"At a mile distant their thousand hooves were stuttering thunder, coming at a rate that frightened a man - they were an awe inspiring sight, galloping through the red haze - knee to knee and horse to horse - the dying sun glinting on bayonet points..." Trooper Ion Idriess
The Australian Light Horse Studies Centre aims to present an accurate history as chroniclers of early Australian military developments from 1899 to 1920.
The Australian Light Horse Studies Centre site holds over 12,000 entries and is growing daily.
Contact:Australian Light Horse Studies CentreLet us hear your story:
You can tell your story, make a comment or ask for help on our Australian Light Horse Studies Centre Forum called:
WARNING: This site contains: names, information and images of deceased people; and, language which may be considered inappropriate today.
Friday, 11 April 2008
The Jifjafa Raid, Sinai, April 10 to 14, 1916, Continuation of Operation Order No. 6 Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
The Jifjafa Raid
Sinai, 10 - 14 April 1916
Continuation of Operation Order No. 6
Continuation of Operation Order No. 6 by Brigadier General JM Antill, CB, GOC, 3rd ALH Brigade
The transcription:
Secret
Third Light Horse Brigade
Continuation of Operation Order No. 6
By Brigadier General JM Antill, CB, GOC, 3rd ALH Brigade
1. Information and Intention
Aeroplane reconnaissance reports that Jifjafa is probably temporarily abandoned, although tents and gear at Wells are still in possession.
Wells may have dried up, so finding water cannot be depended upon.
The head of a good Motor Road is known to run from Hassana to within 8 - 10 miles north east of Jifjafa.
Latest reports show the garrison of posts in the neighbourhood to be as follows:-
Hassana - 900
Bir el Hamma - 50
Nekhl - 200
No extended reconnaissance is required north or east of Jifjafa, but information gleaned of the country towards Rodh Salem will be of much value in connection with any future possible objective in that direction.
The 9th Corps will provide a Column at Bir el Giddi on the night of 12th and 13th April - this Column will assist in deceiving the enemy and also provide against any flanking movement by the enemy against our right and right rear.
This Column may probably be accompanied by a detachment of the Bikanir Camel Corps.
Wells or erections calculated to be of subsequent use to us are NOT to be blown in or damaged, but all gear and stores to be destroyed or brought away. Information on the following points will also be reported upon:-
(a) Accurate information as regards all wells and other sources of water supply.
(b) Samples of water.
2. Time of Starting
Camel Train will leave Starting Point at 1700 - 10 April 1916, but will not pass through Front Line until dark.
3. Wireless
Lieutenant Eggar, Royal Engineers, is in Command of the Detachment. All messages to 3rd Light Horse Brigade from the Column will be prefaced by the letter "Z".
4. Ammunition
Reserve of 10,000 Small Arms Ammunition to be carried (Camel Transport).
5. Maps
Four of Suez (1/250,000) issued to Officer Commanding Column.
6. Wirecutters
One cutter per section to be carried.
7. Horses
Officer Commanding 10th Light Horse will supply the following additional horses:-
10 for Engineers
2 for Guides
1 for Officer Commanding Wireless Detachment
These horses will accompany the Column leaving on 11 April 1916.
8. Field Dressing
To be carried by all ranks.
9. Relief
The Commanding Officer 10th Light Horse will be prepared to have ONE Squadron (120 all ranks) ready if called upon to co-operate in these operations. This will not (if at all) be required until, at earliest, the morning of the 13th inst., and instructions will be issued from Brigade Headquarters before the Unit receives preparatory Orders. Transport, if required, will be arranged and the Orders regarding the Column will generally apply to this party.
Signed CC Dangar, Captain
Brigade Major, 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade.
The Jifjafa Raid, Sinai, April 10 to 14, 1916, 3rd LHFA, AIF, War Diary Account Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHFA
The Jifjafa Raid
Sinai, 10 - 14 April 1916
3rd LHFA, AIF, War Diary Account
War Diary account of the 3rd LHFA, AIF.
The Transcription:
7 April 1916
1600 - Received orders from Assistant Director of Medical Services 4th Division to
(a) Detail Major White of the unit for special duty
(b) Hand over to him 5 men "to be picked by him"
(c) "Hand over such medical equipment as Major White requires."
13 April 1916
Wrote to Assistant Director of Medical Services Anzac Mounted Division drawing attention to above and stating that granted the regular issue of such orders the nominal command of the Ambulance could be carried on by the most junior officer.
18 April 1916
Forwarded to Assistant Director of Medical Services 4th Division report by Major White stating that the medical work had been successful. Major White informed me that he had difficulty in arranging to have any escort when attending to wounded enemy but ultimately obtained it.
If medical details are to be left alone unarmed in the desert they are at the mercy of a few wandering armed Bedouin.
