9th LHR, AIF

Pro Gloria et Honore - For Glory and Honour

Regimental March -  Marching Through Georgia

The Diary

1914

Sunday, September 20, 1914

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

1915

Monday, September 20, 1915

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Rhododendron Hill

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - No Entry.

1916

Wednesday, September 20, 1916

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Hod Amara

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - 1 Lewis Gun per Squadron issued and 3 teams of 1 NCO and 6 Other Ranks organised.

Routine work. Usual outposts, escorts, etc.

1917

Thursday, September 20, 1917

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Um Urgan

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - “A” Squadron under Parsons, Major HM; and, two troops “B” Squadron moved out 0400 and took up day outpost line - contour 300, 400 Goz el Basal, Khirbit Khaseif, Point 510. Stood to arms 0430.

Commanding Officer visited outpost line.

1918

Friday, September 20, 1918

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Khirbit Shumrah

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - At 0100, the Brigade moved north east via Zelefeh es Sumra and at 0500 arrived at Khirbit Shumrah. 5th Cavalry Division had continued their advance forwards along the coastal sand hills and the 4th Cavalry Division preceding the 3rd Light Horse Brigade by about twelve hours had advanced via Zelefeh es Sumra, Khirbit Shumrah [Liktera] to El Lejjun with orders to push on and occupy El Affule and Nazareth. At Khirbit Shumrah railway station about 100 prisoners were observed in charge of Indian escort. Many enemy transport vehicles and animals were abandoned along the road.

From Khirbit Shumrah the 3rd Light Horse Brigade followed the metalled road leading up the valley of the Wadi Ara and past Musmus. Shortly after passing this latter place the road passed over a steep col from the top of which a magnificent panorama of the Plain of Esdraelon with Mount Tabor [Jebel et Tur] and mountains around Nazareth in the background was obtained. Over this same route in 1479 BC King Thotmes III with an army from Egypt forced this same pass. The army opposing him held the line from Tel el Mutesellim [Megiddo] to Tel Ta'annakh.

The Brigade arrived at El Lejjun at 1100, watered fed and off-saddled. Water was very plentiful here and after the hard and fast marching all ranks enjoyed a cool bath and a well earned rest of a few hours. 1,000 prisoners were here, taken by the 4th Cavalry Division.

At 1540 orders received to saddle up and be ready in 1/2 hour to move at six miles an hour and seize all northern exits of Jenin.

At 1630 the Brigade less 8th Light Horse Regiment advanced on Jenin. 10th Light Horse Regiment supplied advanced guard, 9th Light Horse Regiment a troop as nth flank guard. Divisional troops followed in rear. In SqO97M22 a small enemy outpost was captured. From here many burning dumps in Jenin were observed. In Sq O97V13 small parties of enemy were observed on the right flank. These were charged and captured by Cruddas, Lieutenant GF, DCM with troop. These two troops located a large enemy force camped amongst olive groves immediately north east of Kefr Adan. The enemy were so astounded at the sudden appearance of our cavalry in their midst that they were all captured without a shot being fired.

The drawn swords undoubtedly completed their demoralisation. Our troops had a busy ¼ hour rounding up the stragglers which included many Turkish Cavalry. Prisoners when counted amounted to 1800 including many Germans. Over 200 horses and 200 mules and several donkeys.

This did not delay the advance of the Brigade the objective being the northern exits of Jenin. The railway line was crossed at about 1800 and by 1830 the 9th and 10th Light Horse Regiments and 3rd Machine Gun Squadron were astride and holding all the roadways leading northwards from Jenin.

“A” Squadron took up a position in SQ O97V24 a and b. “B” Squadron in Sq O97V23 a and b with Brigade Headquarters in W23a3.6. 10th Light Horse Regiment was on the east of “A” Squadron. “A” Squadron sent out strong patrols north to vicinity of Mukeibeleh. A few prisoners were captured and 29 motor lorries and ambulances were located abandoned on main El Affule - Jenin road. Two motor ambulances, one fitted with a combination dynamo and motor sat also located near “B” Squadron position astride Jenin to El Affule Road.

At 2200 the 9th Light Horse Regiment concentrated at Brigade Headquarters. Masson, Lieutenant GG, with troop remained in position in SQ O97V23. Prisoners were surrendering in large numbers.

