Training intensified in the lead up to Gaza. In October those skills learned and practised in platoons and companies during the summer, were developed at battalion and brigade level. The message for the soldiers of the EEF whether they were peacetime territorials or wartime conscripts was that bravery and courage alone would not bring success. The key to victory would come through training as an efficient fighting force being able to put everything they had learned into action whatever the circumstances .
Practice attacks were carried out in the Belah area. A model of the El Arish redoubt was constructed and used by the 54th (East Anglian) Division – nothing would be left to chance!
Date: 16/10/17Bn Parade 0745, operations on prepared area 1600-1700 specialists training.
Date: 17/10/17
Bn Parade 0645. For Brigade operations on prepared area. Specialists training 1600-1700
Date: 18/10/17
Specialists and company training (6.15-700)(800-1100) 1100 Kit Inspections.
Date: 19/10/17
Combined brigade operations on prepared area (0700-1200) Specialist training 1600-1700.
Date: 20/10/17
Brigade operations at dawn on prepared area. Bn paraded 0245 returned to Bivouac area 0800. Address by GOC to all officers, W.Officers and sergeants in the Brigade 1645.
Date: 21/10/17
Brigade Parade for divine service 0830 Remainder of day quiet.
Date: 22/10/17
Company and specialist training during morning. Bathing for all ranks during the afternoon. Lt HHA GOLDSCHMIDT entered hospital.
Date: 23 to 24/10/17 (24)
Company and specialist training. Inter platoon competitions in Lewis gun, bombing and rifles, signalling and s(tretcher) bearers competitions. Conference.
Date: 25/10/17
Company and specialist training. Final competitions in various specialist branches. Regt Boxing Tournament during afternoon. GOC and staff of 162 Brigade present.
Date: 26/10/17
Practice attack on prepared position by Bn (0700-1200) Bathing parades during afternoon. 2 LT HORDER attached 486 CORE to hospital.
Date: 27/10/17
Company and specialist training during morning. Regimental sports and concerts. Heavy thunder storm with torrential rain. 1st rain of the season.
Date: 28/10/17
Celebration Holy Communion 0730. Confirm of C.O at Bde HQ. Capt L.H Newton rejoined from Delta and W.Force HC Cairo.
Date: 29/10/17
Company and specialist training during morning. Orders received for Bn to move to Regents Park area prior to operations.
Date: 30/10/17
Company and specialist training (830-1100) remainder of day spent getting ready to move. Bn moved 1800 by March Route to Regents Park area. Enemy lines heavily bombarded by our artillery.
.
Friends of Islington Museum 