THE JIFJAFEA FIGHT.

Northern Advocate, 3 May 1916, Page 3

THE JIFJAFEA FIGHT.

AUSTRALIAN HORSE IN ACTION.

A SMART NIGHT ATTACK.

LONDON, April 27. A correspondent writing from Suez Canal says:

"The raid on JifJaffa (50 miles north-east of Suez) on April 13 was typical of the enterprise of our detachments serving on Sinai Peninsula. The Turkish posts were continually harassed and surprised by our swift-ly-moving troops. jj* "Learning that the enemy wis boring for water at Jifjaff-a, a detachment of the Australian Light Horse, with some camel troops patrolling in the vicinity, .decided to disturb the preparations. Our airmen could not see the ; enemy, who invariably rush into hiding on the appearance of an aeroplane.

"The column marched at night, and arrived at dawn within three miles of the Turkish position. It was arranged that they should deliver an attack on three sides. While the attack was developing, the enemy was seen to be making from an outpost to trenches near the well. The Australians galloped a mile, cutting off the detachment and compelling them to surrender. An Austrian engineer who was directing the borer was captured, and every Turk was either killed or taken prisoner. The plant and the camp were destroyed.

"The light horse did a brilliant piece of work. In three and a-half days they marched 160 miles over soft sand and heavy ground. During that period the men did not have more than six hours' sleep. They did 46 miles on the, day of the fighting.

"The Australians were so keen on patrol work on this occasion that 30 Light Horsemen acted as drivers with the camel transport.

"At one place a patrol 15 miles west of a range of high rocky hills, 50 miles east of the canal, heard a violent thunderstorm approaching. In less than an hour water of the consistency of paint began to pour through the valley. ■ As fast as he could, a Light Horseman galloped to warn the camel transports two miles ahead. He arrived just in time. In three minutes a torrent. 12ft deep poured through the gully.

"Austrian water-seekers put down three borings 300 ft, and failed to find water."