distance, then bearing off to the right they joined the main road
from Nazareth to Haifa along the hills bordering the plain.
From Sheikh Abreik[24]--the highest point on the road--the sea could be
seen in the distance, a beautiful blue, whilst a refreshing breeze met the
face. A short distance further on, a halt was made. During this the sound
of guns was heard in the distance from the direction of the sea. No
opposition having been expected, all sorts of reports came down the column
concerning the cause of the firing, such as--
(1) British destroyers in the bay have mistaken the 15th Brigade for the
enemy!
(2) The enemy have got a naval gun with which they are shelling the head of
the column!
But all rumours proved to be false. What _was_ really happening was the
Turkish garrison at Haifa (about 1,000 strong) with field and machine-guns
were defending the town against our advance--a hopeless affair, considering
that they were entirely cut off, without any chance of obtaining supplies
or reinforcements.
FOOTNOTES:
[24] _In the days of the Romans Sheikh Abreik was the headquarters of a
Tribune._
CAPTURE OF HAIFA BY THE 15TH BRIGADE.
The Sherwood Rangers went to the assistance of the 15th Brigade which
really had a very difficult task, as the plain before Haifa was, in many
places, boggy and almost impassable; in addition there were many streams
flowing across it. The main road to Haifa runs right along the foot of
Mount Carmel[25] on the left of the plain, and bordering it. It was here
that the enemy had established themselves, covering every part of the
ground with their guns. With great dash, however, the 15th Brigade galloped
the enemy positions, and within a short time had captured the town! Much to
everybody's regret, the son of General Sir Pertab Singh was killed during
this attack. His loss was much regretted by his comrades, and all who knew
him.
While this action was taking place, we (the 14th Brigade) descended the
hill from Sheikh Abreik, crossed a bridge, which was at a great height over
the river Kishon[26], and, turning to the right off the road, dismounted
and watered from it with buckets. It was here that, owing to over-keenness
on the part of two horses in the Squadron, they broke away, and, trying to
drink from the river, fell in! Fortunately both were rescued, but not
without great difficulty. Meanwhile, shelling was going on; luckily the
shells all fell short of us, although having descended the hill, as
mentioned, we had attracted the attention of the Turkish gunners. Later on
in the day we moved into Haifa[27] along the road which had been the scene
of the action. Passing the results of the work of the 15th Brigade and of
the "S.R.Y." which, to judge from the numbers of killed and wounded along
the road (which were being dealt with by the Cavalry Field Ambulance), must
have been of a very strenuous character, we at length encamped upon the
sea-shore, under date palms, within a mile north of the town! The distance
covered that day was 25 miles.
The 13th Brigade, meantime, had captured Acre[28] on the north, after only
slight opposition, yet it had effected, within a few hours, the feat which
Napoleon had entirely failed to accomplish after a siege of 60 days!
Incidentally, it may be mentioned, that heaps of his cannon-balls were
found at Haifa.
The next morning (24th), our men and horses bathed in the sea! A short
distance out, underwater, it was found that barbed wire had been fixed.
This the Turks had evidently placed in position with the object of
preventing a landing _from the sea_. These entanglements, however, in no
way impeded the bathing as they could easily be seen in the clear water.
Our troops were also allowed to visit the town, which was found to be very
interesting; there being many modern houses, it was, in several respects,
superior to any town we had previously visited in the interior. It is not
too much to say that many of the inhabitants were delighted to see the
British. They even said that they had expected us the previous year!
FOOTNOTES:
[25] _Mount Carmel extends from the sea coast at Haifa, inland 15
miles, in a south-easterly direction, thus forming a separating ridge
between the Plains of Sharon and Esdraelon. Its height is about 500
feet at the sea, and 1,800 feet at its inland extremity. The mountain
has always been associated with the name of the Prophet Elijah. It was
here that he was said to have sought shelter when Ahab was seeking his
life. A monastery stands over what is thought was the spot, and was
used as a hospital for the wounded when Napoleon was besieging Acre.
