Topic: AIF - DMC - British
The First Battle of Gaza
Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917
Egyptian Expeditionary Force Lynden-Bell Letter 21 March 1917
Lynden-Bell Letter 21 March 1917.
The following is a transcription of the Lynden-Bell Letter of 21 March 1917 from the War Diary of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force detailing the discussion formulating the battle plan for the First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917.
GS 388
General Headquarters
Egyptian Expeditionary Force
21st March 1917
General Officer Commanding
Desert Column
There are now sufficient Hotchkiss Guns and pack saddlery available to complete the rearmament of the units of the Australian and New Zealand and Imperial Mounted Divisions, from which the Lewis Guns and equipment, at present, on charge, will be withdrawn.
Would you kindly say when it will be convenient to begin this rearmament and the order in which yet wish the units to be re-armed.
Since, its addition to the above, there will be sufficient pack saddlery to replace that at present with the 22nd Mounted Brigade it is considered that this exchange should be carried out.
It is desirable to carry out this out this rearmament as early as possible to enable a reserve of Lewis Guns to be built up.
Signed A Lynden-Bell, Major General
Chief of the General Staff
Egyptian Expeditionary Force
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