"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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Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Karm, 25 October 1917 Topic: BatzP - Beersheba
Karm Station - The last supply link completed before the battle
The completion of Karm Station on 25 October 1917 put the last logistical piece of the projected break out plan. For the next month, Karm provided all the material necessary to supply the offensive. Its role was superceded to a great extent when Jaffa was taken and a sea port was available for large volumes of freight for the Allied force. However, that was the future. At the time the station was opened, it was pivotal in providing the infrastructure for success at Beersheba and the battles that followed from this victory.
The location of Karm Station in relation to the surrounding countryside.
[Click on map for larger version.]
Various features relating to the action at El Buqqar which occurred on 27 October 1917. A full description of the events that occurred on that fateful day can be found at:
Since Karm served no other purpose than as the Allies supply depot, once the importance subsided, it faded away into the dust from whence it came. The last picture is of Karm Station illustrating the remaining earthen platforms, all that remains. The picture looks towards the north east illustrating the surrounding countryside which has little changed since the Allied forces filled it with men and horses.
The following weeks will see the various pages of the Hotchkiss Machine Gun Pack for Cavalry. The Hotchkiss Gun was introduced in the Light Horse formations during the early months of 1917. The introduction of this robust and portable gun gave the Light Horse Regiments additional mobile fire power which considereably added to their ability to sustain light combat situations and defend against vastly numerically superior forces. Apart from being an excellent weapon, it was in much demand by the Turkish forces who considered the capture of a Hotchkiss Gun well worth any risks involved in the process. This is a manual produced in 1917 and illustrates the method by which the Hotchkiss Gun was packed and moved throughout the Palestine campaign.
Another entry from the book written by Lieutenant Colonel Hüseyin Hüsnü Emir, called Yildirim. Every day, one page of the book will be posted. This is Page 23.
Desert Mounted Corps Routine Orders - 2 October 1917 Topic: AIF - DMC
Apart from the War Diary which presents a reflected view of Regimental history, one of the best sources of understanding the immediate challenges facing a regiment is to be found in the Routine Orders. They are a wealth of detail.
Desert Mounted Corps Routine Orders - 2 October 1917
Desert Mounted Corps Routine Orders, 2 October 1917, p. 1.
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 - Received order from Brigade to be in readiness for move out at short notice. Probably to attack the left flank of the Turks who were known to be advancing.
Only men and horses capable of three days' "sustained effort" to be taken in the event of a turn out.
A strong body of Turks reported to be in vicinity of Oghratina and everything points to a strong attack being made by them.
1917
Monday, July 30, 1917
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Tel el Marakeb
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - All bridles, headstalls, girths and horse blankets thoroughly washed in carbolic under supervision of Brigade Veterinary Officer to endeavour to eradicate the skin disease prevalent.
Until further notice one troop of the Squadron sent for duty to parade mounted in full marching order for inspection by CO.
Lecture carried out as per syllabus.
1918
Tuesday, July 30, 1918
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Madhbeh
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - 0430, “B” Squadron returned to bivouac at 0430 and report that patrol sighted enemy patrol at 0130 and one of enemy was killed whilst endeavouring to escape. Body was searched but no identification papers were found. He carried rifle, bomb, and a rubber tube evidently a steam escape for machine gun.
Hannaford, Lieutenant E, reported from Gas School, Rafa.
The usual working parties to F and G Section Defences cancelled and Regiment detailed to supply one Squadron each night for patrol duty in front of G Section Defences. 2200, “C” Squadron moved out for G Section Patrol duty.
1919
Wednesday, July 30, 1919
9th Light Horse Regiment Location - SS Oxfordshire
9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Normal routine work.
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