After the 3rd Battle of Gaza
After the fighting and an all too brief time to recuperate the Finsbury Rifles were directed to support the Royal Engineers – providing labour for the construction of prisoner of war camps. While this work was often resented by the men of the EEF it was a welcome change from the horrendous noise of the artillery barrage that had preceded the third battle for Gaza.
Date: 9/11/17
Portion of Bn left behind at 54 Div, details rejoined.
Date: 10/11/17
Bn bathing and resting – quiet day.
Date: 11/11/17
Holy Communion at Bn HQ 0800. Quiet day. Bn Bathing and resting.
Date: 12/11/17
Orders received for Bn to move to Beit Hanun for construction work under RE. Bathing parades and preparing to move.
Date: 13/11/17
Bn moved to Beit Hanun 1300. A&B Coys sent onto DEIR SINEID for work under RE. D&C Coys employed constructing P of W compound at BEIT HANUN.
Date: 14/11/17
½ Bn employed on building P of W compound. 40 prisoners arrived during afternoon from front line.
Date: 15/11/17
Work on P of W compound continued. No further prisoners, previous 40 sent onto A.P.M GAZA. Orders received to move forward.
Date: 16/11/17
Bn HQs moved 1230 and proceeded to DEIR SINEID leaving 2 companies to received and guard further P of W. Remaining 2 companies being picked up at SINEID the whole proceeding to MEJDEL where Bivouac for the night was formed
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