Topic: AIF - DMC - British
The First Battle of Gaza
Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917
Headquarters 161st Infantry Brigade, 54th Division War Diary Account
Headquarters 161st Infantry Brigade, 54th Division War Diary Account.
The following is a transcription of the Account from the War Diary of the Headquarters 161st Infantry Brigade, 54th Division detailing its role at the First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917.
Extracts from War Diary of Headquarters 161st Infantry Brigade, 54th Division War Diary Account
Brigade General Commander Brigadier General WM Dodington.
25 March 1917
The Brigade with units attached forming Brigade group moved from Rafa to In Seirat starting at 0400 and halting during day at Beni Sela in concealment and moving on to In Seirat at 1600 and arriving there at 1930.
26 March 1917
Brigade engaged in operations against Gaza and attached to and placed at disposal of the Divisional Commander of 53rd Division. (For account of the operations see Report on Operations 25th to 28th March 1917).(See: 161st Infantry Brigade Report on Operations)
27 March 1917
Brigade engaged in operations against Gaza and attached to and placed at disposal of the Divisional Commander of 53rd Division. (For account of the operations see Report on Operations 25th to 28th March 1917).(See: 161st Infantry Brigade Report on Operations)
28 March 1917
The Brigade arrived at the bivouac area in Seirat at daybreak with Battalions and Machine Gun Company at the following strength.
&Unit Officers Other Ranks Total 4th Essex Regiment 12 357 369 5th Essex Regiment 12 542 554 6th Essex Regiment 10 495 505 7th Essex Regiment 20 590 610 161st Machine Gun Company 10 150 160
Brigade went into bivouac as Divisional Reserve.
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:
54th (East Anglian) Infantry Division Order of Battle
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