The Jifjafa Raid, Sinai, April 10 to 14, 1916, Roll of Honour, 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
The Jifjafa Raid
Sinai, 10 - 14 April 1916
Roll of Honour
3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade
Poppies on the Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial, Canberra
The Roll of Honour contains the names of all the men from the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade known to have served and lost their lives during the Battle of Magdhaba.
The Jifjafa Raid, Sinai, April 10 to 14, 1916, Operation Order No. 6 Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB
The Jifjafa Raid
Sinai, 10 - 14 April 1916
Operation Order No. 6
Operation Order No. 6 by Brigadier General JM Antill, CB, GOC, 3rd ALH Brigade
The transcription:
Secret
Third Light Horse Brigade
Operation Order No. 6
By Brigadier General JM Antill, CB, GOC, 3rd ALH Brigade
1. Information and Intention
To verify the reports of Agents and Air Service as to the existence of a small Turkish Post at Jifjafa (not exceeding 40 men, including workmen.)
To destroy at least two wells over which gyns have been erected, and if possible capture the Post.
A telephone line has been observed which apparently stops about 1 mile north east of the main post.
To report further upon:-
(a) Water in vicinity of country traversed.
(b) Works and defences if any.
(c) Further information of military value.
(d) Effect capture if possible of enemy personnel or inhabitants.
2. Detail of Troops
Commanding Officer - WH Scott, 9th Light Horse
Staff Officer, Captain AE Wearne, 8th Light Horse
(1) One Squadron of 117 all ranks of 9th Light Horse and 5 spare horses. (1 Officer and 12 Other Ranks - 8th Light Horse.)
(2) 24 Bikanir Camel Corps and 1 Interpreter, for escort duty and despatch riding.
(3) Detachment of Engineers, for demolition and water duties.
(4) WT Wireless Pack Detachment(to be provided by General Headquarters as a self contained unit, carrying 5 days water and supplies.)
(5) Detachment Royal Flying Corps for communication with Air-Craft. This detachment will require 2 horses, 2 riding camels and 2 pack camels, to be supplied by Officer Commanding 10th Light Horse, and Camel Transport Corps respectively.
(6) Officer Commanding 3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance will detail one Medical Officer and Orderly to accompany the Column. 5 Camels equipped with sitting up cacolets will accompany this unit, also 2 sand carts furnished complete by Assistant Director of Medical Services 4th Infantry Division (less 8 horses and 2 Drivers furnished by 3rd Light Horse Brigade).
(7) Officer Commanding 9th Light Horse will detail a Machine Gun Detachment of 1 Officer and 4 Other Ranks as part of the command, but to be included in the above numbers. (Pack Equipment for carrying the Gun is being arranged for.)
(8) Captain Macaulay (GSO 3, 2nd Anzac) will accompany the Column as Intelligence Officer and Arabic Interpreter.
3. Camel Transport.
Officer Commanding Camel Transport Corps will provide:-
Camels to carry food, forage, and water for the whole of the Column (less Wireless Detachment). The numbers required for this detail are being communicated direct to the Officer Commanding Camel Transport.
4. Starting Points
Road head east of Railhead for Fighting Troops, No's 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8.
Supply Depot at Railhead for Camel Transport and other Details No. 2, 4, and 5. (Times hereafter.)
5. Movement of Troops
1st Day, 11 April 1916
Column will assemble at Starting Point at 1345, leaving at 1400 to reach the Bivouac occupied by Reconnaissance Party of 21 March 1916 situation in the Wadi um Muksheib, some 6-8 miles from Moiya Harab at 0200 12 March 1916. There is will rest until 0800.
At the above point the Camel Transport should be in waiting.
2nd Day, 12 April 1916
Leave Bivouac at 0800 and proceed to the water at Moiya Harab or north east of that place, where it will rest until 1400, when the Column will continue its march to Point 1340 north east of Moiya Harab and bivouac for the night
3rd Day, 13 April 1916
From Point 1340 the objects of the Reconnaissance will be carried out, returning to Point 1340 on completion - Bivouac, and if the circumstances permit, remain until early morning, thence to water by 0700.
4th Day, 14 April 1916
Feed and water at cistern, and continue march to Bivouac of 11 April 1916, arriving about noon, rest until evening, and continue return march.
5th Day, 15 April 1916
Arrive at Starting Point early hours of 15 April 1916.
6. Movement of Camel Transport
With an escort of 20 Bikanir Camel Corps and Interpreter, the Camel Train will leave the Starting Point at 1400 on 10 April 1916, and following a Programme compiled by Officer Commanding Camel Transport reach the Bivouac mentioned in Paragraph 5. 1st Day at 0200 on 12 April 1916.
From here it will move under orders of Officer Commanding Column, and in conjunction with the same.
It will accompany the Column as far as Point 1340 (less Camels it has dropped at Posts formed). As soon as possible after the return of the Reconnaissance to Point 1340 all Camels will be started on return march and every effort made to move them out of danger zone.
Note:-
The above itinerary (once on the move) is subject to circumstances.
