Saturday, 6 October 2018

Guarding Access to Haifa


Sunday 6th October 1918


Yesterday in Palestine the 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment moved their bivouac to the edge of the sea north of Haifa. The mosquitoes at the former campsite would descend in clouds on the men and on any exposed flesh, the adjutant told me on the telephone, adding that he was absent-mindedly scratching a bite as he spoke to me!

The battalion is helping to control access to this port town, with a detachment of three non-commissioned officers and six other ranks on the Haifa Gate and five picquets each of one non-commissioned officer and nine other ranks to prevent inhabitants leaving the town. A system of permits has been arranged by which villagers can enter and merchants can leave the town between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. The gate guard has the assistance of the local Palestinian gendarmerie. Men from the battalion are allowed in the town without a pass between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Source: X550/6/8

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