At El Maadan an important railhead was being constructed for the storage
of water, which was kept in large and small canvas tanks. We took a
great personal interest in those tanks with our thoughts resting
securely on Katia. Matters were gradually developing towards an
engagement of some magnitude, and it was now known that the general
scheme was for the mounted troops to make a detour in order to turn the
enemy's left flank, whilst the 42nd and 52nd Divisions would make an
advance parallel to the coast. That is to say in effect the infantry
would deliver a frontal attack upon the Turkish troops covering El
Arish.
It had been further decided that the 127th Brigade together with the 5th
East Lancashires would execute the first shock of the 42nd's effort, so
we had a feeling that once again the Fleur de Lys would be "in the
limelight." During the evening of December 29th there was a rapid and
wonderful concentration of troops of all arms in the hollow ground near
the railhead. The two infantry Divisions were there in force, whilst the
Australian L.H., and N.Z.M.R., together with the Yeomanry were simply
waiting for dusk to move off to their appointed stations. Behind all
this preparation there was a curious feeling that there was no enemy to
fight at all, and betting ran high as to whether we should find any
Turks near El Arish or not. It was suspected in high quarters that the
enemy had got quietly away a few hours before. However, we slept
peacefully until 3 a.
Pages:
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53