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"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 Centre

Let 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:

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WARNING: This site contains: names, information and images of deceased people; and, language which may be considered inappropriate today.

Thursday, 10 July 2008
Tractor Testing at El Gamli
Topic: BatzP - Beersheba

In preparation for the Third Battle of Gaza, at El Gamli, a tractor park was constructed containing many catapiller tracked tractors for pulling supply vehicles. This was part of the supply build up required to service the up coming offensive.

Tractor Testing at El Gamli

[Click on picture for larger version.]

To test the the tractors, they were given a tough ride over an obstacle course which tossed them around as can be seen in this picture.


Citation: Tractor Testing at El Gamli

Posted by Project Leader at 8:04 PM EADT
Updated: Friday, 11 July 2008 12:08 PM EADT
Colonel Husnu, Yilderim, Page 3
Topic: Tk - Bks - Yildirim

Another entry from the book written by Lieutenant Colonel Hüseyin Hüsnü Emir, called Yilderim. Every day, one page of the book will be posted. This is Page 3.


Colonel Hüsnü, Yilderim, Page 3.

[Click on page for a larger print version.]


Citation: Colonel Hüsnü, Yilderim, Page 3

Posted by Project Leader at 5:24 PM EADT
Updated: Thursday, 10 July 2008 5:34 PM EADT
Diaries of AIF Servicemen, Bert Schramm, 10 July 1918
Topic: Diary - Schramm

Diaries of AIF Servicemen

Bert Schramm

10 July 1918

 

Bert Schramm

 

2823 Private Herbert Leslie SCHRAMM, a 22 year old Farmer from Whites River, South Australia. He enlisted on 17 February 1916; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia, 10 July 1919.

During part of the course of his military service with the AIF, Bert Schramm kept a diary of his life. Bert was not a man of letters so this diary was produced with great effort on his behalf. Bert made a promise to his sweetheart, Lucy Solley, that he would do so after he received the blank pocket notebook wherein these entries are found. As a Brigade Scout since September 1918, he took a lead part in the September Offensive by the Allied forces in Palestine. Bert's diary entries are placed alongside those of the 9th Light Horse Regiment to which he belonged and to the 3rd Light Horse Brigade to which the 9th LHR was attached. On this basis we can follow Bert in the context of his formation.

 

The Diaries

The complete diary is now available on the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre Site at:

Bert Schramm Diary


Finding more about a service person. See:

Navigating the National Archives Service File 

 

Bert Schramm's Handwritten Diary, 7 - 12 July 1918

[Click on page for a larger print version.]

 

Bert Schramm

Wednesday, July 10, 1918

Bert Schramm's Location - Kantara, Egypt.

Bert Schramm's Diary - Arrived at Kantara at 7 am this morning and caught the 9.45 train to Cairo. Arrived here in the afternoon. Am staying at the Australian Soldiers Club.

 

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Solomon's Pools, Bethlehem, Palestine.

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - 0800 Charley, Major WT, returned from Ludd.

1730 The Regiment joined remainder of Brigade and moved via Bethlehem and Jerusalem to Talaat ed Dumm arriving there at 0115 and bivouacked for remainder of night.

Two GS Wagons on the march went over bank at side of road between Jerusalem and Talaat ed Dumm. Whalan, 23 Driver J, was severely bruised and evacuated to 3rd Light Horse Regiment Field Ambulance. On arrival the Brigade became Corps Reserve.

 

3rd Light Horse Brigade War Diary

On the evening of the 10th July 1918 the Brigade marched to Talaat ed Dumm with a view to relieve on the night of 16th July 1918 the 1st Light Horse Brigade as garrison of No 3 sub sector [El Musallabeh] of the line.

At dawn on 14th July 1918, orders were received to march at once to the forward area - the enemy had launched an attack on El Musallabeh and Abu Tellul positions in No. 3 sub sector. On arrival of the Brigade at Jericho at 1030 information was received that the counter attack by 1st Light Horse Brigade had broken up the enemy attack and that all lost positions had been regained.

9th Light Horse Regiment moved to support the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade who was to operate on the left of the line at No. 3 sub sector, but at 2100 returned to Wadi Nueiameh, 1½ miles north east of Jericho and bivouacked with the remainder of the Brigade, without having been engaged.

