The ALH, in and extended but thin line, had advanced without artillery support against a formidable well manned natural defence, Brisling with redoubts and trenches, and further aided by well placed artillery. With the small force and backing available the capture of Gaza by storm tactics was impossible so a partial retirement was ordered.

We took up a common line with other units, within rifle range and parallel to the transverse ridge. About 3pm a Yeomanry Regiment approached and, dismounting, took up a position near us; while their officers walked up and down the sky line. These, easily discerned, through futile sky line movements had the effect of drawing further artillery fire on us, but after about an hour the Yeomanry called up their horses again and cantered away to Tel el Jemi, some