Earlier in the evening Charley, Major WT, with “C” Squadron had been detailed to take charge of prisoners. These were being held at a point near where the Jenin - El Lejjun Road crosses the railway.

3rd Light Horse Brigade War Diary - About 0130 on 20th September the Brigade moved on for Lejjun the remainder of the Division following. A well defined track was followed as far as Zelefeh es Sumra after which the direction was changed to the north east across country. 10th Light Horse Regiment formed the advance guard. Beidus was reached at 0700, prisoners and material captured by the 4th Cavalry Division being passed on the way. The Brigade pressed on through the hills and through Musmus pass along the good road to El Lejjun, following the same track as that taken by Thotmes III of Egypt when he in 1479 BC moved to attack the King of Kedesh at Megiddo. [Tel el Mutesellim] El Lejjun was reached by the vanguard at 0945. Brigade watered and fed and sent out observation on the high ground about Salim, Brigade had thus marched 51 miles in less than 25 hours. A halt of several hours now took place pending receipt by Desert Mounted Corps of information as to the situation with regard to the 4th and 5th Cavalry Divisions, particularly as to the situation towards Haifa. The necessary information having come to hand being eminently satisfactory, orders were issued to this Brigade [less on regiment] to move on Jenin and capture the hostile fugitives reported to be retreating east and north - east from that place. By 1630 the Brigade [less the 8th Light Horse Regiment left for local protection at El Lejjun] with Notts Battery, Royal Horse Artillery attached was on the move. 10th Light Horse Regiment [Olden, Lieutenant Colonel ACN] with six machine guns were advanced guard, a troop of the 9th Light Horse Regiment as right flank guard. A pace of ten miles per hour was maintained. Near Tarnuk, half way to Jenin a small enemy outpost was captured by the flank guard. As the advance guard approached Jenin, a large enemy force was observed camped amongst the olive groves, immediately north - east of Kefr Adan, The right flank troop of the vanguard under Doig, Lieutenant PWK, immediately charged them with drawn swords. The enemy promptly surrendered. A few minutes afterwards the right flank guard to the main column, [Cruddas, Lieutenant GF, of the 9th Light Horse Regiment] arrived on the scene in support of Doig, Lieutenant PWK, followed shortly afterwards by two more troops of the 9th Light Horse Regiment [McDonald, Lieutenant JM,] sent out from the main body. These additional troops helped to round up the enemy scattered through the olive groves. The enemy was apparently astounded at the sudden appearance of our men. The captures here amounted to 1,800 including many Germans. There was also 400 horses and mules captured. This episode however did not delay the general advance of the column. The Brigade pressed on. The advance guard pushed rapidly on leaving the railway station about half a mile on their right so as to get astride the main road leading north and the route leading east to Beisan. The remainder of the Brigade followed at a fast trot in close support. By 1740 the vanguard had reached Jenin, the remainder of the column with guns was close in rear, thus having marched eleven miles in 70 minutes. By 1800 all northern and eastern exits had been closed. Once astride the roads and railways the 10th Light Horse Regiment turned south and drove back in towards the village and station. By this energetic action the enemy were driven into confusion and our men riding in amongst them with drawn swords made prisoners of about 3,000. It now became dark and pressing on to clear the town our troops were held up by rifle and machine gun fire from a party of Germans concealed in houses and gardens. Later this party tried to break away and there was some confused fighting in the darkness. The Germans were caught by a section of our machine guns [under Bryant, Captain GH] as they tried to break for the road and a number were killed; they then surrendered without further opposition. Prisoners were collected, troops assembled and dispositions made for the night. The left flank troop at the advance guard [Thompson, Lieutenant AWM, MC] captured 27 motor lorries near Burkina. A strong patrol of the 9th Light Horse Regiment was sent north to the vicinity of Mukeibeleh, near where they located an abandoned motor convoy of 29 vehicles.

The 10th Light Horse Regiment moved through the town took up a position across the main road from Nablus, where it comes through the pass about one mile south of Jenin.

Patterson, Lieutenant RRW, with his sub section of 3rd Machine Gun Squadron was sent to support them but in the poor light, got ahead of the squadron that they were to join.

