Australian Light Horse Studies Centre

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

Citation: The First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917, 3rd Light Horse Brigade, War Diary Account

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Saturday, 19 February 2011 8:40 AM EAST

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The First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917, 3rd Light Horse Brigade, Brigade Order No. 16
Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB

The First Battle of Gaza

Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917

3rd Light Horse Brigade, Brigade Order No. 16

3rd Light Horse Brigade, Brigade Order No. 16.

The following is a transcription of Brigade Order No. 16 from the War Diary of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade detailing its role at the First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917.

Note: Parts of the Order are illegible and so transcribed with "?" where no sense is possible.

Order No. 16

Brigadier General JR Royston, CMG
3rd Light Horse Brigade
25 March 1917

1. The enemy strength of about 4,000 with some guns still holding Gaza.

Enemy concentration of all reserves are reported to be:-

a. Hareira - Tel el Sharia total strength about 5,000.

b. Bir Saba - about 4,000.

c. Akra - Tel el Nejile men about 7,000.

2. Desert Column is attacking Gaza at dawn.

53rd Division attacks Gaza at dawn on 26th March.

The Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division will cross the Wadi Ghuzzee south of Sheikh Numrhan and will catch the enemy approaching from Huj and will close on lines of the front of the Gaza Garrison from Huj to the sea.

The Imperial Mounted Division will follow the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division to Khurbet el Resein and will boserve the enemy from Huj exclusive to the Gaza - Bir Saba Road inclusive refusing the Gaza - Bir Saba and Gaza - Nejile Roads to the enemy's retreat.

The 54th Division is occupying Sheikh Abbas on 26th inst.

The Imperial Camel Corps Brigade will continue the Imperial Mounted Division right flank Gaza- Bir Saba Road exclusive to the Wadi Ghuzzee.

Armoured Cars will be operating on the Gaza - Bir Saba Road.

3. The Imperial Mounted Division will move in the following order of march:-

5th Mounted Brigade less 1 Regiment will form advanced guard and will follow the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division Royal Horse Artillery at 0315 from the single tree at El Demetta followed by Divisional Headquarters followed by the 6th Mounted Brigade. The 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade will follow the 6th Mounted Brigade at 0415 to be followed by the Royal Horse Artillery. Mobile Veterinary Sections will follow Royal Horse Artillery at the order of their Brigades at 0500.

The 1st Line Transport of the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division will follow the Mobile Veterinary Sections of the Imperial Mounted Division.

The 1st Line Transport of the Imperial Mounted Division will follow in the order of their units of the 1st Line Transport of the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division and will proceed under Officer Commanding "A" Company Camel Transport Corps to Sheikh Abbas and park there.

4. The starting point is the single tree at El Demeita.

5. The Brigade Ammunition Column will follow the Royal Horse Artillery.

6. A Dressing Station will be formed in the vicinity of Divisional Headquarters at Khurbet el Resin.

7. A Veterinary Dressing Station will be established near Divisional Headquarters on the Gaza Saba Road.

8. Report during march to Divisional Headquarters in rear of 6th Mounted Brigade.

9. Acknowledge by initialling the attached.

10. Brigade will move according to DM ? dated 25th.

11. No lights to be used before dawn.

12. Extreme care will be used and since enemy ??? threats will be reported immediately.

13. While the attack develops the Brigade shall be held in Reserve.

CC Dangar Major
Brigade Major, 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade

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:

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

Citation: The First Battle of Gaza, Palestine, 26 to 27 March 1917, 3rd Light Horse Brigade, Brigade Order No. 16

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Saturday, 19 February 2011 8:38 AM EAST

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Wednesday, 9 January 2008

The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917, 3rd Light Horse Brigade, War Diary Account
Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB

The Battle of Rafa

Sinai, 9 January 1917

3rd Light Horse Brigade, War Diary Account

The following is a transcription of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, War Diary Account from the War Diary of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, about their role at the Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917.

El Arish 8 January 1917

General Officer Commanding and Brigade Major attended conference at Divisional Headquarters receiving final instructions in connection with operations - returned in time to move the Brigade out at 1200, watered in Wadi at troughs lent by 52nd Division - assembled at 1530, marched off for Rafa at 1600, a long column. Orders attached.

Rafa 9 January 1917

Arrived in vicinity by dawn. New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade rounded up a Bedouin Camp. Attack started at 1000. Report of Operations attached. (See: The Rafa Raid) A very successful day but until the last moment this looked rather black, in doubt the New Zealand charge on the rim of the Redoubt won the day. Communications worked better than on any previous occasion.

