incessantly, it was scarcely with a feeling of contentment that the men
"turned in" that night--all doubtless thinking of brighter surroundings in
the old country!


A BAD START IN 1918--BETTER TIMES FOLLOW!

The first thing to happen in 1918 was a _MOVE_ to Belah; nights being spent
at Medjel and Gaza on the way. The animals in the Brigade had not yet
recovered from their previous exertions, and many a horse, unable to go
further, had unfortunately to be led away and shot. Crossing the railway at
Belah and turning to the west towards the fresh-water lake, the Brigade
went round the north-end of the latter, right on to the low cliffs at the
sea-shore, where the camp was to be located. There seemed to be promise of
better times here than had been experienced at Esdud. The water for the
horses was fairly close at hand _and there was no mud_.

The Brigade being now south of the bridge over the Wadi Ghuzze, rations
were also likely to be better and the mail more regular; there was, in
addition, a _CANTEEN_ at Belah!

Many changes in personnel took place about this time. Before leaving Esdud
S.Q.M.S. Harrison, Corpl. Barrett, Lance-Corpl. Blenkin, Ptes. Dransfield,
F.W. Harrison, Ellams and Hadden left to become cadets in the R.A.F. Sergt.
Fisher was promoted S.Q.M.S. Capt. Spencer, M.C., had arrived, being posted
as second in command, but was reposted a few days later, to the same
position which he had previously held in the 18th Squadron. Capt. L.F. St.
John Davies, M.C., arrived from the 21st Squadron the day Capt. Spencer
left, and became second in command. Lieut. G.M. King was posted from the
17th Squadron (January 8th), and Sec.-Lieut. J.K.W. Arden arrived from the