After his withdrawal it was destroyed by the Turks and afterwards
re-built through the energy of a monk who travelled and begged for 14
years to obtain funds for the present building. The Biblical references
to the mountain are: Josh. xix, 26; Deut. xiv, 5; I Kings iv, 23,
xviii, 13; Isa. xxxv, 2, lv, 12, xxxiii, 9; Amos i, 2; Song of Solomon
vii, 5; Micah vii, 14._
[26] _See Judges iv, 13, and v, 21._
[27] _Haifa is notorious on account of its associations with Mount
Carmel. The Latin Carmelites reached Haifa in A.D. 1170 and St. Simon
Stock, from Kent, was their general in A.D. 1245. They were massacred
by the Egyptians in 1291 but regained power in the middle of the
Sixteenth Century._
[28] _There is only one reference to Acre in the Old Testament (Judges
i, 31), and one in the New Testament (Acts xxi, 7), under the name of
Ptolemais. It was taken by the Crusaders in A.D. 1102, and held till
1187, as a port of the Kings of Jerusalem. After a siege it was
re-taken from Saladin in 1191, and held for a century. It was here that
the Knights of St. John, after they had been driven from every other
part of Palestine, prolonged for forty-three days their gallant
resistance to the Sultan of Egypt and his immense host; 60,000
Christians were on that occasion slain or sold as slaves. Napoleon
besieged Acre in 1799, but was prevented from taking it by the British
under Sir William Sidney Smith. It was bombarded in 1840, by British
and Turkish Fleets, when an explosion of a magazine destroyed the
town._
CAPTURE OF DAMASCUS.[29]
After another day spent at Haifa, back again the Division went (leaving the
"S.R.Y." as a garrison), along the same road by which they had come, as
far as the top of the hill above the river. Here we branched off to the
left through Beit Lahm (a German colony), and Seffurie to Kefr Kenna, four
miles north-east of Nazareth on the Tiberias Road, said to be the "Cana of
Galilee" where the water was turned into wine[30]. The latter part of the
road was very narrow and rocky, being in parts merely a goat-track. Our
animals had no water that day--it being quite unobtainable in spite of
previous advices.
At 02.00 the next morning (September 26th) the Division started for
Tiberias[31]. "No. 1" Section going with the advance guard, the remainder
of the Squadron following the Deccan Horse. The 14th Brigade reached the
shores of Lake Tiberias[32] (Sea of Galilee) just north of the town at
08.30 and halted until 12.00 to allow the Australian Mounted Division to
pass through on their way towards Damascus. Here, horses were "off-saddled"
and watered twice during the halt, the water being quite fresh and clear.
Being upon the shore, which was gently shelving, they were able to walk in
and drink to their hearts' content. A number of men also took the
opportunity to bathe; it was fairly hot, being 680 feet below the level of
the sea.
The River Jordan runs right through the lake, and it is interesting to know
now that this point was 64 miles (as the crow flies), up the river from the
site of the late Squadron camp when it was previously in the Jordan Valley.
It was reported to us that the 4th Division had had tough work in the
streets of Tiberias in order to capture it. They had now gone round the
southern shores of the lake and joined forces with the Sherifian Troops,
who had been harassing the enemy's Fourth Army east of the Jordan and were
now pursuing them northwards. Practically the whole of the Turkish Seventh
and Eighth Armies, which previously held the line west of the Jordan, had
now been accounted for.
At 12.00 we continued the advance along the shores of the lake through
pleasant, cultivated country, to the north-west corner; then northward, for
about six miles, and down an avenue of trees, past the pretty little Jewish
village of Jataine.
The Australians, in front, were held up at Kusa Atra on the Jordan by
artillery and machine-guns at the bridge, which the enemy had destroyed.
That night the 14th Brigade encamped within two miles of this bridge,
having marched over 30 miles that day. Early the next morning (September
28th) the Australians crossed the river by the ford, and "scuppered" the
party which had been holding them up, but, unfortunately, with the loss of
a few of their number. The 14th Brigade accordingly moved down to the river
at 09.00 and watered, and at 15.00 crossed by the bridge which had, by
then, been repaired by the Royal Engineers ("No. 2" Section with advance
guard fording), and continued north-easterly along what would have been a
good road with the help of a steam roller (but at present was the reverse,
owing to the large stones put down not being rolled in), to Kuneitra (14
miles by the map but actually hardly less than 20), arriving 23.00.
FOOTNOTES:
[29] _Damascus is a very ancient city, and existed even in the time of
Abraham. The story that it was here that Cain killed Abel is alluded to
by Shakespeare (I King Henry VI, I, 3). While other cities of the East,
which were at one time of equal importance, now mostly exist as mounds
in the desert, Damascus is still what it was--the capital of Syria.
The following are some of the numerous Biblical references to Damascus:
Gen. xiv, 15; II Sam. viii, 5 ("David slew of the Syrians two and
twenty thousand men"); II Kings vi, vii, viii, xiii, xiv, xv, xvi; I
Chron. xviii, 5 (accounts of battles between the Kings of Judah and
Israel and the Kings of Damascus); Isa. xvii; Amos i, 3; Jer. xlix, 23
(prophetical).
