We had settled down to ordinary routine, one
company setting out for a short march, and others preparing for kit
inspections and other camp duties, when suddenly, "B" Company received
orders to fall in and move off, and in a short space of time they were
entrained during the heat of the day for Pelusium. Before noon the whole
battalion was collected on what was supposed to be a bivouac area at the
new destination. But we had seen General Douglas going along the train
at Gilban and he said: "Well, good luck lads, make a good bag," so we
were not surprised when we found that settling down for bivouac was not
to be our fate.
The 5th Manchesters had arrived with us, and the 8th were following on,
while the 6th were already here, having been sent up the previous day.
Our task was to go to the assistance of the Colonials and attack the
Turk on the flank along with the 5th, the 6th and 8th being in support
and reserve. We marched out about 4 o'clock, moving first south and then
south-east. Meanwhile the battle was obviously increasing in intensity,
and when we halted previous to extending, we could see the Turk shrapnel
severely peppering a high ridge in front where a detachment of the
Australian Light Horse, having resumed their horses, were gradually
massing for a charge.
[Illustration: _PLATE II_
1. Group of Officers. _N.B._--Fleur de Lys
2. Ridge occupied on August 5th, 1916
3. Issue of Water--Morning of August 5th, 1916
4. In Katia, August 6th, 1916]
With the 5th on our right we extended into lines about 2,000 yards from
what appeared to be the Turkish position on a ridge to our front.
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