Topic: AIF - 2B - 2 LHB
Bir el Abd
Sinai, 9 August 1916
2nd LH Bde, AIF, War Diary Account
War Diary account of the 2nd LH Bde, AIF.
The transcription:
At 0030 the Brigade arrived at Hod Khirba, from there the route was to the north east. At 0500 the advance was checked by the Turkish rearguard who held a strong position from Sabkhet el Bardawil - one mile west of Hod el Hisha to Bir el Abd. The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment deployed and came into action occupying the high ridge overlooking Hod el Hisha from the west.
The 7th Light Horse Regiment advanced and took up a position to the left of the Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment and the 6th Light Horse Regiment were held in reserve. Touch was establishe with the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade on the right and the 1st Light Horse Brigade on the left. The firing line advanced about 1,000 yards and was then held up. By 1400 the enemy commenced a series of counter attacks supported by shrapnel and high explosive shell fire. All positions were held until 1600, the 6th Light Horse Regiment were then sent in to support the firing line and cover the retirement of the Brigade. By 1730 all wounded, about 40 men, had been evacuated. Led horses were brought up and the Brigade withdrew for wat to Hod Khirba, and subsequently to Oghratina for supplies. The Brigade bivouacked at Oghratina for the night. During these operations, the 1st and 2nd Light Horse Brigades and the Ayrshire Battery were commanded by Colonel JR Royston. The 2nd Light Horse Brigade was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel W Meldrum, Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment.
Roll of Honour
Further Reading:
Battle of Romani, Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916
Bir el Abd, Sinai, 9 August 1916
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: Bir el Abd, Sinai, 9 August 1916, 2nd LH Bde, AIF, War Diary Account
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Friday, 18 December 2009 4:58 PM EAST
