Topic: AIF - 4B - 4 LHB
El Burj, Palestine, 1 December 1917
4th Light Horse Brigade War Diary Account
War Diary of the 4th Light Horse Brigade, AIF
The War Diary provides an excellent reference to the day to day activities of note that occurred within a particular unit. They were never designed to be histories in themselves but aids to future historians who wish to write about their deeds. The War Diary was often written up at the end of the day when most men were weary and seen as just another useless activity demanded by "the Heads" in far off places. It was only years later when unit histories were produced that the value of the War Diaries became to be realised by the men. The result is that the War Diary is usually light on detail. These details can be supplemented by Routine Orders and signals where these may exist.
The entry for Saturday, 1 December 1917 is transcribed below.
War Diary Entry
Saturday, 1 December 1917
4th Light Horse Brigade -
El Burj.
4th Light Horse Brigade -
0400 - 4th Light Horse Regiment report enemy attacking 3rd Light Horse Brigade.
0430 - 8th Light Horse Regiment report enemy reinforcing on their right rear, left of 4th Light Horse Regiment.
0550 - Infantry moved up in support between left of 4th Light Horse Regiment and right of 8th Light Horse Regiment.
0750 - Left of 4th Light Horse Regiment moved up 100 yards to straighten out the line.
0845 - Enemy machine gun located at point J28.a.9.6. Throughout the day continuous sniping on both sides. Enemy machine guns at Kefr Rut and 22 Central located and shelled. One machine gun (enemy) knocked out. Patrol from left of 4th Light Horse Regiment got within 200 yards of Kefr Rut and observed enemy positions. Two men of this patrol were wounded. Bombs and Very Lights were distributed to regiments. General Officer Commanding and Brigade Major visited the line.
1800 - 2 Troops of 4th Light Horse Regiment extended left of 4th Light Horse Regiment to join up with 8th Light Horse Regiment closing a gap which had occurred. 31st Infantry Brigade relieving 156th Infantry Brigade on right of 12th Light Horse Regiment. Occasional sniping during the night otherwise quiet.
Further Reading:
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
The Battle of El Burj, 1 December 1917
The War Diary of the 4th Light Horse Brigade, AIF is held by the Australian War Memorial and available online at no cost.
Citation: El Burj, Palestine, 1 December 1917, 4th Light Horse Brigade War Diary Account
