On 10 August 1917, Downes became Deputy Director of Medical Services (DDMS) of the Desert Mounted Corps, while still retaining the post of ADMS AIF Egypt [REF].
For his service in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, Downes was mentioned in despatches four times,[REF][REF][REF][REF] and was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George on 1 January 1918 [REF].