the 7th Manchesters left Romani for garrison duty at Negiliat, about
twenty kilos. further east. About this time Capt. Chadwick, who along
with Lt.-Col. Cronshaw, had been decorated with the Serbian Order of the
White Eagle in long delayed recognition of their magnificent work in
Gallipoli, left the battalion to join the R.F.C. in England and France.
Capt. Townson succeeded him in the command of "C" Company.

As the health of the desert troops was not good after their long strain
under the tropical sun, a system of rest and holiday cure, suggested by
the medical authorities, was begun. Batches of men and officers were
sent off to Alexandria and encamped at Sidi Bishr, just outside the town
for a week, during which time they were free to do more or less as they
pleased, a concession highly relished by everyone. The sight of
civilisation alone was in itself almost a cure, but the change of the
surroundings, the lack of military duties, the sea bathing, and the
enjoyment of everything that dear old "Alex." could offer worked
wonders. Further, the hot season was drawing to a close and men began to
feel more normal, so that by the end of October the troops were as fit
as they had ever been in their lives. The 127th Brigade were withdrawn
to Romani whilst this work of recuperation was in progress, and the
beginning of November saw us back again at Negiliat.

Meanwhile, the mounted troops, closely supported by the infantry, kept
constant touch with the Turk. When the railhead reached the outpost line
it was necessary to move the enemy by force and to this end engagements
were fought at Bir el Abd, and at El Mazar, both of which resulted in
the Turk withdrawing upon El Arish. His aircraft was always busy, but
the bombing was not often effective. Even the natives in the E.L.C.
(Egyptian Labour Corps) began to grow accustomed to these raids and
steadily resisted their impulse to dash back along the line when a taube