The Turks were entrenched in the city, which was favoured by some excellent defensive terrain. The Allied Army isolated and encircled the city, but was engaged with other Turkish forces. As the only available unit, the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade (comprising the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments) was ordered to take the city and eliminate the nascent threat to the Allied rear.
Having to close open ground (under artillery fire) quickly and with a requirement to finish the action prior to nightfall, the decision was made for the mounted infantry to attack, uncharacteristically, on horseback. Issued neither sword or sabre for such a task, the Lighthorsemen unfixed their bayonets and used them instead. It was a high risk attack hastily undertaken against a larger defending force.
This engagement opened a flanking manoeuvre around the Gazala line, enabling the broader offensive to capture Jerusalem some 6 weeks later. It is a much celebrated action in Australian Military annals.
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/the-charge-of-the-4th-light-horse-brigade-at-beersheba
Hello old chap,
ReplyDeleteYou mean this one: http://awargamingodyssey.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/waltzing-matilda-second-dance-beersheba.html
or possibly this one: http://awargamingodyssey.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2012-12-19T10:59:00Z&max-results=7&start=245&by-date=false
the film The Lighthorsemen is one of my favourites!
All the best,
DC
Warfare is a fascinating subject. Despite the dubious morality of using violence to achieve personal or political aims. It remains that conflict has been used to do just that throughout recorded history.
ReplyDeleteYour article is very well done, a good read.
Well remembered Sir and some great photographs that I had not seen before.
ReplyDeleteNice post, well illustrated!
ReplyDeleteI never cease to be amazed at the size and breadth of the AWM collection. Great post mate!
ReplyDeleteSaw The Light Horsemen ages ago and really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteGreat movie!
DeleteIt was an incredible action. Was it the last Cavalry charge?
ReplyDeleteNo, the brave Poles launched a number of Cavalry charges against the Germans in 1939
Delete