Topic: AIF - DMC - 1 Sig Sqn
The Battle of Rafa
Sinai, 9 January 1917
1st Signal Squadron, Signal Order No 23
1st Signal Squadron, Signal Order No 23
The following is a transcription of the 1st Signal Squadron, Signal Order No 23 detailing their role at the Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917.
Signal Order No 23
By Major JP McCall, Commanding
1st Signal Squadron
Anzac Mounted Division
January, 8th 1917
Ref Maps, Sinai Peninsula, Sheets N H36 1.125000 EIIISee: Map segment of Rafa 1:125,000
Information: Enemy is holding entrenches position near El Magruntein.Intention of General Officer Commanding: To attack him with the mounted Troops of the Desert Column at dawn on January 9th.
Communications: Communications will be by wireless, cable and visual.
Cable: A cable is being laid from Column Headquarters to Divisional Headquarters.
The Officer Commanding "B" Troop will lay the following cable:-(a) Line from Commander Royal Artillery to batteries.
(b) Line from New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade after they rejoin the Division upon completion of special duty detailed in Operation Order 69 Paragraph 1.
(c) When 3rd Light Horse Brigade moves into position for attack a line will be laid to Headquarters of Brigade General Commander.
(d) The 1st Light Horse Brigade will be in communication with Division by telephone laid from pack set by Brigade Signal Troop.
Visual: The Officer Commanding "D" Troop will detail the following visual stations:-(a) From Divisional Headquarters to Column Headquarters at Point 250.
(b) From Divisional Headquarters to Camel Brigade.
(c) From Divisional Headquarters to Headquarters of 1st, 3rd, and New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigades.
Wireless: The Officer Commanding "C" Troop will erect station W2 at Divisional Headquarters. Send Trench Wireless set to accompany the Brigade detailed for the Right attack. This trench set will work to W2 at Divisional Headquarters.
Rations and Forage: Every man will carry unconsumed portion of day’s rations, iron rations and another clear day's ration in haversack. Nose bags to be filled before starting - two days' hard feed to be carried in sand bag and strapped across pommel.
Great coats and sweaters will be carried on cantle of saddle.
Blankets, water etc.: In anticipation of Troops remaining in the Field some days, each man will be allowed to pack a waterproof sheet and two blankets, which will be carried on Pack-camels, but unloaded at Sheikh Zowaiid.
The Quartermaster Sergeant will make the necessary arrangements for this Convoy. He will accompany it to its destination, and will be responsible for the due safety of all kits etc. A suitable escort from the Squadron will be provided.
This Convoy will carry half a gallon of water for each man, to be issued when the Squadron joins up with the Convoy if necessary. Otherwise it should be held as a reserve.
One day's feed for horses to be carried in reserve.
Major
Commanding 1st Signal Squadron
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 Light Horse Signal Squadron, AIF
1st Australian Light Horse Signal Squadron, AIF, 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
Citation: The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917, 1st Signal Squadron, Signal Order No 23