"At a mile distant their thousand hooves were stuttering thunder, coming at a rate that frightened a man - they were an awe inspiring sight, galloping through the red haze - knee to knee and horse to horse - the dying sun glinting on bayonet points..." Trooper Ion Idriess
The Australian Light Horse Studies Centre aims to present an accurate history of early Australian military developments from 1899 to 1920.
WARNING: This site contains: names, information and images of deceased people; and, language which may be considered inappropriate today.
Formed in October 1914 as part of the 3rd Contingent and attached to the Australian Division, the 3rd Light Horse Brigade was made up of Light Horsemen from three different states.
Bir el Abd, Sinai, 9 August 1916, 3rd LH Bde, AIF, War Diary Account Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
Bir el Abd
Sinai, 9 August 1916
3rd LH Bde, AIF, War Diary Account
War Diary account of the 3rd LH Bde, AIF.
The transcription:
8th August
In the early morning patrols reports enemy had retired. Brigade moved in pursuit at 0800 and advanced as far as the line running north and south through Bir el Abd where the enemy were found to be holding an exceedingly strong entrenched position. A strong redoubt domineering the right centre of the line apportioned off to the Brigade for attack - no further advance was made, one Regiment retiring to Hassaniya, another to Hammam, the remainder of the Brigade to Hillali.
9th August
A general attack having been ordered on the Bir el Abd line this Brigade was instructed to devote its energies in turning the enemy's left with a view of making Salmana. Later in the day these instructions were cancelled and Bir el Abd given as the objective.
The 8th Light Horse Regiment in advance attacked the enemy's line but could make little or no progress. The line was then extended both to the right and left by the 9th Light Horse Regiment being sent forward, but this met with no further success, it being found impossible to turn the enemy's left. Seven machine guns were in action during the day doing excellent work. Also the Inverness Battery. The Battery had excellent targets which were taken full advantage of. From about 1000 onwards it was realised no forward movement could take place as the Brigade held on to the front gained, being continually under a heavy and accurate sniping fire. At 1700 a determined attack supported by heavy gun fire was mad to break our centre, the 8th Light Horse Regiment coming in for the brunt of the attack. With the support of the Machine Guns and with great tenacity they held on and saved the position receiving great assistance by the timely arrival of a Squadron 10th Light Horse Regiment which relieved the pressure, the enemy eventually drawing off. The Brigade withdrew at dark to Hassaniya-Hassanein and Hillali, leaving out one Regiment in observation. During the day great difficulty was experienced in communicating with Division, but a cable was run out but not connected until next morning owing to the cable being 2 miles short.
Bir el Abd, Sinai, 9 August 1916, Roll of Honour, 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
Bir el Abd
Sinai, 9 August 1916
Roll of Honour
3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade
Poppies on the Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial, Canberra
The Roll of Honour contains the names of all the men from the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade known to have served and lost their lives during the Battle of Bir el Abd.
Battle of Romani, Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916, 3rd LH Bde, AIF, War Diary Account Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
Battle of Romani
Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916
3rd LH Bde, AIF, War Diary Account
War Diary account of the 3rd LH Bde, AIF.
The transcription:
4 August
The Brigade less on Squadron 8th Light Horse Regiment (which joined at Dueidar) moved out from Ballybunion at 0945 for Hill 70 - Kantara, arriving at the latter place about noon. The Brigade moved out in light marching order and within two hours from receiving the order.
Inverness Battery who only received their ten ##### a few hours previously, fitted same and joined the Brigade at Dueidar before it moved on, with 3 guns and 2 wagons. The Brigade was composed as follows:
Brigade Headquarters and Supply Section;
1/1 Inverness Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, and Ammunition Column;
No wagons were taken except Ambulance Carts. Camel Convoy with Ammunition and 24 hours rations and water left Ballybunion at 1000 and arrived Hill 70 at 1430. No first line transport accompanied Brigade but each man carried all his kit, 200 round small arms ammunition, unexpired portion of day's rations and one emergency ration. Brigade and convoy left Hill 70 for Dueidar at 1100, the former arriving at 2030 and the latter at 2200.
5 August
Supplies were drawn at 0300 and Brigade left Dueidar for Bir el Nuss at 0500 both the object of attacking Hod el Enna arriving at 0900, and there joined New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade. As enemy had retreated, Ammunition Column joined up and the whole Column moved on to Hamisah and general engagement took place through the afternoon. 9th, 10th Light Horse Regiments and Inverness Battery taking part with 8th Light Horse Regiment in reserve.
The 9th Light Horse Regiment attacked with 2 Squadrons and 2 Machine Guns, one Squadron in support. The 10th Light Horse Regiment and Brigade Scouts, 4 Machine Guns made a wide detour to encircle the enemy's left, which was accomplished resulting in the capture of some 439 prisoners, 3 Machine Guns with Camels and Field Cookery complete and a quantity of ammunition and rifles. At this stage an enemy howitzer battery brought heavy and effective fire to bear on our troops. At dusk the Brigade rationed and camped one mile west of Nagid for the night leaving out Officer's Patrol.
Battle of Romani, Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916, Roll of Honour, 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
Battle of Romani
Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916
Roll of Honour
3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade
Poppies on the Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial, Canberra
The Roll of Honour contains the names of all the men from the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade known to have served and lost their lives during the Battle of Romani.
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