Topic: BatzP - Surafend
Surafend, the massacre
Palestine, 10 December 1918
Fotheringham Account
Sergeant Harold Alexander Fotheringham's account of his actions
The following account by 1054 Sergeant Harold Alexander FOTHERINGHAM, 6th LHR, details events he witnessed during the day leading up to the events at Surafend.
About 1500 on the 10th December 1918, I saw a NZ Soldier near the farriers forges. There several of our farriers were there. The New Zealander said to me: "We are going to raid the village at daylight tomorrow - let any of the men know it's on and if they care to join us they can." I then walked away to my own lines. The New Zealand soldier who visited the 6th LH Lines at 1500 on December 10th wore red and white colours on the puggaree of his hat.
Between 1800 and 1830, I saw another NZ Soldier in the lines of "C" Troop, "A" Squadron. He was mounted and speaking to some men in the end bivvy. I overheard him say - "We've altered the time of the raid and it's going to take place in about an hours time." (I do not think he was the samde man who was in the lines at 1500.) I did not hear any reply from any men. I went to the latrine and he was still there when I returned. I then wsent to my bivvy and did not see him again.
The next thing I know of the matter was when the raid started. I heard a number of men in the lines talking about it and apparently watching the raid.
A short time afterwards an order came down to "Stand to".
Further Reading:
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: Surafend, the massacre, Palestine, 10 December 1918, Fotheringham Account
