J. Baker was in charge of the Lewis guns of the battalion. "D"
Company were at Hill 40 in a reserve position under the command of
Capt. Higham supported by Capt. Townson, 2nd-Lt's. Grey Burn, G. W. F.
Franklin, Ross-Bain, Gresty, Morten, and R. J. R. Baker. The work of the
transport was divided between Capt. Ward-Jones, and 2nd-Lt. M. Norbury.
The posts consisted of self-contained redoubts which were capable of
holding out in the matter of food and water for about three days.
They had been constructed at the cost of great labour by the 52nd
Division. Routine was simple, our only duties being to man our posts
before dawn, then improve and maintain the trenches and wire until
about 7 when the sun entered his impossible stage. The same thing
happened in the evening. During the night patrols were executed from
one post to the next. All this carried a certain interest because we
knew that the Turk might come near at any time in the shape of a
flying raiding column to reach the canal. Rumours were frequent of
his proximity, and when Turk Top one night frantically reported
mysterious green lights, out towards the enemy, serious preparations
were made for his reception. The climax came, however, about noon
one day at Hill 70 when those who were not asleep heard, with a
mixed feeling of old familiarity, "s-s-s-sh-sh-SH--flop." Most of
us, after cringing in the usual manner, said, with a relieved air,
"Dud." Then followed commotion. They had arrived and were shelling
the post.
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