St. Paul was converted on his way to Damascus (Acts ix) in which
connection see also II Cor. xi, 32 and Acts ix.
In A.D. 1860 a frightful massacre of Christians took place here. By
nightfall on July 9th of that year the whole of the Christian Quarter
was in flames, the water supply cut off and the inhabitants hemmed in
by a circle of steel. As night advanced fresh marauders entered the
city and joined the furious mob of fanatics, who now, tired of plunder,
began to cry out for blood. All through that awful night and the whole
of the following day, the pitiless massacre went on. It is probable
that not a Christian would have remained alive but for the untiring
energy of Abd-el-Kader (himself a Mohammedan of great renown, but a
just man) with his faithful Algerines, who, in 1847, mustering only
2,500 men had completely defeated the army of the Emperor of Morocco
60,000 strong.
Abd-el-Kader at once set to work rescuing the Christians. Hundreds were
escorted to his house, fed, comforted and forwarded to the castle,
where, finally, nearly 12,000 were collected. Many also reached the
British Consulate. The Mohammedans, furious at being baulked of their
prey, turned their attentions to Abd-el-Kader, who, however, charged
into their midst and said: "Wretches! is this the way you honour the
Prophet!... You think you may do as you please with the Christians, but
the day of retribution will come. Not a Christian will I give up, they
are my brothers. Stand back or I will give my men the order to fire".
Not a man among them dared to raise a voice against the renowned
champion of Islam, and the crowd dispersed. British and French
intervention prevented a general massacre throughout Syria, and as a
result of European pressure an enquiry was held on the Damascus
outrage, with the result that the Military Governor of that city, three
Turkish officers and 117 individuals were shot. In addition about 400
of the lower class and 11 notables were condemned to imprisonment or
exile and £200,000 was proposed to be levied on the city. This was all
that could be obtained to the Christian community for a loss of 6,000
of their lives, 20,000 rendered homeless, and damage to their property
of at least £2,000,000._
[30] _See John ii, 1; also iv, 46, i, 47 and xxi, 2._
[31] _Tiberias was built by the Romans in A.D. 20. It is only once
mentioned in the Bible (John vi, 23). The modern town is much smaller
than was the ancient one. In 1837, half the population perished by a
great earthquake._
[32] _Lake Tiberias in the Old Testament was called the "Sea of
Chinnereth," and the "Sea of Chinneroth" (Numb. xxxiv, 11; Deut. iii,
17; Josh. xii, 3, xix, 35).
In the New Testament, in addition to the names in the text above, it is
called the "Lake of Gennesaret" from the plains of that name on its
north-western shore.
In the vicinity of the lake our Lord spent the larger portion of his
life, thus we find it continually mentioned throughout the four
Gospels. Some of the references are: Matt. iv, 13, viii, 24, 28, xiii,
1, xiv, 25, xvii, 27; John vi, 1, xxi; Luke v, 1. At that time other
towns stood upon its shores, including Capernaum and Bethsaida.
The lake is nearly seven miles across at its greatest width and its
extreme length is just over 12 miles._
TWO SNIPERS SHOT.
The next day we rested. Troops having been sniped at by natives, a party
from the Squadron was detailed to make an example of two offenders who had
been caught "red-handed". They were taken back to their village, and after
their crime had been publicly announced by an interpreter to the chief of
the tribe and the inhabitants, they were shot by the firing party. At 18.00
the Brigade moved off through the village along the main Damascus Road.
About nine miles out they were brought to a halt, as the Australians in
front were "held up". Later, they cleared the way, however, and we moved on
again at 04.30. A halt of half an hour was made at 07.00 to water in the
Nahr Mughaniye, after which part of the distance was covered at the trot.
At 11.30 the head of the column reached Khan-esh-Shiha, 14 miles south-east
of Damascus.
The enemy was seen on the Deraa Road, eight miles to the east, retreating
northward, evidently being chased by the 4th Division and Hedjaz troops
(Sherifians). It was reported by aeroplanes that the enemy force numbered
about 3,000, and the 14th Brigade (less the one regiment left at Haifa),
was allotted the task of cutting them off.
ALL SECTIONS DO GOOD EXECUTION.
