Topic: AIF - 3B - 10 LHR
10th LHR, AIF
10th Australian Light Horse Regiment
Outline
10th Light Horsemen undertaking mounted drill, Guildford, Western Australia, December 1914.
Formation
The 10th Light Horse Regiment was formed as part of the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade, 3rd Contingent and attached to the Australian Division. The 10th Light Horse Regiment went through two distinct phases during its formation.
"C" Squadron, 7th Light Horse Regiment
Initially, it was envisaged that the unit would be designated as "C" Squadron, 7th Light Horse Regiment as part of the 2nd Australian Light Horse Brigade. The 7th Light Horse Regiment was to be a composite regiment based and trained in Queensland with "A" Squadron and Headquarters recruited in Queensland, "B" Squadron from South Australia with Western Australia providing the "C" Squadron. However, recruitment produced an overflow of men in all states. The result was the cancellation of the original structure of the 7th Light Horse Regiment and this regimental designation now applied to a unit raised in New South Wales.
3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade
With the creation of the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade, "C" Squadron, 7th Light Horse Regiment was renamed "A" Squadron, 10th Light Horse Regiment. The 10th Light Horse Regiment was made up by recruits entirely drawn from the 5th Military District [Western Australia]. The 10th Light Horse Regiment was established at Guildford Training Camp to the east of Perth, Western Australia, and later at Rockingham Training Camp to the south of Perth.
Training
[Click on page for larger version.]
Training for the 10th Light Horse Regiment occurred originally at at Guildford Training Camp to the east of Perth, Western Australia, and later at Rockingham Training Camp to the south of Perth. Reinforcement training occurred at Blackboy Hill Training Depot.
Embarkation
Embarkation of the 10th Light Horse Regiment was accomplished in two groups using both the HMAT A47 Mashobra and HMAT A52 Surada from Fremantle, Western Australia.
HMAT A47 Mashobra
The 10th Light Horse Regiment Headquarters, Machine Gun Section, "A" and "B" Squadrons embarked on the HMAT A47 Mashobra from Fremantle, Western Australia, 8 February 1915.
[See: His Majesty's Australian Transports [HMAT] Ships, A52.]
10th Light Horse Regiment "C" Squadron embarked on the HMAT A52 Surada from Fremantle, Western Australia, 17 February 1915.
The 10th Light Horse Regiment sailed to Egypt and disembarked on 8 March 1915.
Colour Patch
Initially, the only colour separation of the various Australian mounted troops was by use of the pennant. The marker pennants were carried on poles to mark lines troop lines in camps in Egypt. They were not lance pennants as the Australian lancers had red over white pennants on their lances.
While this pennant was useful in distinguishing horse and troop lines, it failed to identify the individual with a unit. The AIF 1st Australian Division Standing Orders issued in December 1914 ordered the Australian Light Horse Regiments to wear a 4 inch wide [10.2cm] blue armband with the regiment name marked on the band in black lettering.
The earlier systems proved to be ineffective so to assist with identification of the men in the various units within the AIF, Divisional Order No 81 (A) Administration was issued at Mena on 8 March 1915 detailing the Colour Patch for the 10th Light Horse Regiment as others received their colours. The colour patch was made of cloth 1¼ inches wide and 2¾ inches long and worn on the sleeve one inch below the shoulder seam. The colour patch for the 10th Light Horse Regiment was black over yellow.
The 10th Light Horse Regiment carried the yellow Brigade colour as the lower triangle part of the colour patch, while the black unit colour was on the top. This is illustrated with the above presentation.
Gallipoli
As mounted troops, the Light Horse was considered to be unsuitable for work in Gallipoli. The mounted troops volunteered to operate as infantry and thus were sent to Gallipoli with the 10th Light Horse Regiment landing on 20 May 1915. The Regiment was deployed on primarily defensive activities at Russel's Top and Rhododendron Spur throughout the stay at Gallipoli. The 10th Light Horse Regiment participated in the ill fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 where most of the Regiment was either killed or wounded. The 10th Light Horse Regiment participated in the attack at Hill 60 on 27 August 1915. The 10th Light Horse Regiment left the peninsula on 20 December 1915.
