again. And the delusion almost became a reality as one caught sight of
pretty young girls dressed in quite smart European frocks, standing in the
doorways with welcoming smiles, and motherly old ladies beaming with
pleasure, who handed large bunches of luscious grapes to the men as they
rode by. It must be remembered that it was only two days since that the
Turks had been somewhat hurriedly ejected from this place. The great
pleasure that these hard-working people experienced could be quite
understood when some of the barbarous acts of the Turks are brought to
mind, they being too well known to be dwelt upon here. Afterwards it was
learned from the inhabitants, that many and great were the impositions
placed upon them; the Turk simply took what he wanted, and should he happen
to take a dislike to anyone, the latter was in danger of having all his
property confiscated, without any explanation whatever being given.

The day after the Brigade arrived at Deiran they moved via Naane[6] and
Annabe to between Harmash and Nalin, 14 miles north-east. Here they stayed
three days, watering twice daily, at Hadithe, about 3 miles east-north-east
of Ludd. About this time the weather broke and heavy rain set in. This
downpour, accompanied as it was by a considerable fall in the temperature,
was a severe trial for troops attired in summer clothing who, until a few
hours previously, had been suffering from excessive heat!

At 09.00 on November 23rd they went through Ludd about 16 miles south-east
to Zernuka. The 24th was spent there, and on the 25th they moved in the
afternoon to Rishon-le-Zion (Ayun Kara), 6 miles due north, in reserve to
the Anzacs, as the enemy was becoming active in this quarter. They stayed
here the following day, and men were allowed to go into the town.
Rishon-le-Zion is a pretty little place, and another example of the Zionist
movement. Here are large wine distilleries, and very good wine they make
too! Before the War large quantities were regularly sent to England.