Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
The Jifjafa Raid
Sinai, 10 - 14 April 1916
Antill Account
The Transcription:
From: Headquarters, 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade, Railhead.
To: Headquarters, 4th Australian Division.
I herewith attach report of Major WH Scott, 9th Light Horse Regiment, the Officer Commanding Column, organised and sent out from Rail Head, 12th April to attack Jifjafa, vide G/34 Secret Instructions, 5 April 1916, forwarded to the General Officer Commanding "A" Subsection.
Other matters to be reported upon are dealt with in detail in the attached report.
In forwarding the Report I wish to make the following comments -
One the afternoon of the 12th inst. I personally inspected the Column before it moved off and was very satisfied with the personnel and turn out. I was confident if there was anything ahead of it the men selected would carry it through and as things have turned out my opinion was quite justified.
From what major Scott tells me the whole undertaking worked most harmoniously and almost to the time set out in the itinerary; the attack on Jifjafa itself being delayed until later in the morning on account of information received on the point of departure that the enemy evacuated their posts at night and did not return until all was clear in the morning.
I thought it wise to embody in the Column 1 Officer Captain Wearne and 12 men of the 8th Light Horse who had taken part in a previous reconnaissance and I am informed that their knowledge of the country was most useful. One of them was killed, Corporal Monahan, and Major Scott tells me that the services of Captain Wearne were particularly valuable and that the other men of the 8th Light Horse were most useful.
It will be seen that Major Scott has reported very comprehensively on the operations and Enemy's works, and I venture to say has shown himself possessed of powers of a high order. He has been ably seconded in this interesting little raid none the less difficult on account of its long distance from the Base, by the before mentioned.
Captain Macaulay of the 2nd ANZ Staff, Captain Ayris, Orderly Office to myself and the Officers and personnel generally who showed the greatest zest and intelligence throughout these operations.
Major Scott desires me to say how much he has appreciated the excellent services of Lieutenants F Eggar and Beale of the Wireless Section and also of the hearty and valuable co-operation of the Bikanir Camel Corps under their native Officer, Lieutenant Bhir Singh.
I have had occasion before to bring under favourable notice the conspicuously fine work of Major WH Scott, particularly at Hill 60, under Generals HV Cox and Sir Alexander Godley, and can only repeat how I appreciate at all times his services.
Signed: JM Antill, Brigadier General, General Officer Commanding 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade.
Serapeum, Egypt, 15 April 1916.
Forwarded. I fully endorse the above - particularly as regards the capabilities of Major Scott as a leader. I found him very gallant and resourceful at ANZAC. The whole affair reflects great credit on the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade.
Signed: HV Cox, Major General, Commanding 4th Australian Division.
Further Reading:
The Jifjafa Raid, Sinai, April 10 to 14
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: The Jifjafa Raid, Sinai, April 10 to 14, 1916, Antill Account