"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
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The following entries are extracted and transcribed from the 9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary, the originals of which are held by the Australian War Memorial. There are 366 entries on this site. Each day has entries as they occurred from 1914 to 1919. In addition to the 9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary, when appropriate, entries from the 3rd Light Horse Brigade War Diary and other regiments with the Brigade will also appear. Entries from the unit history, Darley, TH, With the Ninth Light Horse in the Great War, Adelaide, Hassell Press, 1924 will also appear from time to time. The aim is to give the broadest context to the story and allow the reader to follow the day to day activities of the regiment. If a relative happened to have served in the regiment during the Great War, then this provides a general framework in which the individual story may be told.
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Duty Regiment.
Daly, Major TJ, and one officer per Squadron on reconnaissance to Tel el Jemmi with Dangar, Brigade Major. General Officer in Command Brigade inspected the camp at 1100.
Barker, 75 Sergeant AS; Mitchell, 360 Sergeant TCC; and, Smith, 528 Sergeant RT, promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
1918
Sunday, April 14, 1918
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Selmieh
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Church Parade.
Information received that forthcoming operations has been unexpectedly postponed.
Syllabus of training issued.
1919
Monday, April 14, 1919
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Zagazig
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - One rifle stolen by natives from No 8 Post, Belbeis line, was recovered a few hours later and thief arrested.
The following entries are extracted and transcribed from the 9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary, the originals of which are held by the Australian War Memorial. There are 366 entries on this site. Each day has entries as they occurred from 1914 to 1919. In addition to the 9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary, when appropriate, entries from the 3rd Light Horse Brigade War Diary and other regiments with the Brigade will also appear. Entries from the unit history, Darley, TH, With the Ninth Light Horse in the Great War, Adelaide, Hassell Press, 1924 will also appear from time to time. The aim is to give the broadest context to the story and allow the reader to follow the day to day activities of the regiment. If a relative happened to have served in the regiment during the Great War, then this provides a general framework in which the individual story may be told.
The Jifjafa column reached point 1340, about eight miles from the enemy camp, at 0230 hours and bivouacked until 0530 hours. Here the Bikanir Camel Corps, Wireless Section and Transport were left under the command of Capt Ragless. The column marched on until it reached Hill 1082 and halted there at 0730 hours, and awaited a message from a reconnaissance aeroplane to be dropped. At 0800 hours the message "All was clear" was dropped and it was decided to launch the attack on the enemies position at Jifjafa from this point.
Major Scott with the attacking force to the south of Hill 1082, out of view of the Turkish position at Bir el Jifjafa, observed the enemy camp with field glasses to assess the best means to launch the attack. He had been informed by the pilot of the reconnaissance aircraft that the Turks retired to the hills when the aeroplanes flew over and returned to the camp only after the planes had passed on.
One troop under the command of Lt J. M. McDonald, 9th LHR was despatched to gallop out for about a mile west around the enemy's position and occupy a ridge north-west of the Turkish camp. Another troop under the command of Lt W. S. Pender, 9th LHR was sent out north-east, past the southern part of the enemy's works, then turn and take up a position at the northern rear of the camp.
1917
Friday, April 13, 1917
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Deir el Belah
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - The Regiment undertook routine work for the day.
1918
Saturday, April 13, 1918
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Selmieh
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Commanding Officer inspection at 1400.
Two Officers and 180 men proceeded to Corps hot baths Jaffa.
1919
Sunday, April 13, 1919
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Zagazig
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Voluntary church services.
One mounted troop patrolled El Aslugi - Shubra el Nakhla reporting all quiet.
The following entries are extracted and transcribed from the 9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary, the originals of which are held by the Australian War Memorial. There are 366 entries on this site. Each day has entries as they occurred from 1914 to 1919. In addition to the 9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary, when appropriate, entries from the 3rd Light Horse Brigade War Diary and other regiments with the Brigade will also appear. Entries from the unit history, Darley, TH, With the Ninth Light Horse in the Great War, Adelaide, Hassell Press, 1924 will also appear from time to time. The aim is to give the broadest context to the story and allow the reader to follow the day to day activities of the regiment. If a relative happened to have served in the regiment during the Great War, then this provides a general framework in which the individual story may be told.
The Jifjafa column struck camp and moved off from the bivouac at 0730 hours and proceeded up the Wadi Muksheib, passing the sight of the 8th LHR reconnaissance bivouac occupied on the 22nd March at 0820 hours.
The column continued on until it reached the well situated in the bend of the Wadi about three quarters of a miles east of where the Wadi Muksheib turns south towards Moiya-Harab, which had previously been reconnoitered by the 8th. Here the column bivouacked at 1120 hours.
The Camel Transport, under escort from the Bikanir Camel Corps, which had left the first bivouac at the same time as the column, arrived at this camp at 1320 hours. From about one and a quarter miles east of this bivouac reconnoitring patrols were sent out north and south in a bid to see if any sign of Bedouin camps could be found.
These camps had been reported by a British aeroplane at 0716 hours to be near Moiya-Harab, but apart from sighting fresh human and camel tracks, no camps were found. During the morning three Bedouins and a camel were captured and brought into camp. Further patrols were sent out to reconnoitre for water.
Later in the afternoon the column again prepared to move on to point 1340 (Square 3B Little Bitter Lake Sheet, Sinai Peninsula Map), leaving one officer, Lt Nelson, and 16 other ranks of the 9th Light Horse Squadron, plus 4 Light Horsemen Camel drivers, at the Well to guard the portion of the Camel Transport not needed for this next stage of the journey.
The column continued N.N.E. up a branch of the Wadi Muksheib for about a mile and a half until they reached the high ground of the desert and keeping the hills in sight continued the march for point 1340 during the night. The passage up the Wadi was found to be very rough and impassable to wheeled vehicles, but once up on the desert floor the surface was sound and good progress was made.
1917
Thursday, April 12, 1917
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Deir el Belah
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Working party of 45 men per Squadron under Parsons, Major HM, beginning at 0630 and continuing with work on cisterns.
1918
Friday, April 12, 1918
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Selmieh
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Mounted training. Commanding Officer proceeded by motor car on reconnaissance to El Mughar.
Daly, Major TJ; and, Luxmoore, Captain EM, on reconnaissance to Mejdel Yaba.
Nelson, Captain AH, to Deir el Belah for remounts.
1919
Saturday, April 12, 1919
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Zagazig
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - 2000, twelve Other Ranks proceeded to reinforce station guard as rumours of impending trouble received.
Clark, Captain HP, reported as Regimental Medical Officer.
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.
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