Turning to the right across country, we proceeded at a fast pace through
fields of maize, gardens, orchards and then open country, arriving at the
hills north of Kiswe overlooking the Deraa Road. These we occupied, and
came in touch with the enemy who had sent out troops to attack. "No. 1"
Section was in action along with two squadrons of Deccan Horse. They only
reached their positions a few minutes in front of the enemy's flank guard,
who, owing to the steepness and rocky nature of the ground, was able to
approach within a few yards of the guns before being repulsed. During this
encounter it is much regretted that Pte. Staniland was killed.
"No. 2" Section was in action on the hill occupied by Brigade Headquarters
against the enemy, on a hill 600 yards to the front. After repulsing them,
they went round and occupied the hill, being joined shortly afterwards by
"No. 1" Section. Here an extensive view was obtained of the surrounding
country--in front, the Deraa Road from Kiswe village and station, on the
right (and beyond) and on the left the town of Damascus itself. It is
impossible to imagine a more beautiful sight than that which Damascus
presented from this spot, with its white minarets shining in the sunlight,
above the orange groves, vineyards and orchards which surround it. The
panorama was more particularly striking because of the contrast it
presented with the rest of the country we had previously seen. Some good
"shooting" was obtained from here, and the road was soon cleared. Parties
of the enemy could be seen making off eastward up the hills, but out of
range. The railway from Damascus runs parallel to the road, and beyond it.
A train which was then _en route_ was fired at, but it was also rather out
of range.
Just then the Turk got some field guns in action and sent a few shells over
at us, the very first one falling right on top of Brigade Headquarters;
fortunately, it did not hit anyone!
"No. 3" Section accompanied the Poona Horse on the left flank, and there
had some "practice" on the road, similar to the other sections. It was
joined there by "D" Sub-section, Nos. 1 and 2 having come out of action,
as there were no further "targets" for them. "No. 1" Section was now sent,
with one squadron of Deccan Horse, to occupy a hill south-east of Ashrafie
and due north of the position they had been holding. Machine-gun fire was
met with half a mile from the hill, but only one casualty was sustained
(Pte. Knott, wounded). The Deccan Horse charged the hill, and the section
came in action on the top of it, firing upon the retreating enemy and
silencing two of their machine-guns. The groves round Ashrafie, and the
road to the east, were "traversed" and a regiment of Turkish cavalry, which
was in the groves, at length sent a representative under a white flag
expressing a desire to surrender. Outposts were now put out, and the
remainder of the Brigade was moved up to Ashrafie and watered, staying in
that vicinity for the night.
Some splendid grapes and other minor luxuries were obtained at the village
and were very acceptable. That night the country was lit up for miles
around, and the air resounded with explosion after explosion by the
destruction of large ammunition dumps and other stores by the Turks. "No.
3" Section remained with the outposts, owing to the fact that two orderlies
who had been sent out were unable to find them.
In the early morning they obtained some splendid "targets" on the road,
against the tail of the Turkish force which was being driven along by the
4th Division and the Hedjaz troops. Close on their heels came Lieut.-Col.
Lawrence and Major Sinclair of the Sherifian Army in a car. They would have
been fired on, but for the fact that our own troops were in the danger
zone. Their identity was discovered in time, however, and Major Davies, who
had just arrived to see how "No. 3" Section was faring, went down and spoke
to them.
WE ENTER DAMASCUS.
At 07.30 the Australians having got round to the north of the city, our
Brigade moved through Ashrafie and groves eastward to the road, so
frequently referred to above, and marching along it, passed Meidan, at
09.30 entering Damascus--just 12 days from the start of operations, it
being then October 1st 1918. The approximate distance covered by the
Division was 215 miles, the distance due north of our old Line 104 miles.
Probably the town of Damascus proved to be disappointing to the majority of
the troops. It was interesting, certainly, but those who had been long in
the East did not find the expression "_Eastern splendour_" realised here,
any more than in other towns they had seen; such an idea would seem to
exist only in the minds of those who have never been "out East". The
natives, on the whole, seemed pleased to see us, the victors, and
frequently cheered, while Major L.F. St. J. Davies, M.C., at the head of
the Squadron (which followed the Poona Horse, the leading regiment, thus
being the first _white_ troops), was exceedingly popular.
[Illustration]
In accordance with the Arab custom, when rejoicing, rifles were fired in
the air--and this not with "blank" either!
Right through the centre of the town, the Brigade went, and camped in olive
groves along the main road, leading out to the north-east. The following
day it retraced its steps to the south of the town where it joined the
"C.-in-C.". He had with him the remainder of the Division and the
Australians. A triumphal entry into the town with the troops named was then
made.