Some little distance down the Nablus road at about 2100 they saw a large body of enemy approaching in the moonlight - 2,800 in fact with four guns. The Officer thought it rather a big order for his troop of 23 to take on, but his Corporal, [George, Lance Corporal B], preferred the advice that it was safer to bluff it out than retire. The Officer agreed. He put a burst of machine gun fire over the heads of the leading troops and called upon them to surrender. At first they demurred. It was their first suspicion that there were any hostile troops in front of them. In fact the Germans afterwards railed against the Turks for the latter's failure to keep them posted as to the situation. But the Turks themselves were equally ignorant. This column now found itself in a narrow gorge, wide enough for the road only, with steep hills on either side, over which single men could climb with difficulty. They were aware that they were being followed from the south. Their advance was blocked by a party of enemy whose, strength they could not gauge in the moonlight. Machine gun bullets were whistling over their heads to expedite their decision. There was at the head of the column a German nurse who spoke English fluently. Patterson, Lieutenant RRW, told her that there was an overwhelming force just to his rear. She passed his information on and after a short conference between the enemy leaders, the whole party surrendered.

The night passed without further incident, but every available man was employed collecting prisoners and material and in holding the approaches. Over 8,000 prisoners, including many officers of high rank, five guns, numerous machine guns, two aeroplane and a vast amount of material and booty of all descriptions had been captured, including a war chest wagon loaded with gold and silver coin. Much material was burned by the enemy, his dumps and aerodrome with 24 aeroplanes burning fiercely all night. Many of the Turkish and German Officer prisoners admitted being taken completely by surprise at our unexpected appearance at the northern exits of Jenin, stating that they thought we must have landed at - Haifa, never believing it possible that we could have made such rapid progress up the coast.

1919

Saturday, September 20, 1919

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - Adelaide

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - Regiment disbanded.

Previous: 9th LHR AIF War Diary, 19 September

Next: 9th LHR AIF War Diary, 21 September

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

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Thursday, 16 September 2010 10:22 AM EADT

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1st Australian Light Horse 1903-12, then renamed 7th Light Horse

New South Wales Lancers

 Tenax in Fide - Steadfast in Trust

Allied with King Edward's Horse (The King's Overseas Dominions Regiment).

See: Twinning Regiments, MO 209, 1910  

History:

Below is a brief historical outline from RK Peacock, Evolution of Australian Light Horse Regiments 1841-1935,  Unpublished MSS, c.1936, p. 1. 

In the year 1884 a troop of Cavalry was formed in Sydney designated the Sydney Cavalry Troop. The following year saw this troop under the title "Sydney Light Horse (Sydney Lancers) from this small unit has sprung the present 1st Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Lancers). During the year 1893 this arm of Mounted Troops was styled New South Wales Lancers and carried on as such until the year 1903.

On the Federal reorganization of 1903 the regiment had Squadrons at the following places; No. 1 Squadron, Sydney; No. 2 Squadron, Parramatta; No. 3 Squadron, Berry; and No. 6 Squadron at Richmond and Windsor. These Squadrons retained their identity and became the 1st Australian Light Horse Regiment (New South Wales Lancers). At the time of this reorganization there also existed a 1/2 Squadron of Lancers at Newcastle, Maitland and Singleton, these, however, were formed into the 4th. A.L.H. Regiment (16th L.H.).

A further change in the nomenclature of the regiment was made in 1912 when it became the 7th. Light Horse (New South Wales Lancers) a title it held until 1918 when it reverted to 1st Light Horse (New South Wales Lancers).

On the introduction of Divisional organization in 1921 the regiment with part of the then 6th Light Horse carried on under the title 1st. Light Horse (New South Wales Lancers). In 1929 the regiment became linked with the 21st. Light Horse Regiment and was styled 1st/21st. Light Horse Regiment.

The title of "Royal" was conferred on the regiment by King George V in 1935 and the individual unit was then now known as 1st Light Horse (Royal New South Wales Lancers).

7th Light Horse (New South Wales Lancers)

Honorary Colonel - The Right Honorable CR Marquis of Lincolnshire, PC, KG, GCMG.

