Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHMGS
Battle of Romani
Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916
3rd LHMGS, AIF, War Diary Account
War Diary account of the 3rd LHMGS, AIF.
The transcription:
4 August
On this date operation orders were issued to the effect that the Brigade would move off. One hour's notice was received of this move and a temporary reorganisation of sections was entered into immediately to obtain the best possible and most efficient fighting strength. On account of the shortage of Officers, 3 Guns were placed with each Section and these Sections were comprised of all the men with previous Machine Gun Training and for whom mounts were obtainable.
The remaining men 90 in number were left at Ballybunion in charge of Second Lieutenant Phillips.
This temporary re-organisation would possibly not have taken place had the Squadron not been in its absolute infancy or had there been time to procure horses and guns, as there existed at this time a shortage of two Guns and a very large number of horses, to complete establishment, the only horses and guns in our possession on this date were those taken over from the Regimental Machine Gun Sections.
Squadron minus details left Ballybunion at 1000 at an hour's notice for Hill 70 arriving at this place at 1200 resting there until 1700. Second Lieutenant Buckland and 17 Other Ranks joined the Squadron here and this Officer was placed in charge of Section of three guns.
Lieutenant Brown also joined Squadron here and was placed in charge of Section and three guns.
All fodder and ration transport was carried out by camel transport in charge of Camel Officer. Camels moving in rear of column.
Brigade Machine Gun Squadron left Hill 70 for Dueidar at 1700 arriving there at 1200. Camped at Dueidar for night.
5 August
Stand to Arms 0230 and moved off at 0430. halted at Bir el Nuss and watered. One Section of three guns under Lieutenant Palmer was detailed to accompany 9th Light Horse Regiment and one Section under Lieutenant Bookland to accompany 8th Light Horse Regiment and operated with these units east of Bir Nagid. At 1300 a message was sent back to Squadron Headquarters that Lieutenant Palmer was mortally wounded. Another message received stated that another Section of guns were required to assist on the flank with "C" Squadron of the 9th Light Horse Regiment, a Section was sent out in charge of Lieutenant Brown and accompanied by Lieutenant Rose, Second in Command, but on arrival the position had been taken together with 428 prisoners and 6 Machine Guns - a return was then made to Bir el Nagid at which place a bivouac was made for the night.
One Section was detailed to accompany the 9th Light Horse Regiment.
Roll of Honour
Lest We Forget
Further Reading:
3rd Australian Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron, AIF
3rd Australian Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron, Roll of HonourBattle of Romani, Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916
Bir el Abd, Sinai, 9 August 1916
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: Battle of Romani, Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916, 3rd LHMGS, AIF, War Diary Account
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Monday, 19 October 2009 8:33 PM EADT