Left Rafa at 2030 less 8th Light Horse Regiment and arrived Sheikh Zowaiid at 0130, watered, good arrangements by Field Troop.

El Arish 10 January 1917

Major Parsons 9th Light Horse Regiment sent back to Rafa with 22 limbers to clear up the battlefield - remainder of Brigade left at 0700 for Masaid - bit late in coming out - a cool march in - watered at El Arish. Horses in no way distressed until watered at Sheikh Zowaiid were 36 hours without water.

El Arish 11 January 1917

8th Light Horse Regiment and 9th Light Horse Squadron returned in the early hours of the morning.

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:

The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917

The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917, Roll of Honour

Citation: The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917, 3rd Light Horse Brigade, War Diary Account

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Tuesday, 1 February 2011 11:17 AM EAST

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The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917, 3rd Light Horse Brigade, Report
Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB

The Battle of Rafa

Sinai, 9 January 1917

3rd Light Horse Brigade, Report

3rd Light Horse Brigade, War Diary Account

The following is a transcription of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, Report from the War Diary of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, about their role at the Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917.

Third Australian Light Horse Brigade
The Rafa Raid January 9th 1917

According to instructions contained in Anzac Mounted Division Order No. 69 the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade, as part of the Mounted Troops of the Desert Column, moved on Rafa, arriving in the vicinity by dawn on January 9th.

It was at this time that the left flank guard of the Brigade captured and enemy outpost of Four Turks, who fired two flares before being taken.

According to attack orders issued under GK 78 (0832 See: Signal 0832) the Brigade (less 1 Squadron 8th Light Horse Regiment Escort to Guns and Ammunition Column and Four Troops 9th Light Horse Regiment rear and flank guard) was to be held in reserve. On receipt of this the Brigade moved into position of readiness south east of Divisional Headquarters.

At 1100 the Brigade received orders Anzac Mounted Division G 69 to attack Trenches C4 and C3, keeping in touch with 1st Light Horse Brigade on right and the Imperial Camel Corps on left; one Regiment (8th Light Horse Regiment) to be in reserve under the hand of the General Officer Commanding Anzac Mounted Division, thus the Brigade went into action with five (5) Squadrons only and a complete Machine Gun Squadron.

At 1130 the above force moved from the position of readiness and without difficulty got into immediate touch on the right and left, the 10th Light Horse Regiment on the right, C4 being their objective and 9th Light Horse Regiment on left with C3 theirs. The advance went steadily forward under heavy rifle and machine gun fire to within 900 yards of the enemy forward trenches, later in the day the 10th Light Horse Regiment in conformity with 3rd Light Horse Regiment were able to push their right up, their line by 1530 being between 300 and 500 yards from C4; during the last half hour of the enemy defence they were under very heavy shrapnel and High Explosive Gunfire. The 9th Light Horse Regiment were unable to approach nearer than 800 yards to C4 and C3 being confronted by a long gentle slope, rising towards the enemy trenches and absolutely devoid of cover, this was also the case in from of the 10th Light Horse Regiment from their final position.

The Machine Guns at the commencement of the action gave supporting covering fire from the centre of the line but were eventually split up into the position sited on the attached sketch. The Machine Guns did excellent work and are, together with the Lewis Guns, which again proved their worth, responsible for keeping the Brigade casualties down.

At 1430 GR 77 was received but it was not until 1530 that the 9th and 10th Light Horse Regiments received it, The General Officer Commanding 3rd Light Horse Brigade at this time was on the left of the line and instructed the Officer Commanding 9th Light Horse Regiment, taking into consideration the ground in front of him, not to push forward until the right had got well on the move; for at that time there was no movement and from enquiries the front line of the Imperial Camel Corps had not received orders. The Officer Commanding Imperial Camel Corps on the Brigade's left was instructed to get into touch with his Brigadier as a move forward had been ordered to start at 1530.

It was about this time, 1546 that a retirement was taking place on the right of the 10th Light Horse Regiment but this Regiment remained on the ground won. It, together with the 9th Light Horse Regiment and 1st Light Horse Brigade on the right advanced on the trenches on the New Zealanders appearing from the rear of the Redoubt which was about 1600. On this occurring the whole line advanced, the enemy surrendering. About this time G 103 was received and the Brigade rallied and took up the duties of Rear Guard to the Division which necessitated it staying on the field until 2230 on account of the number of wounded having to be collected belonging to other Brigades. At this time the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade and 1st Australian Light Horse Brigade had left the field. No knowing that any provision had been made to bring in the enemy guns the 1st Australian Light Horse Brigade was overtaken and their limbers secured, with these and two Battery Limbers which were overtaken on the way to the guns the four captured pieces were brought out.

During the operations the 8th Light Horse Regiment in reserve were called upon to find patrols to gain touch with the enemy approaching from the east and on the Brigade withdrawing this Regiment remained on the field all night as protection for the Field Ambulance and wounded still on the field.

At 1000 on 10th inst. a dismounted patrol of 9 Turks was captured being one of the forward posts of the Eastern enemy force. It was reported that armed Arabs supported by Mounted Turks were attempting to envelop the right flank of the Regiment. One Squadron was detached and out manoeuvred the enemy who retired under a heavy fire. Five armed Bedouin of this force were captured.

The work of the Field Ambulance throughout the operations and afterwards was excellent. The collecting of the wounded being most expeditiously carried out; the sand carts of the units being used continuously to collect the wounded of other Brigades.

The following numbers left Masaid for the Raid.

Officers - 88

Other Ranks - 1,575

Horses - 1935

Casualties

Officers - Killed 0; Wounded 1; Missing 0

Other Ranks - Killed 5; Wounded 44; Missing 0

Horses - Killed 6; Wounded 30; Missing 5

JMR Royston
Brigadier General
General Officer Commanding 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade
Australian Imperial Force
12 January 1917

3rd Light Horse Brigade, Report Map Segment

[Click on map for larger version.]

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:

The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917

The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917, Roll of Honour

Citation: The Battle of Rafa, Sinai, 9 January 1917, 3rd Light Horse Brigade, Report

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Tuesday, 1 February 2011 11:22 AM EAST

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Wednesday, 13 July 2005

3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade, Embarkation Roll, Headquarters
Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHB

3rd LH Bde, AIF

3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade

Embarkation Roll, Headquarters

HMAT A16 Star of Victoria

3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade, AIF, Headquarters, embarked from Melbourne, Victoria on board HMAT A16 Star of Victoria 25 February 1915.

The HMAT A16 Star of Victoria, later renamed Port Melbourne, weighed 9,152 tons with an average cruise speed of 13.5 knots or 25.00 kmph. It was owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd London and leased by the Commonwealth until 2 October 1917.

The ensuing individual soldier's embarkation information contains the following details:

Rank on embarkation;
Full name of the soldier
Declared age of the soldier;
The last occupation held;
The last address as a civilian;
Enlistment Date; and,
Fate.

Finding more about a service person.

See: Navigating the National Archives Service File

Embarkation Roll

Lieutenant Colonel John Macquarie ANTILL, a 48 Soldier from Jarvisfield, Picton, New South Wales. He enlisted on 17 October 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 26 September 1917.

4 Lance Corporal George BUSS, a 39 Soldier from Stanley near Beechworth, Victoria. He enlisted on 28 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 4 November 1915.

15 Private Walter COLTMAN, a 34 Boundary rider from Strathmerton, Victoria. He enlisted on 3 October 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 7 September 1915.
17 Private Thomas CONNOLE, a 21 Labourer from Yarrawonga, Victoria. He enlisted on 22 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 3 July 1919.
23 Private William COUCH, a 21 Farm hand from Arundel, Strathmerton, Victoria. He enlisted on 18 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 3 January 1916.

34 Private James CROWLEY, a 34 Groom from 14 Princess Street, Prahran, Victoria. He enlisted on 15 January 1915; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 21 May 1917.

24 Private Albert George DONOVAN, a 22 Sawyer from 29 Henryville, Balaclava, Victoria. He enlisted on 16 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 29 August 1915.

6 Private Walter Francis EVANS, a 23 Constable from No 8 Park Avenue, Glen Huntly, Victoria. He enlisted on 17 November 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 25 September 1919.

2 Private Herbert Roy GOLLAN, a 22 Newspaper reporter from Talbot, Street, Newtown, Geelong, Victoria. He enlisted on 19 October 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 19 June 1919.