The attack had been made by 1,400 Germans and two Divisions of Turkish infantry on the line held by the 1st Light Horse Brigade and the 5th Light Horse Regiment of the 2nd Light Horse Brigade. The two Turkish Divisions on the right of their attack were completely repulsed - part of the German force broke through the line between two strong points. Those who got through were counter - attacked by the 3rd Light Horse Regiment and all were either captured or killed. The Germans opposite the 5th Light Horse Regiment were repulsed, and then counter attacked with serious loss to the Germans. 500 prisoners in all were taken, including 350 Germans. A subsequently captured document refers to "the unfortunate attack on Auja where the Germans and Turks each lost 600 men."

The relief of the 1st Light Horse Brigade from No 3 sub sector was carried out during the night 15/16th July 1918. Throughout 15th July 1918 the whole of the area was heavily shelled and heavy casualties had been sustained by 1st Light Horse Brigade in men and horses, particularly the latter.

Our horse lines, bivouacs, and watering places were within range of the enemy batteries - some of them were with in direct view of the enemy observation posts, and even if they could not see them in the folds of the ground they had no doubt where they were, as the horses had to go to water twice a day. Their aeroplanes were frequently over and, no doubt, took photographs of our camps. As the horses had practically no cover from shell fire it was then decided that the whole of the horses, less those of the reserve Regiment with detachment of 3rd Machine Gun Squadron bivouacked behind the steep El Madhbeh Ridge, would be sent back to the Wadi Nueiameh and thus out of range of anything less than 5.9.

8th Light Horse Regiment with one section 3rd Machine Gun Squadron were on right of sub sector - El Muskerah, El Musallabeh, and 10th Light Horse Regiment on the left Vyse, Vale, View, Vaux, Zeiss and Zerum posts.

There was little enemy rifle or machine gun fire, but enemy artillery was active day and night and there were a few casualties.

The heat and dust of the Jordan Valley. [1,000 feet below sea level], was most unpleasant and temperature from 110 to 122 degrees [Fahrenheit] were recorded. There was a plentiful supply of water in the area from the Wadi Auja stream although continually under enemy shell fire. The horses that were in the area had to be watered in this stream and often drew enemy shelling.

All available men in the Brigade were employed in digging and the improvement and wiring of the defences. The night working parties were continually shelled.

Active night patrolling was carried out in front of all positions but enemy always moved back quickly when encountered. The enemy endeavoured to reconnoitre our positions regularly, especially El Musallabeh.

The large number of men sent to hospital with malaria caused concern. Anti mosquito work had been carried out daily ever since the troops moved into the valley. This work consisted of draining all stagnant pools where practicable, if not, putting oil on them; with regard to running streams, reducing their width by filling in with stones and so making them flow faster and by blocking all side back waters, where water could become stationary. This is action was taken with respect to all water under our control, but unfortunately a large part of the stagnant water in the district lay between the two lines and the enemy fired on all parties, working there. Practically every Officer or man that patrolled over this swampy land, though it was on one night only or who occupied one of the posts on the edge of the swamp contracted malaria.

Men on sentry wore mosquito gloves and a net but without much avail, a net under such conditions is little protection.

The specially organised system of day and night observation was carried out and no enemy movement passed unobserved.

The enemy was in strength at El Baghalat with advanced positions along Grant Ridge from which he sniped. Guns shelling the Brigade were located at Umm es Shert, Red Hill, [large calibre], Wadi Fasail and Chalk Ridge.

The situation remained the same except for a lively bombing encounter on the early morning of 6th August 1918 between enemy patrols and ours.

9th LHR AIF War Diary, 10 July

 

Darley

Darley, TH, With the Ninth Light Horse in the Great War, Adelaide, Hassell Press, 1924.

No Entry

 

 

Previous: Bert Schramm's Diary, 9 July 1918

Next: Bert Schramm's Diary, 11 July 1918


Sources Used:

Bert Schramm's Diary

National Archives Service File.

Embarkation Roll, AWM8.

Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour

Nominal Roll, AWM133, Nominal Roll of Australian Imperial Force who left Australia for service abroad, 1914-1918 War.

 

War Diaries and Letters

All War Diaries and letters cited on this site should be read in conjunction with the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, War Diaries and Letters, Site Transcription Policy which may be accessed at:

Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, War Diaries and Letters, Site Transcription Policy 

 

Further Reading:

Bert Schramm Diary

Bert Schramm Diary, Album

Bert Schramm's Photo Album

9th Australian Light Horse Regiment, AIF

9th Australian Light Horse Regiment, War Diary, Day by Day Account

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

 


Citation: Diaries of AIF Servicemen, Bert Schramm, 10 July 1918


Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Thursday, 2 June 2011 8:48 AM EADT
9th LHR AIF War Diary, July 10
Topic: AIF - 3B - 9 LHR

9th LHR, AIF

9th Light Horse Regiment

War Diary, 10 July

Pro Gloria et Honore - For Glory and Honour

Regimental March -  Marching Through Georgia

 

 

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 Diary

 

1914

Friday, July 10, 1914

See 4th Military District, South Australia for militia activities.

 

1915

Saturday, July 10, 1915

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Reserve Gully

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - No Entry.

Carew Reynell Diary   - No Entry.

 

1916

Monday, July 10, 1916

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Roadhead Serapeum.

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Routine work. Training consisting of Rifle exercises and musketry and mounted work.

Patrols and outposts carried on as in previous week.

Lieutenant AD Palmer transferred from "A" Squadron to Machine Gun Section vice Lieutenant Jacques temporarily attached to Brigade Headquarters as Orderly Officer.

 

1917

Tuesday, July 10, 1917

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Abasan el Kebir

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Squadrons carried out practice in preliminary musketry including firing positions, aiming, trigger pressing and range discipline from 0900 to 1000.

At 1045 one troop per Squadron paraded for gas helmet drill and was inspected by the Divisional Gas Officer.

Freebairn, Lieutenant DT, left for Hotchkiss Rifle course, Zeitoun School.

 

1918

Wednesday, July 10, 1918

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Solomon's Pools

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - 0800 Charley, Major WT, returned from Ludd.

1730 The Regiment joined remainder of Brigade and moved via Bethlehem and Jerusalem to Talaat ed Dumm arriving there at 0115 and bivouacked for remainder of night. Two GS Wagons on the march went over bank at side of road between Jerusalem and Talaat ed Dumm.

Whalan, 23 Driver J, was severely bruised and evacuated to 3rd Light Horse Regiment Field Ambulance. On arrival the Brigade became Corps Reserve.

3rd Light Horse Brigade War Diary - On the evening of the 10th July 1918 the Brigade marched to Talaat ed Dumm with a view to relieve on the night of 16th July 1918 the 1st Light Horse Brigade as garrison of No 3 sub sector [El Musallabeh] of the line.

At dawn on 14th July 1918, orders were received to march at once to the forward area - the enemy had launched an attack on El Musallabeh and Abu Tellul positions in No. 3 sub sector. On arrival of the Brigade at Jericho at 1030 information was received that the counter attack by 1st Light Horse Brigade had broken up the enemy attack and that all lost positions had been regained.

9th Light Horse Regiment moved to support the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade who was to operate on the left of the line at No. 3 sub sector, but at 2100 returned to Wadi Nueiameh, 1½ miles north east of Jericho and bivouacked with the remainder of the Brigade, without having been engaged.

The attack had been made by 1,400 Germans and two Divisions of Turkish infantry on the line held by the 1st Light Horse Brigade and the 5th Light Horse Regiment of the 2nd Light Horse Brigade. The two Turkish Divisions on the right of their attack were completely repulsed - part of the German force broke through the line between two strong points. Those who got through were counter - attacked by the 3rd Light Horse Regiment and all were either captured or killed. The Germans opposite the 5th Light Horse Regiment were repulsed, and then counter attacked with serious loss to the Germans. 500 prisoners in all were taken, including 350 Germans. A subsequently captured document refers to "the unfortunate attack on Auja where the Germans and Turks each lost 600 men."

The relief of the 1st Light Horse Brigade from No 3 sub sector was carried out during the night 15/16th July 1918. Throughout 15th July 1918 the whole of the area was heavily shelled and heavy casualties had been sustained by 1st Light Horse Brigade in men and horses, particularly the latter.
Our horse lines, bivouacs, and watering places were within range of the enemy batteries - some of them were with in direct view of the enemy observation posts, and even if they could not see them in the folds of the ground they had no doubt where they were, as the horses had to go to water twice a day. Their aeroplanes were frequently over and, no doubt, took photographs of our camps. As the horses had practically no cover from shell fire it was then decided that the whole of the horses, less those of the reserve Regiment with detachment of 3rd Machine Gun Squadron bivouacked behind the steep El Madhbeh Ridge, would be sent back to the Wadi Nueiameh and thus out of range of anything less than 5.9.
8th Light Horse Regiment with one section 3rd Machine Gun Squadron were on right of sub sector - El Muskerah, El Musallabeh, and 10th Light Horse Regiment on the left Vyse, Vale, View, Vaux, Zeiss and Zerum posts.

