THE MOUNTED RIFLEMAN.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 19, 23 July 1920, Page 15

THE MOUNTED RIFLEMAN.

IN SINAI AND PALESTINE. We have recived from Messrs Hyndman i and Co., a copy of the above hook, written by A. Briscoe Moore, late lieut., Auckland Mounted Rilles, and published by Whitcomhe and Tombs. In this respect it needs no further recommendation. The numerous illustrations are well reproduced and the general arrangement and prmting is good. The book itself will revive many memories, especially amongst those who served in the campaign. The writer is a keen observer, in many cases keenly observing items associated with the flora and fauna of the country. His facts are well arranged and written in a manner which will maintain the interest of all readers. The writer has truly stated that most people have no conception of the work done by the New Zealanders in this field of operation. After reading this book we feel sure that every reader will agree that the New Zealanders played their part well both in minor and major operations, and we can confidently recommend it to all. An interesting feature is the new light thrown upon General Allenby's attitude during a certain part of the campaign and afterwards, but suffice it to say that the New Zealanders' glorious achievements are not afi'ected by General Allenby's preferential treatment to other troops, nor need his words of praise to give them reaJity. To biblical students it is full of .interest as the writer traverses the various actions fought in places well known. It is wonderful how time changes the old order. Two thousand years ago we read of the Messiah and his activities in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and other places. At this time we have these sacred places defiled by German intrigue, and in many instances used for the opposite conditions of "Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards Men." The writer gives ample detail of the trials and liardships encountered and which were always met with a smile. The following extracts will speak for themselves : "The water ration was mo i precions, this consisting of but one waterbottle per man per day. Tn is was ihe sole issue of fresh water, which could only he supplemented for ahlution purposes at times by a trickle of the bitter brackish desert water often colLected most laboriously over long hours in jarn tins or other small receptacles. "In the heat of the blazing desert the temptation to drink freely was well-night irresistible, but every man, had to exercise " the greatest care, and no more than sip at his waterbottle. Water supplies were uncertaim no one knowing definitely how long it would be before more was available on these desert adventures. "On these night marches it- was common occurrence for a man to fall asleep in his saddle. With head sunk on chest and moving automatically with his horse, he would be carried on hy his faithful plodding steed. A man would ride for long distances like this, only wakiifg up when his horse wandered from his companions, and, passing the troop-leadcr, collided with the troop in front. Then would the slecper dazcdly pull himself tc.gether thicken the air with a few choice imprecations, and resume his original placo in the column, often to repeat the performance again during the night. "The regiment had to journey back to Oghratina in the heat of ihe day from which place word was sent in for the camel trains. Ninety men were stnick down witli sunstroke, the beat being 118 degrees in the shade. "The men's rations were often indifferent, consisting largely of "bully" heef and "liard tack." Many men were afilicted with a form of sand colic, which made it almost impossible for them to eat during the lieat of the day without immediately vomitting. "It is interesting to record, that, in their passages across the Sinai Desert, the Nfc-.v Zealanders traversed the ancient caravan route between Egypt and Palestiiie, over which in biblical times Joseph and Mary travelled with the infant Christ. Thi way was also taken by Nayoleon in 1799, the New Zealand Brigade watering at Katia, at Napoleon's wells. "After the August fighting, a patrol scourirg the desert near the coast came suddenly upon a patch of water-melo-ns growing in the sand. These were eagerly consumed by ma-ny", but the sudden change from the hard diet they had been used to had a disastrous effect on hardened "tummies" all ronnd, and resultcd in many bad pains under the belt."