37 Private Leslie HANNING, a 30 Horse breaker from 103 Napier Street, Fitzroy, Victoria. He enlisted on 22 December 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 21 January 1917.
18 Driver Reginald Edward HARRISON, a 23 Labourer from Roslyn Street, Highton via Geelong, Victoria. He enlisted on 28 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 17 January 1916.
25 Private Charles Mears HATTEN, a 23 Labourer from c/o Mr John Gibson, Collins House, Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria. He enlisted on 4 December 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 5 April 1918.
38 Warrant Officer Sir Heaton John HENNIKER, a 37 Linguist from Lamberhurst, Bexhill, Sussex, England. He enlisted on 5 November 1914; and subsequently Discharged in UK, 27 April 1915.
1 Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant Charles Albert HOLSWICH, a 28 Soldier from Regent Park, Hurstville, Sydney, New South Wales. He enlisted on 10 November 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 7 November 1915.
27 Driver Harry Victor HANGER, a 30 Motor mechanic from 522 Station Street, North Carlton, Victoria. He enlisted on 16 November 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 5 July 1916.

30 Private James LANE, a 23 Seaman from Melbourne, Victoria. He enlisted on 29 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 11 July 1917.
11 Private John McKay LUTGE, a 38 Vigneron from Elmshurst, Victoria. He enlisted on 17 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 23 December 1918.

13 Private Michael John MAHONEY, a 39 Labourer from Pilleau Street,Coleraine, Victoria. He enlisted on 24 September 1914; and subsequently was Killed in Action, 19 April 1917.
Captain Rev Edward MAKEHAM, a 54 Minister from St Mary's Rectory, Emerald Hill Terrace, Perth, Western Australia. He enlisted on 23 October 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 9 January 1920.
Captain Percy Muir McFARLANE, a 34 Soldier from 50 Salisbury Street, North Anley, South Australia. He enlisted on 1 January 1915; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 22 August 1915.
Captain Daniel Francis McGRATH, a 41 Minister from Melbourne, Victoria. He enlisted on 1 November 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 3 September 1915.
Captain William Archibald MOORE, a 39 Minister from Crystal Brook, South Australia. He enlisted on 23 October 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 20 October 1918.

26 Driver William Donald OLIVER, a 28 Labourer from Grosvenor House, Walsh, Street, South Yarra, Victoria. He enlisted on 12 November 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 15 October 1917.

9 Private Leo PATHE, a 19 Coppersmith from 103 Glass Street, Essendon, Victoria. He enlisted on 9 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 6 May 1919.

12 Private Charles QUAIL, a 21 Surveyors assistant from Buchan, Victoria. He enlisted on 16 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 29 April 1919.

3 Private George Leslie RAYMENT, a 20 Clerk from Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria. He enlisted on 16 November 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 22 March 1917.
14 Lance Corporal George Henry RICHARDSON, a 35 Labourer from St Arnaud, Victoria. He enlisted on 12 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 17 July 1919.
10 Private Charles Murdoch RICHES, a 22 Labourer from Upper Road, California Gully, Bendigo, Victoria. He enlisted on 23 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 8 March 1917.

22 Private George Fitzgerald SANDERS, a 24 Wool presser from c/o Mrs J O'Dea, Ob Flat, Mt Gambier, South Australia. He enlisted on 12 October 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 23 July 1919.
35 Private Alfred Solomon SAUNDERS, a 35 Pearler from 21 McKean Street,North Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria. He enlisted on 18 January 1915; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 31 August 1916.
7 Private Walter SIBLEY, a 32 Farmer from Pioneer, Tasmania. He enlisted on 9 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 8 March 1917.
36 Private Richard STANT, a 21 Groom from Daylesford, Victoria. He enlisted on 20 November 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 5 September 1919.

29 Private Peter TIMMS, a 35 Trainer and groom from c/o Adamson, Strettle, Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria. He enlisted on 16 October 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 5 December 1919.

39 Driver Roderick William URQUHART, a 28 Station manager from Boonerah, Hexham, Vicham, Victoria. He enlisted on 18 December 1914; and subsequently was Killed in Action, 7 August 1916.

31 Sergeant William Ernest WILLIAMS, a 39 Journalist from Melbourne, Victoria. He enlisted on 21 December 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 15 November 1915.
21 Private James John WILLIAMSON, a 30 Grazier from Cheviot, Victoria. He enlisted on 21 September 1914; and subsequently Returned to Australia, 16 May 1919.

Sources Used:

National Archives Service File.
Embarkation Roll, AWM8, Class 10, Light Horse.
Nominal Roll, AWM133, Nominal Roll of Australian Imperial Force who left Australia for service abroad, 1914-1918 War.
Collected Records of Steve Becker.

Acknowledgement: Many thanks to Steve Becker who provided much of the raw material that appears in this item.

Further Reading:

Citation: 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade, Embarkation Roll, Headquarters

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Wednesday, 13 July 2011 6:35 PM EADT