There was little enemy rifle or machine gun fire, but enemy artillery was active day and night and there were a few casualties.

The heat and dust of the Jordan Valley. [1,000 feet below sea level], was most unpleasant and temperature from 110 to 122 degrees [Fahrenheit] were recorded. There was a plentiful supply of water in the area from the Wadi Auja stream although continually under enemy shell fire. The horses that were in the area had to be watered in this stream and often drew enemy shelling.

All available men in the Brigade were employed in digging and the improvement and wiring of the defences. The night working parties were continually shelled.

Active night patrolling was carried out in front of all positions but enemy always moved back quickly when encountered. The enemy endeavoured to reconnoitre our positions regularly, especially El Musallabeh.

The large number of men sent to hospital with malaria caused concern. Anti mosquito work had been carried out daily ever since the troops moved into the valley. This work consisted of draining all stagnant pools where practicable, if not, putting oil on them; with regard to running streams, reducing their width by filling in with stones and so making them flow faster and by blocking all side back waters, where water could become stationary. This is action was taken with respect to all water under our control, but unfortunately a large part of the stagnant water in the district lay between the two lines and the enemy fired on all parties, working there. Practically every Officer or man that patrolled over this swampy land, though it was on one night only or who occupied one of the posts on the edge of the swamp contracted malaria.

Men on sentry wore mosquito gloves and a net but without much avail, a net under such conditions is little protection.
The specially organised system of day and night observation was carried out and no enemy movement passed unobserved.
The enemy was in strength at El Baghalat with advanced positions along Grant Ridge from which he sniped. Guns shelling the Brigade were located at Umm es Shert, Red Hill, [large calibre], Wadi Fasail and Chalk Ridge.

The situation remained the same except for a lively bombing encounter on the early morning of 6th August 1918 between enemy patrols and ours.

 

1919

Thursday, July 10, 1919

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Moascar

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - 0530 Reveille. 0615, Breakfast.

1000, Regiment [less advance party] entrained at Moascar for Kantara. Train timing postponed one hour. All movements ordered in Move Order No 9 were therefore postponed one hour.

1145 Arrived at Kantara and all ranks were aboard SS Oxfordshire which was moored along East Canal Bank at Kantara by 1345.

Not one hitch occurred in embarkation of unity. Strength: 18 Officers 368 Other Ranks.

1630 Ship threw off her moorings and the Brigade Band struck up an air as we set off homeward bound at last.

1800 Hammocks and blankets issued.

 

 

Previous: 9th LHR AIF War Diary, 9 July

Next: 9th LHR AIF War Diary, 11 July

 

Sources:

See: 9th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Contents
Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, AIF War Diaries of the Great War, Site Transcription Policy

 

Further Reading:

9th Light Horse Regiment AIF

Bert Schramm Diary

9th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour 

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

 


Citation: 9th LHR AIF War Diary, 10 July

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Wednesday, 15 September 2010 1:39 PM EADT
The Belah Bombing Raid, 4 May 1917, The 3rd LHFA Tent
Topic: AIF - 3B - 3 LHFA

3rd LHFA, AIF

3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance

The 3rd LHFA Tent, 4 May 1917

 

The 3rd LHFA Tent after the Belah Air Raid, 4 May 1917

 

This rare photograph, taken on the morning after the air raid by a trooper from the 10th LHR, reveals the damage inflicted upon the hospital tent where in which five men were killed outright and about twenty others receiving additional wounds as most were already in the tent with wounds. It takes little to imagine the carnage inflicted by this raid.

 

 

Further Reading:

The Belah Bombing Raid, 4 May 1917  

3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance

3rd Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance, Roll of Honour 

Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920

 


Citation: The Belah Bombing Raid, 4 May 1917, The 3rd LHFA Tent

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Friday, 23 July 2010 12:33 PM EADT

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