the Jewish village of Mulebbis, where oranges could be bought by the
cart-load. Two limbers were, therefore, taken back to camp fully loaded up;
this was a discovery much appreciated by all, and two days later a fresh
supply was sent for. Another local product bought at Jaffa and distilled at
Rishon-le-Zion, was red wine. It was very good too! Bought by the Squadron
canteen in large barrels, it was sold at 2-1/2 pt. (6d.) a pint.

The Squadron canteen was doing a good trade at this time. The N.A.C.B. at
Jaffa kept a good stock, and Lance-Corpl. Prior rode down every day and
bought large quantities of all kinds of provisions, as well as barrels of
beer.

Jaffa, where the well-known Jaffa oranges are grown, is rather more like a
European town than others in the country, but still is not to be compared
in any respect with a British town of the same size.[13] A very good
Y.M.C.A. was established there, in which was a picture-house which provided
welcome amusement in the evening. Daily bathing parades were instituted;
the camp being barely a mile from the sea. The usual procedure was to ride
to the shore and "link" horses. The men would then bathe and ride back.
Quite half the horses were taken in the sea with the men, and they seemed
to enjoy the sea just as much, after the first experience.

[Illustration]

Reinforcements to the Squadron during May included Lieut. F.R. Wilgress
(Lovats Scouts), who was posted to "A" Sub-section (and became Officer
Commanding No. 1); Sergt. Lewis ("E" Sub-section), Lance-Corpls. Collett,
Fuller and S.S. Fox.

FOOTNOTES: