Topic: AIF - DMC - Eng 1FSE
The Battle of Rafa
Sinai, 9 January 1917
1st Australian Field Squadron Engineers, "A" Troop, War Diary Account
1st Australian Field Squadron Engineers, "A" Troop, War Diary Account
The following is a transcription of the 1st Australian Field Squadron Engineers, "A" Troop, War Diary Account detailing their role at the Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917.
El Risa 8 January 1917
Moved from El Risa at 1600 with 1st Light Horse Brigade en route to Sheikh Zowaiid arriving 2300.
1 Officer and 10 Other Ranks went forward with Brigade for purpose of water reconnaissance.
Sheikh Zowaiid 9 January 1917
Put down 3 Spear Points in three existing wells in Hod ½ mile north of Sheikh Zowaiid, owing to clayey nature of ground the Spear Point proved unsatisfactory. Removed Spear Points and cleaned out wells. Set up 4 pumps and 8 - 600 gallon canvas troughs and 1 - 2,300 gallon canvas reservoir and obtained about 8,000 gallons of water in 8 hours - Brigade watered satisfactorily from 2300 to 0200 9th/10th January 1917.
Sheikh Zowaiid 10 January 1917
Lieutenant JA Heithersay wounded during action at Rafa.
Lifted all water supply gear and left Sheikh Zowaiid at 0800 independently of Brigade - arrived El Risa 1300.
Replaced 2 Spear Points and troughs on beach at El Risa for watering part of Brigade.
War Diaries
All War Diaries cited on this site should be read in conjunction with the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, AIF War Diaries of the Great War, Site Transcription Policy which may be accessed at:
Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, AIF War Diaries of the Great War, Site Transcription Policy
Further Reading:
1st Australian Field Squadron Engineers, AIF
1st Australian Field Squadron Engineers, Roll of Honour
The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917
The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917, Roll of Honour
The Palestine Campaign, 1917 - 1918
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