7. Ammunition
200 rounds Small Arms Ammunition per man will be carried, and 5 boxes for the Machine Gun.
8. Supplies and Water
Officer Commanding Supply Depot will arrange for the following:-
(1) Rations and forage for Men, Horses, Natives and Camels, for 5 (five) days.
(2) Water for European personnel for the whole period, one day's water for Natives and Horses at 5 gallons. Native personnel, horses and camels, will depend on water supply at Moiya Harab after the first day.
(3) One emergency ration will be carried by all ranks, which is not to be used without order from Officer Commanding Column.
(4) Water Bottles will be filled.
(5) One feed will be carried on the horse.
9. Tools, etc.
10 Shovels and one Bale Sand Bags will be carried on Camel Transport, to be supplied by Royal Engineers.
A Rotary pump, 20 feet hosing, and 40 feet canvas troughing will be taken. To be supplied by Commanding Officer, Royal Engineers.
10. Dress
Marching Order - one empty sand bag will be carried in lieu of picket bag.
11. Communications
By Wireless and 3 Signallers carrying Helios, Lamp and Flags.
(The above 3 men will be included in the 130 all ranks.)
A Post will be arranged for, and to be situated on the front line to communicate with the Column on its return. Brigade Headquarters to be advised as soon as in touch.
12. Aeroplanes
Co-operation by Aeroplane is being arranged for.
13. Reports
Officer Commanding Column will report to Headquarters by Wireless as opportunity offers, his movements, result of enterprise, and time of return start.
Signed CC Dangar, Captain
Brigade Major, 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade.
The Jifjafa Raid, Sinai, April 10 to 14, 1916, White Account Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHFA
The Jifjafa Raid
Sinai, 10 - 14 April 1916
White Account
White account of the 3rd LHFA, AIF.
The Transcription:
To: Commanding Officer, 3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance
Medical Report on Jif Jaffa Expedition
I beg to submit the following report on the work of the Medical Unit attached to the 9th Light Horse Squadron in its raid on Jif Jaffa from April 11th to 15th.
The medical personnel and equipment (supplied by the 3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance) was as follows:
1 Medical Officer
4 Mounted bearers (including 1 Corporal)
4 Drivers (including 1 Corporal)
2 Sand Carts, each drawn by 4 horse teams.
Total
1 Officer
8 Other Ranks
13 Horses
Camels 6
1 lying down cacholet (2 patients)
4 sitting up cacholets (8 patients)
1 medical baggage camel, on which were carried:
2 surgical haversacks
1 surgical saddle bag
10 blankets
Medical comforts
The Journey
In the journey from Road Head to the wells at Moiya Harab, a distance of 40 miles, the sand carts were easily able to keep pace with the rapidly moving Light Horse, in spite of heavy loose sand.
Here the sand carts were left with a portion of the Camel Transport, as the route now led through rocky defiles and difficult country, quite unsuitable for any wheel transport.
The medical camels now accompanied the fighting body right to the point of attack, Jif Jaffa, some twenty five miles further on.
In the attack we suffered one casualty killed, and none wounded. We dressed five wounded Turks, four of whom we carried off, the fifth being mortally wounded and dying.
They were transported on sitting up cacholets on camels, back to the wells at Moiya Harab. Here the wounded were placed two in each sand cart. On the return journey I kept the sand carts with the camel transport, so as to move the wounded more quietly and comfortably. The wounded stood the journey well.
The distance both ways was covered by forced marches, and only eleven hours sleep were possible during five days.
The combination of cacholet on camel, for conveyance of wounded over rough country prohibitive to vehicles, and sand carts for transport over sandy country worked well.
Three laying down cases could be placed in a sand cart, and a large number of wounded could be accommodated on transport camels on a return journey.
Specimens of water from different wells along the route, were obtained for examination.
In conclusion, I would like to bring before your notice, the good work done throughout by the medical details, both bearers and drivers.
The Australian Light Horse Studies Centre is a not for profit and non profit group whose sole aim is to write the early history of the Australian Light Horse from 1900
- 1920. It is privately funded and the information is provided by the individuals within the group and while permission for the use of the material has been given for this
site for these items by various donors, the residual and actual copyright for these items, should there be any, resides exclusively with the donors. The information on
this site is freely available for private research use only and if used as such, should be appropriately acknowledged. To assist in this process, each item has a citation
attached at the bottom for referencing purposes.
Please Note: No express or implied permission is given for commercial use of the information contained within this site.
A note to copyright holders
The Australian Light Horse Studies Centre has made every endeavour to contact copyright holders of material digitised for this blog and website and where
appropriate, permission is still being sought for these items. Where replies were not received, or where the copyright owner has not been able to be traced, or where
the permission is still being sought, the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre has decided, in good faith, to proceed with digitisation and publication. Australian Light
Horse Studies Centre would be happy to hear from copyright owners at any time to discuss usage of this item.