Defence of Egypt
After the return to Egypt, the 10th Light Horse Regiment reformed and re-equipped. The reorganisation of the Light Horse led to the formation of the ANZAC Mounted Division to which the 10th Light Horse Regiment became a foundation member.
On 28 February 1916, the 10th Light Horse Regiment moved to join its parent brigade, the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade, which was taking part in the defence of the Suez Canal. The work was hot and monotonous. They remained here until moved to the Romani region to bolster the defence of that area.
Sinai
The 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade played an important role in beating back the Turkish invasion of the Suez Canal zone at Romani. Now known as the Battle of Romani which lasted from 4-6 August which was quickly followed by the Battle of Katia and then Bir el Abd on 9 August. All the actions in which the 10th Light Horse Regiment finally led to the defeat of the Ottoman Canal Expeditionary force and its retreat to Bir el Mazar.
Over the next few months, the 10th Light Horse Regiment took part in the Allied advance over the Sinai leading to the fall of Bir el Mazar, then El Arish followed by Bir el Magdhaba and finally Rafa in January 1917. The Ottoman forces were expelled from the Sinai and were poised to be tackled in Palestine.
Palestine
On 27 March 1917, the 10th Light Horse Regiment took part in the First Battle of Gaza. While involved in the encirclement of the city as a prelude to its capture, the 10th Light Horse Regiment received the order to withdraw and return to the starting line. Grudgingly they did so but realised the Turks had snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat.
The 10th Light Horse Regiment took part in the Second Battle of Gaza on 19 April 1917 and suffered the heaviest casualties since Gallipoli.
The 10th Light Horse Regiment took part in the Battle of Beersheba and then the follow up actions that lasted until early January 1918.
From this time onwards, for the next two months, the 10th Light Horse Regiment remained in continuous combat action until relieved for three months refit and training at Deir el Belah from early January 1918.In early April 1918, the 10th Light Horse Regiment moved into the Jordan Valley and took part in the invasion of Moab and took Es Salt during the action of 30 April – 4 May 1918. Unfortunately, due to a Turkish attack on the lines of communication, this raid nearly turned into a disaster where the Turkish forces almost cut off the Australian Mounted Division in the hills.
In a move that converted the Light Horse into full cavalry, the Australian Mounted Division was issued with swords during August and early September 1917. The Australian Mounted Division went to work training with swords and undertaking cavalry work.
On 19 September 1918 the Battle of Megiddo began. The infantry over ran the Turkish defensive trenches allowing the cavalry to debouch into the Turkish hinterland. The 10th Light Horse Regiment participated in the breakthrough which moved rapidly through the north of Palestine. At the end of the first week, it was obvious that the way to Damascus was open and so a second push occurred on the heels of the first assault. On 1 October 1918, Damascus was taken. As part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, they marched through the city after its surrender by the Sarai.
After a rest in Damascus, the 10th Light Horse Regiment moved towards Homs when the Turks surrendered on 30 October 1918.
Return to Australia
After the conclusion of hostilities, the 10th Light Horse Regiment was marked to return to Australia. Prior to that action, one of the saddest actions occurred for the Australian Lighthorsemen, they had to farewell their best friends, the horses. All the Light Horse unit horses' health was ascertained with the fit horses being transferred to the Indian Cavalry while those in poor condition were destroyed by the Veterinary units.
On 13 March 1919 the 10th Light Horse Regiment was deployed to assist in suppressing the Egyptian Uprising. When the revolt collapsed, the 10th Light Horse Regiment embarked on the 10 July 1919 for the long voyage to Australia where the unit was disbanded.
