This extension of the lines of communication made an attack on Rafa by the newly formed Desert Column possible.

The mounted units of Desert Column commanded by Chetwode which moved out to the attack were the :

In February 1917 Robertson was attached to the Desert Column as a staff officer.

The Desert Column had been stopped, but a group in steamers had reached Khartoum.

As the Desert Column approached the wells at Abu Klea, they were set upon by a Mahdist force.

In June 1917, it was decided to reorganize the mounted troops of the Desert Column into three divisions.

(During the day the helio communication was problematic but the cable communication with Desert Column worked well.)

Dallas suggested this might best be achieved by Desert Column as the 52nd (Lowland) Division was too far away.

The batteries in Desert Column consisted of four guns each.

The proposed change of name from Desert Column to Desert Mounted Corps was also noted.