Topic: AIF - DMC - British
The First Battle of Gaza
Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917
74th (Yeomanry) Infantry Division War Diary Account
The following is a transcription of Report on the attack from the War Diary of the 74th (Yeomanry) Infantry Division detailing their role at the First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917.
74th (Yeomanry) Infantry Division War Diary Account.
General Officer Commanding Major General ES Girdwood.
25 March 1917
Divisional Headquarters moved from El Arish to Rafa.
229th Infantry Brigade (less 2 Battalions) marched to Rafa. (12th (Ayr and Lanark Yeomanry Battalion) Royal Scots Fusiliers and 12th (West Somerset Yeomanry Battalion) Somerset Light Infantry (less two companies) were left at Sheikh Zowaiid as a temporary garrison.
General Officer Commanding 74th Division assumed command of troops at Rafa (East Force Order No. 32).
Two Battalions 229th Infantry Brigade took up outpost positions covering Rafa.
26 March 1917
496th (Kent) Field Company Royal Engineers (less 2 Sections) arrived at Rafa to join Division.
27 March 1917
12th (West Somerset Yeomanry Battalion) Somerset Light Infantry (less two companies) marched from Sheikh Zowaiid to Rafa. 2 Companies 12th (West Somerset Yeomanry Battalion) Somerset Light Infantry marched from El Burj to Sheikh Zowaiid.
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:
British Forces, EEF, 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
