Berkshire and the War “The Reading Standard” pictorial record . Volume 4. p 739

BERKS YEOMEN IN PALESTINE -

Gallant deeds on the Way to Jerusalem.

Writing on the date November 22 nd 1917, Mr W.T. Massey, who is with the Palestine Force, paid the following tribute to the Berks and other Yeomanry regiments:

" Although they had to operate during exceptionally hot weather, with two periods of the Khamseen, or scorching dry wind, the mounted troops during the last three weeks have given a brilliant account of themselves in open warfare. Apart from that on which the Australian Light Horse galloped the trenches at Beersheba, there have been three occasions when Yeomanry brigades have made old time cavalry charges across the open, each time against gun, machine gun and rifle fire, and each charge was a glorious success, many filed and machine guns and about 2000 prisoners being taken.
The Bucks, Berks and Dorset Yeomanry were in two of the charges, and this makes the third time that the charging Dorsets have galloped to victory in this war. When Beersheba was won, cavalry moved gradually across the whole front from east to west.
With the enemy fighting strong rearguard actions over ground ideal for the purpose, there was no opportunity for forced marches of cavalry, the Turks taking up a line of ridges. The Warwick and Worcester Yeomanry near Huj did have one slight rise to shelter them as they sped across the valley to capture twelve guns. At Mughar and Shusheh they were exposed over a wide plain, and between Yebnah (Jabneel) and Mughar the Yeomanry were under fire. Her it was a dash over empty plain, then a gallop up a ridge to take in rear the enemy, who were being attacked by Scottish Territorials. The bag here was 1100 prisoners, two field guns and 12 machine guns.
next day the mounted troops were directed on Ramleh, but before that place could be occupied, a hill to the south west had to be cleared. This was Aby Shusheh hill 756 feet high and commanded the Ramleh- Jerusalem and Gaza-Jerusalem roads . The troops attacked from the west, while the Berks, Bucks and Dorsets moved to the south east to turn the hill. They got among the enemy with the sabre and completely routed the Turks, who lost a great number killed and 350 prisoners.
These incidents illustrate what the cavalry did in the great Palestine victory. Yeomanry, Australiand and New Zealanders alike can regard the part they played with pride, and they have well and truly served the Empire".

The Late Trooper R.T. SMITH, Signal Troop, Becksford, Upper Basildon, Killed in action.

Tpr. R.J. LEGG, 4 South View, London Road, Bracknell. Missing.

Tpr. W.J. GOATER, Walcot Kennels, Kintbury.. Missing.

The late Tpr. DAVID W. LEAVER, 52 Cumberland Road, Reading. Died of wounds.

Tpr. M.G. LEVER, 92 Cardigan Road, Reading. Wounded in left shoulder.

Tpr. HERBERT C. ALLEN, 38 Edinburgh Road, Reading. Missing.