Head-Quarters (less Signallers) - Parramatta

Commanding Officer - Major RC Mackenzie, Tenure of command from 1 October 1911 to 30 September 1916
Adjutant - Honorary Lieutenant GE Morris, AIS, 1 April 1913
Quartermaster - Captain LD Phillips
Medical Officer - Captain Piero Fiaschi
Captain Ernest Alfred Blow, Area Officer Nowra
Captain LD Phillips, 9 December 1912, supernumerary

Signallers - Sydney

Machine Gun Section - Sydney

Second Lieutenant TR Williams

"A" Squadron -

Sydney

Captain Hugh Venables Vernon
Lieutenant J Milling
Second Lieutenant Edward Dryland Hordern
Second Lieutenant FC Jordan
Second Lieutenant Burdett Philip Nettleton, 28 February 1913
Second Lieutenant Alfred Roy Hordern, 28 February 1913
Second Lieutenant Edwin Stanley Sutton, 28 February 1913

"B" Squadron -

Parramatta

Major FE Stowe, 1 October 1912
Lieutenant Wallace Cox
Second Lieutenant Keith Leslie Mackenzie
Second Lieutenant Frank Birkbeck Jacob
Second Lieutenant N Anderson, 28 February 1913

"C" Squadron -

Windsor (A Troop),

Penrith (B Troop), and

Luddenham (C Troop and D Troop)

Captain ER Walker, 23 December 1912
Second Lieutenant HFR Dunston
Second Lieutenant CS Woodhouse
Second Lieutenant WH Hooney

The number of men who went onto serve with the AIF after the declaration of war is highlighted by the links to the individual service files of each man who enlisted or was commissioned. Click on the link and the service file held by the National Archives will open for that particular individual.

Further Reading:

For the New South Wales Light Horse Militia establishment, see:

Light Horse structure 1903

1903 Reorganisation, New South Wales

Light Horse structure 1914

Militia Distribution in Australia, 1914, 2nd Military District, Part 1

Militia Distribution in Australia, 1914, 2nd Military District, Part 2

Individual Light Horse Regiments, see:

4th (New South Wales Northern Rivers Lancers) Australian Light Horse Regiment

4th Light Horse

5th (New England Light Horse) Australian Light Horse Regiment

5th Light Horse

6th (Hunter River Lancers) Australian Light Horse Regiment

6th Light Horse

7th (New South Wales Lancers) Australian Light Horse Regiment

7th Light Horse

9th (New South Wales Mounted Rifles) Australian Light Horse Regiment

9th Light Horse 

11th (Australian Horse) Australian Light Horse Regiment

11th Light Horse 

28th (Illawarra) Australian Light Horse Regiment

28th Light Horse 

Peacetime and Wartime Regimental Establishments, see:

Peace establishment of Australian Light Horse, 1903-14 

2nd Military District Staff Roster and Allocations, see:

2nd Military District Staff Roster and Allocations, 1914, Part 1

2nd Military District Staff Roster and Allocations, 1914, Part 2

2nd Military District Staff Roster and Allocations, 1914, Part 3

2nd Military District Staff Roster and Allocations, 1914, Part 4

2nd Military District Staff Roster and Allocations, 1914, Part 5

For 1914 Infantry, Artillery and other service arms distribution, see:

Militia Distribution in Australia, 1914, 2nd Military District, Part 3

Militia Distribution in Australia, 1914, 2nd Military District, Part 4

Militia Distribution in Australia, 1914, 2nd Military District, Part 5

Militia Distribution in Australia, 1914, 2nd Military District, Part 6 

Militia Distribution in Australia, 1914, 2nd Military District, Part 7 

Militia Distribution in Australia, 1914, 2nd Military District, Part 8 

Militia Distribution in Australia, 1914, 2nd Military District, Part 9 

Additional reference:

RK Peacock, Evolution of Australian Light Horse Regiments 1841-1935,  Unpublished MSS, c.1936. 

Posted by Project Leader at 6:59 PM EADT

Updated: Tuesday, 23 September 2008 9:00 PM EADT

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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.

[Click on page for a larger print version.]

Posted by Project Leader at 9:10 AM EADT

Updated: Friday, 19 September 2008 9:16 AM EADT

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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 74.

[Click on page for a larger print version.]

Posted by Project Leader at 8:55 AM EADT

Updated: Friday, 19 September 2008 9:18 AM EADT

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Diaries of AIF Servicemen

Bert Schramm

19 September 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, 18 - 22 September 1918

[Click on page for a larger print version.]

Bert Schramm

Thursday, September 19, 1918

Bert Schramm's Location - J31

Bert Schramm's Diary - Terrific bombardment started at 4.30 this morning and the infantry gained all their objectives. All the mounted troops moved forward and are keeping them moving. We have been travelling all day and will probably travel all night. Fair numbers of prisoners and guns have been taken.

