The health of the troops had suffered greatly by the prolonged strain under a tropical sun, and a number of men had been sent into hospital with dysentery. There had also been a few cases of cholera, presumably contracted from Turkish prisoners and camping grounds. A number of men, pronounced medically unfit for the arduous duties of the Mobile Column, were formed into a composite battalion and stationed at Kantara, where they were engaged upon guard duties and training. In October a much-appreciated scheme of rest and holiday cure was recommended by the medical authorities. Parties of officers and men were sent to Alexandria for a week’s real relaxation, and during this week they were practically free to do as they liked. It was a novel military departure, as there was neither work nor duty for officers or men. The change of surroundings, the freedom, and the sea-bathing worked wonders. The coming once more into touch with civilization had in itself a good effect; health quickly improved, and with the cooler weather a complete change for the better was experienced. In October, Major-General Lawrence, having returned to England, from the 23rd of the month until the arrival of Lieut.-General Sir Philip Chetwode early in December, Major-General Sir William Douglas was given temporary command of the Desert Column, the name by which the Mobile Force was now known, Brig.-General Frith assuming command of the Division. As Brig.-General King had been appointed C.R.A. of the Desert Column, the command of the Divisional Artillery was taken over by Brig.-General F. W. H. Walshe, D.S.O., who had been in command of the artillery attached to the Anzacs. [Sidenote: _The Advance to El Arish_]