Everything was proceeding most satisfactorily, the men were keen, and,
towards the end of September, firing practice was started on a 25-yard
range. Everybody fired the course.
In a Machine-Gun Squadron every man is mounted on a horse (some Squadrons,
however, had mules for draught as did the "20th"), except the cooks, who
are allowed bicycles. As the speed of bicycles in the middle of a desert
proved to be quite out of proportion to the labour expended, 13 donkeys
were finally issued in lieu thereof. These splendid little animals were
found to be very useful, besides providing a source of amusement for a
long time to come. In camp they would play about just like dogs, standing
up on their hind legs and romping about with each other. The natives' usual
method of riding a donkey in the East is rather comical. They sit _well_ to
the rear, in fact right over the hind-quarters, and with their feet
forward, these they wave in and out between the animal's legs, and thereby
make him increase his pace. A turn to either flank is accomplished by their
hitting him on the neck with a stick, or putting their toe in his eye!
[Illustration]
On October 1st-3rd "A" Sub-section went on a reconnaissance with the
Brigade, which, however, was "in support" at Reshid Beck, and not called
upon for active work.
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