10th), in attempting to water "B" Sub-section was shelled out of Es Suafir
el Gharbiye. The Squadron then returned to Julis, and was ordered to
off-saddle and look for water at one of the villages near the coast.
Eventually they found a moderate supply at Hamame, 3-1/2 miles away,
together with--quite unexpectedly--oranges. To say that these were
appreciated is hardly adequate, it can well be imagined that they _were_ a
luxury just then!

Having returned to camp, Capt. Davies and Lieut. Price excited the envy of
the other officers. They had been to El-Mejdel, a few miles south of
Hamame, which turned out to be quite civilised compared with the
surrounding villages, and they had bought some tobacco and, actually, had
had a cup of coffee!


A REST AT HAMAME.

An hour or two afterwards we had great news! The Brigade was to go to
Hamame for a rest and clean up, and perhaps a swim in the sea! After our
experiences it would certainly be difficult to think of anything that could
be more appreciated, unless it were a square meal; but then, there were
oranges to be had, to make up for shortcomings in that respect.

Only 11 days since leaving Esani, yet how much had been crowded into that
short period! As much work had been done every day as was usually done in a
week. It was not the fatigue of the trekking and fighting that "told" so
much, but the lack of adequate rest; generally "turning-in" very late at
night, and often having to sleep in boots ready to move before daylight the
following morning, with nothing but "bully beef," biscuits, and (a very
little) jam to eat. Sometimes tea was available, but frequently without