"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, 17 September 2008
Gallipoli Signal No. 4, 3 June 1915 Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB Sigs
3rd LHB, AIF
3rd Light Horse Brigade
Gallipoli Signal No. 4, 3 June 1915
Gallipoli Signal No. 4, 3 June 1915
[Click on page for a larger print version.]
The transcription follows:
HQ No 4 Section, 3 June 1915
It is particularly desired to have the usual issue of fresh vegetables daily and in addition an issue of limejuice AAA This is requested because of the seriously increasing prevailence of chronic cutaneous sores which constantly affect the health and fighting efficiency of the Brigade AAA Resident Officer of this Brigade strongly urges this AAA
3rd LH Bde Walkers Ridge 3pm P MacFarlane Captain for CO 3rd LH Bde
Note:
One of the most complete set of Light Horse unit signals at Gallipoli belongs to the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. Signals provide a window into the unvarnished form of history. These are the comments made by people who had important needs that required immediate attention. As such, they tell a story about a campaign that existed before the occurence of the newspaper reports leading to the Official Histories and all the other works that followed. Since they do not originate in a vacuum, it is the immediacy of the signal in a dense communication transfer that gives it a unique currency. It is a moment in time. We need all the other items such as the War Diary, Routine Orders and lastly, the published books to get a fully appreciation of the humble signal.
Reconnaissance to Hod el Gedaidia, 14 May 1916, page 2. Topic: AIF - DMC - Anzac MD
Chauvel Order for a Reconnaissance to Hod el Gedaidia, 14 May 1916, page 2.
Chauvel Order for a Reconnaissance to Hod el Gedaidia, 14 May 1916, page 2.
[Click on page for a larger print version.]
The aim of this reconnaissance was to establish any Turkish presence around Hod el Gedaidia. After the Turkish raid at Romani, it was essential to discover the Turkish presence, the numbers of Turkish forces deployed and so establish their intent. In addition, with an eye on future operations, the location of water sources and potential volumes were to be discovered by this reconnaissance.
The following weeks will see the various pages from the Hotchkiss Portable Machine Gun Handbook, the official manual issued by the company for the use of troops in the field. 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 72.
1903 Reorganisation, New South Wales Topic: Militia - LH
NEW SOUTH WALES.
(Six Regiments of Australian Light Horse.)
Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 6 Squadrons, New South Wales Lancers, to be formed inbo the 1st Australian Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Lancers) and one squadron attached.
"C" Squadron, 1st Australian Horse, and "J" and "G" Companies, 3rd Infantry Regimentt together with Nos. 1 and 2 Squadrons and the Forbes Half Squadron of No. 3 Squadron, New South Wales Mounted Rifles, to be formed into the 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Mounted Rifles).
The Canterbury Half Squadron, New South Wales Mounted Rifles, to be formed into two Troops of Australian Light Horse, and attached to the and Australian Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Mounted Rifles).
"F" Company, 2nd Infantry Regiment, to be formed into one squadron of Australian Light Horse, and attached to the 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales, Mounted Rifles).
The Bega Half Squadron of No. 3 Squadron, New South Wales Mounted Rifles, and "K" Company, 2nd Infantry Regiment, together with "A" and "B" Squadrons, 1st Australian Horse, to be formed into the 3rd Australian Light Horse Regiment (Australian Horse).
No. 4 Squadron and the Newcastle Half Squadron, New South Wales Lancers, to be formed into the 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Lancers).
No. 5 Squadron, New South Wales Lancers, and "K" Company, 4th Infantry Regiment, together with No. 4 Squadron. New South Wales Mounted Rifles. to be formed into the 5th Australian Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Mounted Rifles).
"G" Company, 4th Infantry Regiment, together with "D" and "E" Squadrons, 1st Australian Horse, to be formed into the 6th Australian Light Horse Regiment (Australian Horse).
The Border Scouts to be disbanded.
Further Reading:
For the New South Wales Light Horse Militia establishment, see:
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