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary

9th Light Horse Regiment Location - J31

9th Light Horse Regiment War Diary - At about 0430 a short but terrific bombardment commenced in the Coastal sector. The regiment reveilled at 0500, fed the horses, breakfasted and remained off-saddled until 0935 when orders were received to move in half an hour.

Information was received that our infantry had been successful in breaking through the enemy lines. At 0905 the Regiment together with remainder of Brigade moved north through Sarona travelling at the rate of five miles an hour until El Jelil was reached at 1100 when the Brigade watered and on completion moved towards Tabsor. About one mile south of our wire 1/2 hours halt was made to feed up. The Brigade passed through the enemy wire in vicinity of Tabsor at 1400 and continued north along sand hills. Ten minutes halt in every hour was observed and no wheeled transport accompanied the Regiment. 4th Cavalry Division and 5th Cavalry Division preceded the 3rd Light Horse Brigade up the coast. Few traces of the mornings fight were observed. Two or three small parties of prisoners and a few abandoned guns were noticed. Nothing was seen of our infantry who after smashing through the enemy lines in accordance with prearranged plans, had swung to the right facing in an easterly direction leaving the gap made open for the three Cavalry Divisions to pass through and advance north along the coastal sand hills.

The Brigade passed El Mughair at 1600 and had crossed Nahr Iskanderune near Esh Sheikh Muhammed by 1900 where horses were watered, fed and off-saddled.

3rd Light Horse Brigade War Diary

At 0900 on 19th September the Brigade left the bivouac and marched six miles per hour to El Jelil crossing the Auja River at Yellow House Bridge. Horses were watered at El Jelil and the Brigade moved two miles east to a position of readiness to await orders to cross the enemy trench system northwards. At noon a Despatch Rider on his way from Corps to Division was intercepted. He was carrying orders tor an immediate move forward for the Division, so in anticipation of instructions the Brigade moved off following the route taken by the 4th Cavalry Division passing the battlefield where Richard the 1st of England signally defeated Saladin in 1192.

This route led through Tabsor - Khirbit Ez Zerkie - El Mughair - to Esh Sheikh Muhammed on the Iskanderune River where the Brigade arrived at 1930 and watered. Advice was received from Divisional Headquarters that the Brigade would probably move on for El Lejjun at 0100. The 19th Brigade Royal Horse Artillery had so far been detached.

9th LHR AIF War Diary, 19 September

Darley, TH, With the Ninth Light Horse in the Great War, Adelaide, Hassell Press, 1924, pp 147 - 152.

The Dash through Jenin

At 10 p.m. on the 18th September 1918, the Regiment reached a point near Sarona and bivouacked. All ranks were advised to get as much rest as possible in view of the hard task in front of them, and to be ready to march at 6.30 a.m. on the following morning.

At 4.30 a.m. on the 19th September 1918, a furious bombardment to our left announced that the great offensive had begun. The roar of the masses of guns was deafening, and it was clear to all that this particular position would soon be taken.

Horses were saddled and all ranks hastily prepared to move. Some anxious moments ensued before the great tidings came through to the effect that the Infantry had broken the enemy line at Tabsor, and a few minutes later orders were received for the Regiment to move to the point of assembly two miles east of El Jelil. After watering the horses the Regiment moved towards Tabsor.

About one mile south of our wire a halt was made to feed, after which the Brigade moved through the enemy's wire in the vicinity of Tabsor, and continued north along the sand hills. Few traces of the morning's fight could be seen, but two or three small parties of prisoners were met and a few captured guns which were awaiting removal.

Nothing was seen of our Infantry who, after smashing their way through the enemy line had, in accordance with pre-arranged plans, swung to the right in an easterly direction. The Brigade passed through Khirbit es Zerkie and El Mughair to the Nahr Iskanderune near Esh Sheikh Muhammed, which was reached at 7 p.m.

The wheeled transport of the Division had been formed into three echelons, A, B, and C, for the operations, A consisting of ammunition, water and medical carts accompanied the troops; B consisting of supplies [about 100 wagons] followed in rear of the Division, whilst C [baggage] brought up the rear. The supply echelon of the Division, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Light Horse Brigades, Corps Troops, Divisional and French Troops, were placed under the orders of Darley, Major TH, whilst the baggage echelon was placed under the orders of Ragless, Captain BB.

