Above all, the
full moon, bathing the gully in a bright light, combined to make a fitting
background for the laying-to-rest of those who had been called upon to make
the "supreme sacrifice".
On leaving Tahta the Squadron marched on foot to the vicinity of El Burj
(guns on packs), arriving before daylight (November 30th). Here they stayed
for the day, in reserve, cleaning guns, etc. At 18.00, that night, they
moved nearer El Burj in support of the Australians, arriving about 21.00.
Nothing happened; but the Squadron stayed all night and the next day. That
night they moved into El Burj; next morning (December 2nd) they returned,
and found their horses awaiting them. Headquarters, "A," "D" and "E"
Sub-sections now re-joined "B" and "C" Sub-sections and transport. It was
not likely that the Squadron would be required again in the Tahta district,
except in an emergency, as the country was quite unsuitable for cavalry
tactics; as it turned out, they were not destined to do any more fighting
for a long time to come.
But the British advance had by no means been stopped, in spite of the check
in the hills. The absence of roads and shortage of water here, made
operations exceedingly difficult, and it was decided to attack the Turkish
positions covering Jerusalem, from the south-west and west, instead of from
the north-west.
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