Topic: AIF - 2B - 6 LHR
The First Battle of Gaza
Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917
6th Light Horse Regiment, War Diary Account
6th Light Horse Regiment, War Diary Account.
The following is a transcription of the Account from the War Diary of the 6th Light Horse Regiment detailing its role at the First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917.
Shunnar, 25 March 1917
Regiment marched out from Shunnar at 0230 and bivouacked at Deir el Belah 1000. Strength marching out 22 Officers, 426 Other Ranks and 519 horses.
Gaza, 26 March 1917
Marched out from Belah to Gaza 0300 with Brigade. 2 Squadrons were in reserve to 5th and 7th Light Horse Regiments north east of Gaza. 3 Troops under Major Cross and 1 Troop with Lieutenant Hardy were detailed to delay enemy reinforcements arriving by beach route. 1 Troops cleared Beit Hanun at 1230. "A" and "B" Squadrons under Major White formed an outpost line at eastern sandhills to beach, a distance of about 4 miles, protecting Brigade from rear.
Deir el Belah 27 March 1917
Left Gaza 2400 and marched in to Belah arriving there 0730 on 27 March 1917, watered and rode out to bivouac about 1 mile from old bivouac, remained here all day and again watered in bivouac for night about 1 mile away in good feed country. No casualties.
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:
6th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour
The First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917
The First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917, Allied Forces, Roll of Honour
The Palestine Campaign, 1917 - 1918
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
