When we arrived at what
the guide thought was the spot, however, it was quite dark, indeed
"pitch black". He was nowhere to be found, and after sending out
scouts in all directions, and still being unable to find him in the
darkness, we took the opportunity to feed the horses. After a
short rest and being under the impression that the Brigade had
advanced (from information previously obtained) we advanced too!
After passing our former position, and descending the steep slope
beyond, we at last sighted a light, and sent out a man (Pte.
Chantry) to reconnoitre. Our surprise can be imagined, when he got
to within a hundred yards of it he was fired at. It was a party of
Turks! They immediately 'stood to' and let us have it 'hot'. We at
once galloped to cover on the left flank, but unfortunately before
we reached it Francis was hit, and we never saw the poor chap
again! The pack animal he was leading, however, came along with the
rest of the horses.
"Just after this incident a gun 'pack' (the Bint), got loose (she
was always difficult to lead), and galloped off. But she came in by
herself the next morning, followed shortly afterwards by the horse
poor Francis had been riding when he met his end.
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