Topic: AIF - 2B - 7 LHR
Battle of Romani
Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916
7th LHR, AIF, War Diary Account
War Diary account of the 7th LHR, AIF.
The transcription:
Thursday, August 3, 1916 –
Got in touch with enemy about 2 miles this side of Qatia. The enemy had occupied Qatia and Abu Hamra last night and extended from south west of Hill 110 about 2 miles to and including Sagia Hill. Artiller shelled enemy heavily but did not try to push him back. Held our position in firing line and withdrew at 1900.
Friday, August 4, 1916 –
Heavy firing heard at midnight. Listening posts came in and reported having been fired on. Received orders at 0100 to get ready to move. Moved from camp at 0330 towards Listening Post Hill. The left horses and advanced over that hill on to next where we relieved the 1st Light Horse Brigade, who had been engaged with the enemy most of the night. Held this position till forced off by a heavy frontal shell, machine gun and rifle fire and rifle fire from both flanks, then withdrew to Listening Post Hill which we held till about 0330. Were forced off this hill by heavy fire to hill running from near camp to Mount Royston. Took up position here and held enemy in check. Towards midday, a flank attack on enemy left was carried out. This evidently disconcerted him but his shell fire was heavy off and on the whole day.
Saturday, August 5, 1916 –
Received orders at 0400 to fix bayonets and charge across the low country to Listening Post Hill. This was carried out and found enemy fire getting weaker as we advanced. Ordered up led horses and found Turks and few Germans surrendering. Captured in all 700 odd. The Brigade pushed on under Colonel Meldrum and capture more men. Made for Hamisah and got within 2 to 2 ½ miles of it and there waited for cooperation from the 1st, 3rd and New Zealand Mounted Brigade and also 5th English Mounted Division (Yeomanry). At 1415 in an endeavour to take Qatia, we got with ½ mile of it and were then held up by enemy’s heavy shell, machine gun and rifle fire. Withdrew at 1900 and returned to camp. Lieutenant Colonel Onslow having been wounded during charge on foot. Major EB Quirke automatically took charge. Casualties: 9 killed; 3 Officers and 42 Other Ranks wounded.
Roll of Honour
Lest We Forget
Further Reading:
Citation: Battle of Romani, Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916, 7th LHR, AIF, War Diary Account
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Monday, 26 October 2009 8:20 PM EADT