The Regiment bivouacked for the night at Esh Sheikh Muhammed and at 1 a.m. on the 20th September 1918, moved off in a north-easterly direction, via Zelefeh es Sumra, arriving at Khirbit Shumrah at 5 a.m. The 5th Cavalry Division had continued to move along the coast, whilst the 4th Division, preceding the 3rd Light Horse Brigade by about twelve hours, had moved east to El Lejjun, with orders to push on and occupy El Affule and Nazareth.

At Khirbit Shumrah, near the railway line, a party of about 100 Turkish prisoners were observed under escort of Indian Cavalry, and many enemy transport animals and vehicles were found abandoned along the road. From Khirbit Shumrah the Regiment followed the metalled road leading up the valley of the Wadi Ara and passed Musmus. Shortly after passing the latter place the road passed over a steep rise from the top of which the Plain of Esdraelon, with Mount Tabor [Jebel et Tur] and the Nazareth Hills, could be plainly seen.

On this same road in 1479 B.C. King Thotmes III, with an army of Egyptians, marched to attack the King of Kedesh on the Plain of Esdraelon.

The Brigade arrived at El Lejjun at 11 a.m., watered, fed, and off-saddled. Water was obtained from a good stream, and during the short halt all ranks enjoyed a refreshing bath and rest. It was found that one thousand prisoners had been taken at this point by the 4th Division, and a little later, steady streams of prisoners, moving towards El Lejjun, told the tale of the splendid work of the Indian Cavalry. Two thousand Germans and Turks who had been specially despatched by the enemy high command in a desperate effort to seize the pass, and by so doing delay our advance, were now prisoners in our hands on the very ground they had been sent to hold. Things were indeed going well, and here on the actual field of Armageddon, the Regiment was eagerly waiting orders to strike its first blow in the present operations.

At 3.30 p.m. orders were issued to saddle up, and to be ready to move rapidly and seize all northern exits of Jenin. At 4 p.m. the Brigade, less 8th Light Horse Regiment, who were left to hold El Lejjun, advanced on Jenin in which direction many huge fires could be seen. Small parties of enemy troops could be seen on the right flank, and were immediately charged by a troop of “C” Squadron under Cruddas, Lieutenant GF, DCM, the whole party being captured.

McDonald, Lieutenant JM, with two troops was sent out to reinforce Cruddas, Lieutenant GF, and located a large force camped amongst the olive groves immediately north east of Kefr Adan. Drawing swords, the two troops formed line and charged, but the astonishment of the Turks at being so suddenly confronted by our men was so great that they surrendered without firing a shot. The officers who were amongst the prisoners stated openly that they had no idea we had broken through their line.

The troops had a very busy time rounding up the stragglers, which included a number of Turkish cavalry. Prisoners on being formed up and counted were found to number 1,800, including many Germans, over 200 horses, 200 mules, and many donkeys. This small affair did not delay the Brigade, which moved on to its objective.

The railway was crossed at 6 p.m. and by 6.30 all roads leading north from Jenin had been blocked. “A” Squadron sent out strong patrols north to the vicinity of Mukeibeleh, and 29 prisoners were taken; 30 motor lorries and a number of motor ambulances were located abandoned on the El Affule Jenin road, and two motor ambulances, one being fitted with a combination dynamo and motor set, were located by “B” Squadron.

At 10 p.m. the Regiment concentrated north east of the town, one troop under Masson, Lieutenant GG, being left in position. Charley, Major WT, with “C” Squadron was detailed to take charge of the prisoners who were being collected at the point where the main road crossed the railway. At 1 a.m. on the 21st September 1918, the Regiment moved to assist the 10th Light Horse Regiment in collecting prisoners who were surrendering in large numbers, and by daylight about 7,000 had been rounded up at Brigade Headquarters.

At 5 a.m. the Regiment moved to the west of the town and occupied the aerodrome. “A” Squadron rejoined and together with B were sent into the town to clear it of stragglers. About 300 were collected and sent to the concentration point near the railway. An enormous quantity of war material was captured, in spite of the fact that the enemy had set fire to their stores, but most of the aeroplanes had been destroyed. One small scouting aeroplane was found intact on the outskirts of the town. The narrow streets of the town were choked with enemy transport wagons, most of which were in a dilapidated condition. The stores in the town had been looted, chiefly by the natives, and later in the day this matter became so serious that it was made known to them that anyone found looting would be shot.