The Machine-Gun Squadron, given the choice, went independently, straight to
their next camp at El Judeide, nine miles south-west of Damascus,
preferring to rest their horses. There they camped in orange groves, being
re-joined in the evening by the remainder of the Brigade, who had taken
part in the "show".
[Illustration]
AN AMUSING ADVENTURE.
Sec.-Lieut. Arden in the meantime was having an adventure "_on his own_".
When we were ordered back to El Judeide Mr. Arden was told to go into the
town and make all the purchases he could, so as to provide the Squadron
with a few comforts. He took with him Q.M.S. Fisher, the officers' mess
cook, and his groom. Having made his purchases, Mr. Arden, who had been
told that our destination was on the western road, looked it up on the map
and found a place marked there on the road to Beyrout about 10 miles
distant named "_El Jedeide_". Off they started for this _El Jedeide_. What
an experience they had! The road, which had just previously had the close
attention of the R.A.F. and other branches of the service, was littered
with dead and all kinds of enemy material. Along they continued, meeting
everywhere sights of wreck and confusion such as they had never previously
experienced.[33] Having reached Jedeide, but failing to find any trace of
British troops, they felt they had made a mistake. But it was too late to
return that night, and there was no help for it, they were forced to spend
the night there "and trust to luck".
Alternately taking post "on guard," some sleep was obtained. During the
night some troops passed by, which the small party feared was Turkish;
fortunately they turned out to be _French Colonial Troops_, whose dress is
somewhat in the Turkish fashion. At daylight the party retraced its steps
toward Damascus, and on the way, met a party of Australians. "What the
devil are you doing here?" the latter demanded. Upon hearing their story
the Australians ejaculated: "Why, do you know you have been for one night
the outpost of the British Army? No British soldier has been here before"!
But "all's well that ends well"; in due course, after minor adventures, Mr.
Arden's party reached the Squadron at EL JUDEIDE where, although he had to
run the gamut of chaff and banter, he was heartily welcomed!
FOOTNOTES:
[33] _It is a strange coincidence that a stream close to Jedeide is
called "El Maut," which means "Death"._
THE VALLEY OF LEBANON-RAYAK.
Henceforward, the 5th Cavalry Division was to become an entirely separate
force in its operations--indeed, at one time, its nearest support was 100
miles distant. Two days were spent at El Judeide, grazing horses and
cleaning guns and saddlery, before making another move forward. A force of
Turks some 7,000 strong was reported to be at Rayak Junction on the Beirut
Railway 30 miles north-east of Damascus, and on October 5th at 06.00 the
Division, with the 14th Brigade leading (the "S.R.Y." had re-joined from
Haifa), set off to deal with them. "No. 2" Section was with the advance
guard.
Across country to Sabura, they reached the main Beirut Road at Khan Dimez,
15 miles from Damascus, and halted for the night at Khan Meizebun a few
miles further on, with outposts out. Following the road to the bridge over
the river, south of Bar Elias (where a halt for water was made), the
advance guard ("No. 1" Section with it), was much surprised at the
extraordinary behaviour of the natives, who, sighting them from a distance,
galloped to meet them, firing their rifles in the air and shouting. Such
was their method of giving us welcome; it would have been their own fault
if they had been mistaken for the enemy, as they very nearly were!
At this point, turning north along a track up the Valley of Lebanon[34]
(many miles wide) the Brigade pushed on to Rayak. All along the road, right
from Khan Dimez, the previous day, there was evidence of the sorry plight
of the Turk. Hundreds of dead horses, dead bodies (stripped by the
villagers), broken wagons and even overturned "gharries" strewed the route.
FOOTNOTES:
[34] _"Lebanon" means "White," probably employed because of the snow
which can be seen most of the year on the Lebanon range of mountains,
on the western side of the valley (see Jer. xviii, 14). Lebanon is
stated in the Bible to be on the northern border of the Promised Land
(Deut. i, 7, iii, 25, xi, 24; Josh. i, 4, ix, 1). King Solomon's palace
and temple were built of cedars and firs from Lebanon (I Kings ix, 19),
also the second temple (Ezra iii, 7). Other references to Lebanon are
Josh. xi, 17, xiii, 2; Judges iii, 1; Deut. iii, 25; II Chron. ii, 2;
Psalms xxix, 5, xcii, 12; Isa. xiv, 8, xxxv, 17, xl, 16; Solomon's Song
iv, 8, 11, 15._
AN UNWELCOME WELCOME.
