A Drive up the Coast

Monday 24th December 1917

Yesterday 54th (East Anglian) Division joined 52nd (Lowland) Division in driving forward, up the coast of Palestine towards Arsouf, eight miles north of Jaffa - scene of a battle by Richard the Lionheart against the Ayyubids in 1191. 726 years later another victory was notched up for Christendom as all the Turkish positions attacked, fell.The Bedfords remain at Yafa Hill, which they took yesterday.

8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, after an eventful time recently are back in billets for Christmas. Companies were at disposal of their commanders during the day for inspections and cleaning up. Tonight the Battalion Band will play round the camp and will then join festivities at 16th Brigade Headquarters. Most of the men of the Battalion just want to spend Christmas Eve quietly.

Source: X550/9/1