Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
Bir el Abd
Sinai, 9 August 1916
3rd LH Bde, AIF, War Diary Account
War Diary account of the 3rd LH Bde, AIF.
The transcription:
8th August
In the early morning patrols reports enemy had retired. Brigade moved in pursuit at 0800 and advanced as far as the line running north and south through Bir el Abd where the enemy were found to be holding an exceedingly strong entrenched position. A strong redoubt domineering the right centre of the line apportioned off to the Brigade for attack - no further advance was made, one Regiment retiring to Hassaniya, another to Hammam, the remainder of the Brigade to Hillali.
9th August
A general attack having been ordered on the Bir el Abd line this Brigade was instructed to devote its energies in turning the enemy's left with a view of making Salmana. Later in the day these instructions were cancelled and Bir el Abd given as the objective.
The 8th Light Horse Regiment in advance attacked the enemy's line but could make little or no progress. The line was then extended both to the right and left by the 9th Light Horse Regiment being sent forward, but this met with no further success, it being found impossible to turn the enemy's left. Seven machine guns were in action during the day doing excellent work. Also the Inverness Battery. The Battery had excellent targets which were taken full advantage of. From about 1000 onwards it was realised no forward movement could take place as the Brigade held on to the front gained, being continually under a heavy and accurate sniping fire. At 1700 a determined attack supported by heavy gun fire was mad to break our centre, the 8th Light Horse Regiment coming in for the brunt of the attack. With the support of the Machine Guns and with great tenacity they held on and saved the position receiving great assistance by the timely arrival of a Squadron 10th Light Horse Regiment which relieved the pressure, the enemy eventually drawing off. The Brigade withdrew at dark to Hassaniya-Hassanein and Hillali, leaving out one Regiment in observation. During the day great difficulty was experienced in communicating with Division, but a cable was run out but not connected until next morning owing to the cable being 2 miles short.
Roll of Honour
Bir el Abd, Sinai, 9 August 1916, Roll of Honour, 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade
Lest We Forget
Further Reading:
Battle of Romani, Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916, Roll of Honour, Australia and New Zealand
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, 3rd LH Bde, AIF, War Diary Account
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Friday, 18 December 2009 4:58 PM EAST
