The Canal defences had hitherto been on the west bank, with bridgeheads on the east bank, close to the Canal. It was recognized that the Canal must be defended from the eastern side, so a line of self-contained works was constructed in the desert, far enough out to prevent the enemy from bringing guns into action within seven miles of the waterway. Behind these first-line posts was a series of supporting works, while bridgeheads on the Canal formed the third line. In each section of the defence a mobile force was held in readiness for counter-offence. The posts were connected by telephone with the Brigade Headquarters and with one another. Visual signalling was also largely used by the Divisional Signal Company, the heliograph being of great service for long distances in this land of brilliant sunshine. In due course roads and light railways were run out to the posts, and three-inch water-pipes were laid. The posts were named after the depot towns of battalions, but, owing to subsequent reliefs, the units did not as a rule occupy those named after their depots. Each post had a garrison of, approximately, a battalion of infantry, a battery of artillery, a troop of yeomanry, and a section of engineers. The Transport of the 42nd Divisional Train was left at Alexandria, where its services would be more useful than in the desert, the Supply accompanying the Division to the Canal zone and in subsequent operations. The Field State of February 29 shows a considerable increase in the strength of the Divisional Artillery, and that various units had been attached. Officers. Other Ranks. Divisional Headquarters 14 120 Divisional Signal Company, Cable Section and Airline Section 5 229 Artillery and Divisional Ammunition Column 108 2,520 Royal Engineers 16 296 125th Brigade and Signal Section 124 1,764 126th Brigade and Signal Section 117 2,244 127th Brigade and Signal Section 114 1,584 A.S.C. Supply Details 9 77 R.A.M.C 24 537 _Attached_— 3rd County of London Yeomanry 5 93 1/2nd W. Lancs. Field Coy., R.E. 6 143 Monmouth R.E. 3 83 Sanitary Section, R.A.M.C. 1 22 19th Mobile Veterinary Section 1 12 1st Essex Regiment 26 934 2nd Hampshire Regiment 25 900 --- ------ Total 598 11,558 === ======