As they struggled gamely on General Douglas rode from company to company to cheer them with the news that more than 3000 prisoners and a vast quantity of material had already been captured, and to show the men that their commander recognized the strain to which they were being subjected, and appreciated the gallant response they were making. About midday an oasis, a mile from Katia, was sighted, and men staggered on towards the trees and the hoped-for water. But there was no sign of water. Rumour quickly passed from man to man that water lay within two feet of the surface; and distressing scenes were witnessed of men half mad with thirst desperately digging into the sand with entrenching tools and even bare hands in a vain attempt to find water. Fortunately the camels arrived an hour later bringing an allowance of a pint for each man, and undoubtedly this saved many lives. Refreshed by the water and a lie down in the shade, parties of volunteers went forth into the hateful desert again, in spite of their great fatigue, to seek out and bring in those who had fallen by the way. Through the night desultory rifle fire in front told that the cavalry were still in touch with the Turkish rearguard, who had put up a good fight at Oghratina, and managed to get away most of their guns and transport, though followed and harassed by the R.H.A. and cavalry as far as Salmana. Complete victory had crowned the operations, as the following figures show— Enemy’s strength 18,000 Enemy’s losses 3,930 (prisoners) 1,251 (killed and buried) 4,000 (wounded) ------ Total losses 9,181 ====== The captured material included a complete Krupp Mountain Battery with 400 rounds of ammunition, 9 German machine guns with 32 extra barrels, 30 boxes of belt ammunition, and 9 shields, 2300 rifles, 1,000,000 rounds Small Arm Ammunition, large numbers of pack saddles, sandbags, clothing, equipment, rockets, barbed wire, stretchers, tools, swords, etc.; one aeroplane engine and 3 petrol tanks, 100 mules and horses and 500 camels. The following telegram was received from H.M. the King— “Please convey to all ranks engaged in the Battle of Romani my appreciation of the efforts which have brought about the brilliant success they have won at the height of the hot season and in desert country.” Katia, which was bombed daily, was occupied until the 14th August, on which date the Divisional Headquarters and the units that had taken part in the operation moved back to Romani and Pelusium to engage in very arduous training, and to put the finishing touches to the new equipment after the extremely severe test that had been undergone. The units were distributed as follows on the evening of the 15th August—