Commanding Officers
Lieutenant Colonel Noel Murray Brazier
Lieutenant Colonel John Burns Scott
Lieutenant Colonel Percy Phipps Abbott
Lieutenant Colonel Clive Lanyon Nicholas
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas John Todd
Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Edward Grimwood
Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Charles Niquet Olden
Decorations earned by the 10th Light Horse Regiment
- 1 VC - Victoria Cross
- 1 CMG - Companion in The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George
- 3 DSO & 1 Bar - Distinguished Service Orders
- 1 MBE - Member of the British Empire
- 9 MC & 1 Bar - Military Crosses
- 15 DCM & 1 Bar - Distinguished Conduct Medals
- 15 MM- Military Medals
- 3 MSM - Meritorious Service Medal
- 48 MID - Mentioned in Despatches
- 2 foreign awards
Campaigns
Gallipoli
- Defence at Anzac
- Suvla
- Sari Bair
- Gallipoli 1915-1916
Egypt
- Defence of Egypt
Sinai
- Romani
- Magdhaba
- Rafa
Palestine
- First Battle of Gaza
- Second Battle of Gaza
- Third Battle of Gaza
- Beersheba
- El Mughar
- Nebi Samwill
- Jerusalem
- Jericho
- Es Salt
- Megiddo
- Sharon
- Palestine 1917-1918
Casualties suffered by the 10th Light Horse Regiment
- 237 killed
- 479 wounded
War Diary
The Australian War Memorial has put these on line and may be accessed here:
10th Light Horse Regiment War Diaries.
Embarkations:
The following list details all the embarkations in support of the 10th Light Horse Regiment, AIF, during the Great War. Each entry details to formation and the ships on which the units embarked with the date and place of embarkation. The detail of the formation is linked to a list of men who embarked upon that ship on the specific date.
| Regimental Headquarters Section | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A47 Mashobra 17 February 1915 |
| "A" Squadron | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A47 Mashobra 8 February 1915 |
| "B" Squadron | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A47 Mashobra 8 February 1915 |
| "C" Squadron | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A52 Surada 17 February 1915 |
| Machine Gun Section | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A47 Mashobra 8 February 1915 |
| 1st Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A52 Surada 17 February 1915 |
| 2nd Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A50 Itonus 19 February 1915 |
| 3rd Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A50 Itonus 19 February 1915 |
| 4th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A8 Argyllshire 19 April 1915 |
| 5th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A20 Hororata 26 April 1915 |
| 6th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A63 Karoola 25 June 1915 |
| 7th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A61 Kanowna 30 June 1915 |
| 8th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A68 Anchises 2 September 1915 |
| 9th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A20 Hororata 1 October 1915 |
| 10th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A32 Themistocles 13 October 1915 |
11th Reinforcements Themistocles Group 11th Reinforcements Benalla Group | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A32 Themistocles 13 October 1915 Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A24 Benalla 1 November 1915 |
| 12th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board RMS Mongolia 22 November 1915 |
| 13th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A30 Borda 17 January 1916 |
| 14th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A69 Warilda 16 February 1916 |
| 15th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A38 Ulysses 1 April 1916 |
| 16th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A52 Surada 16 May 1916 |
| 17th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A52 Surada 16 May 1916 |
| 18th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board RMS Morea 6 June 1916 |
| 19th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board RMS Mongolia 17 July 1916 |
| 20th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board RMS Malwa 31 July 1916 |
| 21st Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board RMS Mooltan 28 August 1916 |
| 22nd Reinforcements | Adelaide, South Australia on board HMAT A41 Bakara 4 November 1916 |
| 23rd Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A45 Bulla 22 January 1917 |
| 24th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A6 Clan Maccorquodale 13 February 1917 |
| 25th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board RMS Karmala 12 February 1917 |
| 26th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board RMS Morea 26 February 1917 |
| 27th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney 22 May 1917 |
| 28th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney 22 May 1917 |
| 29th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A17 Port Lincoln 30 June 1917 |
| 30th Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A55 Kyarra 17 September 1917 |
| 31st Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth 9 November 1917 |
| 32nd Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth 9 November 1917 |
| 33rd Reinforcements | Fremantle, Western Australia on board SS Ormonde 13 March 1918 |
See: Troop transport ships for information and photographs about the various ships employed in transporting the troops to Egypt.
Further Reading:
10th Australian Light Horse Regiment, AIF
10th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment, AIF, Outline
