Topic: AIF - DMC - British
The First Battle of Gaza
Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917
1/1st Berkshire Yeomanry War Diary Account
1/1st Berkshire Yeomanry War Diary Account.
The following is a transcription of the Account from the War Diary of the 1/1st Berkshire Yeomanry detailing their role at the First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917.
25 March 1917
Marched to Deir el Belah.
26 March 1917
0315 Moved with the Division via In Seirat across Wadi Ghuzze near Sheikh Nebhan to Khirbit el Reseim and halted there to guard the right flank during infantry attack on Gaza.
1600 At 1600 the Brigade moved to Wadi el Humrah here the Regiment was ordered to take over a line of Outposts. When getting into position "D" Squadron became heavily engaged with a force of Turks estimated at 4,000 marching from the direction of Huj to reinforce the garrison of Gaza. The firing line was reinforced and eventually consisted of the remainder of the Regiment. The remainder of the 6th Mounted Brigade, New Zealand and Australian Mounted troops.
1845 At 1845 the line was withdrawn ½ mile south west and dug in to take up line for the night. During this action one man of the Regiment was wounded.
27 March 1917
0200 At 2022 the line was withdrawn under cover of darkness, the Brigade Rendezvous and retired to Deir el Belah, being engaged on the left flank.
1600 After watering the Brigade moved out to Support the outpost line along Goz el Taire from In Seirat to Abasan el Kebir.
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
Citation: The First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917, 1/1st Berkshire Yeomanry War Diary Account