Topic: AIF - DMC - British
The First Battle of Gaza
Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917
Egyptian Expeditionary Force Powles Letter 2 March 1917
Powles Letter 2 March 1917.
The following is a transcription of the Powles Letter of 2 March 1917 from the War Diary of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force detailing the plan for issuing Hotchkiss Guns in anticipation for the First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917.
ADOS Desert Column
105/14
Re: Hotchkiss Guns
General Chauvel was informed some months ago that it was the intention to issue to all units of this Division Hotchkiss Guns at the rate of 1 per troop.
Several times lately the General Staff have been told the same thing by GS Desert Column, and we are now asked by GHQ to go on to Part VII War Establishments which provides Hotchkiss Guns at 1 per Troop.
It is reported that the 5th Mounted Brigade is now being issued with its quota, and it is further pointed out that the 22nd Brigade has already been supplied with these guns, and it is asked that this Division be at once supplied.
Our Regiments are daily in contact with the enemy, and it is submitted that they should receive preference over all Units not in the front line.
Signed CL Powles, Lieutenant Colonel
for Major General Commanding A & NZ Mounted Division
2 March 1917
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
