Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
The Battle of Rafa
Sinai, 9 January 1917
3rd Light Horse Brigade, War Diary Account
The following is a transcription of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, War Diary Account from the War Diary of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, about their role at the Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917.
El Arish 8 January 1917
General Officer Commanding and Brigade Major attended conference at Divisional Headquarters receiving final instructions in connection with operations - returned in time to move the Brigade out at 1200, watered in Wadi at troughs lent by 52nd Division - assembled at 1530, marched off for Rafa at 1600, a long column. Orders attached.
Rafa 9 January 1917
Arrived in vicinity by dawn. New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade rounded up a Bedouin Camp. Attack started at 1000. Report of Operations attached. (See: The Rafa Raid) A very successful day but until the last moment this looked rather black, in doubt the New Zealand charge on the rim of the Redoubt won the day. Communications worked better than on any previous occasion.
Left Rafa at 2030 less 8th Light Horse Regiment and arrived Sheikh Zowaiid at 0130, watered, good arrangements by Field Troop.
El Arish 10 January 1917
Major Parsons 9th Light Horse Regiment sent back to Rafa with 22 limbers to clear up the battlefield - remainder of Brigade left at 0700 for Masaid - bit late in coming out - a cool march in - watered at El Arish. Horses in no way distressed until watered at Sheikh Zowaiid were 36 hours without water.
El Arish 11 January 1917
8th Light Horse Regiment and 9th Light Horse Squadron returned in the early hours of the morning.
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:
3rd Light Horse Brigade, Roll of HonourThe 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, 3rd Light Horse Brigade, War Diary Account