Upon our approaching Rayak, as if at a word of command, suddenly, a
tremendous burst of rifle fire broke out! This outburst, however, proved
to be merely a demonstration of the population's welcome! Rayak, and some
of the villages in this district, are Christian,[35] and it may well be
imagined that the population was simply delirious with joy at the arrival
of the British.
As the Brigade marched through the streets on each side there were crowds
of people occupied in competing with each other to keep up the most rapid
fire! They were none too particular where their shots went either!! It was
rather difficult for us to feel pleased to see our new friends, when they
were letting off their rifles under our very noses! Fortunately there were
no casualties from the spent bullets, but there were several very narrow
escapes! The Turk, it seemed, had fled two days previously, and left at the
aerodrome the remains of no fewer than 30 aeroplanes which he had burnt,
together with large quantities of stores and rolling stock.[36]
An outpost line was established at Hosh el Ghanin, and "No. 1" Section
returned to the Squadron, which had encamped to the east of the town south
of the village of Maazi. October 7th-12th were spent in grazing, cleaning
up and resting (not much of the last). On Oct. 10th, the 13th and 14th
Brigades had moved on four miles to Tel esh Sherif, the 15th Brigade being
at Zahle, a fair-sized town on the slopes of the hills on the western side
of the plain.[37]
At this time enemy aeroplanes began to arrive, and drop bombs, killing, on
one occasion, some Gloucesters. A few days afterwards they were chased to
their lair by the R.A.F. and--_finished off_!
FOOTNOTES:
[35] _After the massacre of 1860, Lebanon was made an independent
province, governed by a Christian Pasha, nominated by the Sultan of
Turkey and approved by the European Powers._
[36] _Rayak is the junction of the railway from Beirut to Damascus and
Aleppo to Damascus._
[37] _Zahle is the largest town in Lebanon, and has a population of
about 16,000, nearly all of whom are Christians. During the massacre of
1860, it suffered terribly, being captured and burnt to the ground._
THE JOURNEY TO HOMS.
The 14th Brigade, following the 13th Brigade one day's march behind, moved
up to Baalbek on October 13th. Here we ascertained that the leading brigade
had had a similar reception to ours from the natives at Rayak. Passing
through the town and the ruins of the celebrated Roman Temple of the
Sun[38] on the left, we camped east of the Turkish barracks.
North of Baalbek our maps were found to be very inaccurate and unreliable,
the actual position of places often proving to be many miles away from
where shown; frequently roads followed quite a different route! In one
place a railway line was omitted altogether from the map, while in another,
a river marked thereon did not exist!
Rations, now being brought up by motor lorries nearly every day, were
issued to units as soon as they had camped for the night; mutton was the
principal meat ration, sheep being requisitioned locally, all along the
route, as also was forage.
The transport was now able to follow close behind the Brigade, and usually
arrived in "camp" shortly after the fighting troops. The "trek" now became
a matter of routine, marching usually starting each day at 07.00.
Permission was given for the Squadron to carry some of its guns on its
transport, in order to relieve the pack-animals.
October 14th--To Lebwe; watering from a stream on the way, and camping in
groves.
October 15th--To El Kaa. The Squadron camped against a fig-grove and figs
were purchased for everyone.
October 16th--To Kusseir. Camp on plain east of station.
October 17th--To Homs. When about half way, in front could be seen what
appeared to be a large camp of bell tents, but on getting nearer they
turned out to be merely a village of mud huts of that shape, and
whitewashed!
Afterwards many similar villages were met with, some of which were
whitewashed, some not. From hereabouts could be seen, away on the left, the
large Homs Lake, through which runs the River Orontes (Nahr el Asi). Two
miles south of the town of Homs an hour's halt was made to allow of
watering and feeding, then passing a ruined castle on an artificial mound,
we went through the centre of the town (which is an interesting old place,
and apparently well supplied with water),[39] to the main road out to the
north. Then, along a track to the north-west, we passed the 13th Brigade
camp (the 13th Brigade had been a day ahead from Tel esh Sherif), and
bivouacked at 14.45 on a nice piece of ground on the banks of the Orontes,
against the village of Deir Mati.
FOOTNOTES:
[38] _There are ruins of three temples at Baalbek--The Great Temple of
the Sun, Temple of Bacchus, and the Circular Temple, built about A.D.
220._
[39] _The Crusaders captured Homs in A.D. 1099. It is the ancient
Zobah, see II Sam. viii, 3, 5. The population is estimated at 65,000._