IN PALESTINE.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 70, 21 February 1918, Page 2

IN PALESTINE.

N.Z. Mounted Rifles'Work A Matamata Soldier's Account. Writing on December 14 to his mother Sergt. " Pop " Pay ze,-well-known in Matamata, gives a graphic account of the actions of the N.Z. Mounted Rifles in Palestine over a lengthy period. He says: "On October 21st we left Abasan, and during the next few days fought our way through very rough and difficult country to a position North of Beersheba where we attacked. Infantry simultaneously attacked from the south, and in less than 24 hours our combined efforts drove the enemy from. strongholds, and we occupied Ihe town. In the meantime the Turks fell back to a very strong position about 15 miles further.north, and it was here that our regiment suffered most. The enemy was holding wells, which were of vital importance to us, as our horses had been some 36 hours without water, and to fail in gaining this objective without delay meant a compulsory retirement. The seriousness of our position was added to by the fact that our horses could only be got out under cover of darkness, and then only by one passage through a gully that was being perpetually shelled. However, after a stubborn resistance and very heavy casualties the Turks were forced to abandon their coveted wells which proved to be our salvation. This was the last determined stand they made until reaching the present line which runs roughly east to west, from a couple of miles north •of Jaffa to the north of Jerusalem. Of course you will understand that I am only describing the movements of our brigade. The infantry, camel corps and other mounted corps all swept forward simultaneously from the " hopoff " and carried Gaza, the intervening settlement, as we dealt with Beersheba.

As we advanced the country became much more fertile, and the villages more numerous — most of which contained a fair sprinkling of English-speaking Jews. These latter were especially pleased to see us, and'gave or sold us what bread and wine the Turks had not confiscated. We also got plenty of vegetables and oranges. We rode into Jaffa on November 17th, and took charge of the town hall, where proclamations were read establishing the'city British. Our headquarters took charge of the German consulate, which is a very fine up-to-date brick building, where we spent the night, and drank (wisely) of the German Consul's wine. Needless to say he had " emsheed " sometime beforehand and was not there to welcome us. The city was more or less in a deserted state —a great many of the inhabitants having fled to the country, fearing the town would be shelled by the Turks upon our occupation. However, a few days of our occupation put them at their ease regarding their safety and they were to be seen with all their worldly goods and chattels packed on donkeys, and camels flocking back to the city. Some of these sights were most amusing. The following day a couple of hours ride brought us in touch with " Jacko" again and there was more fighting. We succeeded in pushing him across the river Ajna, where he was reinforced, and it is here that our people are content to take breath while the line is being reorganised. Pending the arrival of infantry which was following us up in the rear we had to dismount and man the front line trenches for ten days. It was just at this time that torrential rains set in, with the result that we had a most uncomfortablo time. The trenches, being newly dug, were constantly falling inone of our fellows being killed by a fall of earth and several others being buried and having to be dug out. We were subjected to very heavy shell fire and a concussion some distance away would cause earth to slip in many parts of the line. The Turks were having even a worse time according to prisoners statements,, There are always a number waiting a favorable opportunity to give themselves up and barely a day passes that some do not; come into our lines voluntarily. Although it is mid-winter here and the nights much colder than we experience further south, the orange groves, their dark foliage contrasting with the ripe fruit makes it appear more like summer."

At the time of writing Sergt. Payze had not hoard where his brother " Charlie " had landed.