A very fine monument to some of the German airmen who had been killed on this front was found on the north side of the town.

Cozens, 396 Armourer Sergeant EL, located an enemy gun, 10.4 centimetre, No. M 15, K.A.N. 342, near the railway station, and “B” Squadron made the capture of the day by taking 120 cases of champagne from a cave near the station, without a casualty. A guard was promptly mounted over this last batch of prisoners, but a large quantity of it escaped before it could be taken over.

At 11 a.m. the Regiment moved to the northern side of the town and bivouacked on the outskirts of the orchards, sending guards into the town, and patrols in various directions. Nelson, Captain AH, was detailed to carry out the duties of Military Governor of Jenin. Many of the German and Turkish officer prisoners admitted being taken completely by surprise at our unexpected appearance across the northern side of Jenin, stating that they thought we must have been landed at Haifa, never believing it possible that we could have moved along the coast so rapidly. The Regiment moved to a position about one mile north of the town and bivouacked. The prisoners taken by the Brigade during the past 24 hours reached the huge total of 8,000.

At 4.30 a.m. on the 22nd September 1918, Parsons, Major HM, DSO, with a composite squadron consisting of two troops each of A and “B” Squadrons, moved along the Jenin-Beisan road to endeavour to capture a large party of Turkish infantry who were reported to be retreating in a northerly direction. By 9 a.m. he had reached Tel esh Shok and sent back word that he was on a rise two miles distant from and overlooking the town of Beisan, and that he had observed our Cavalry entering that place from the direction of El Affule.

No trace had been seen of the retreating enemy, who had evidently changed their direction. At the village of Jelbon, Tod, 769 Corporal AH, of “A” Squadron, with a small patrol on the right flank, discovered a party of the enemy concealed behind a large cactus hedge. He skilfully reconnoitred their position and manoeuvred his patrol to their flank. Drawing swords, he formed his few men in line, and made a dashing charge, capturing three officers and 28 Turkish infantry. At 2.30 p.m. the Brigade moved to a position about two miles north of El Affule, and Parsons, Major HM, with the composite squadron, rejoined at 10 p.m.

In the early hours of the 25th September 1918, orders were received to hold the Regiment in readiness to advance on Tiberias and to attack that place at dawn on the following day. One squadron of the 8th Light Horse Regiment was sent out to make a vigorous reconnaissance of that place. At 5 p.m. the Brigade moved out, leaving the Regiment to follow as soon as the various detached parties had returned, and at 6.45 the Regiment followed suit, passing through Nazareth at 10.30 p.m. Some delay was caused in passing through the narrow streets of this ancient city owing to the congested nature of the traffic and dust, but at 11.30 the Regiment arrived at Kefr Kenna [Cana of Galilee] and after a short halt continued the march at midnight.

At 5 a.m. on the 26th September 1918, the Brigade arrived on the high ground overlooking Tiberias. The enemy were reported to have evacuated the town, and to be retiring to the Jordan River south of Lake Huleh. A small party of Germans had crossed the Sea of Galilee in a motor boat and escaped into the hills on the other side. Horses were fed and the men breakfasted, after which the Brigade moved through the town along the western shore of the Sea of Galilee to El Mejdel. At this place the horses were off-saddled, and men and horses enjoyed a good swim.

At 1.15 p.m. “A” Squadron marched out, with orders to move into the hills and occupy Safed, which task was accomplished by 5 p.m. In the last 24 hours this squadron had marched close on 50 miles, mostly on metalled roads, many miles of which were through the hilly country of Galilee. Both men and horses stood the test admirably, and appeared ready for any demands made on them. The Jewish population of the various towns in this district were overjoyed at our occupation, and were astonished to learn that both Haifa and Nazareth had been captured by our troops.

At 7.45 a.m. on the following day the Brigade moved from El Mejdel to Rosh Pina, a prosperous Zionist town, arriving at 11.30 a.m. and halting. The Regiment was pushed forward with orders to force the crossing of the Jordan River, word being received as they moved off to the effect that the bridge across the river at Jisr Benat Yakub [the bridge of Jacob's daughter] had been blown up, and that the enemy were holding the crossings in force.

Bleechmore, Major C, with one squadron was sent forward to reconnoitre the crossings, and reported that the enemy were holding an entrenched position on the eastern bank, commanding the river from where it flowed out of Lake Huleh to just south of the bridge, which had been considerably damaged by explosives. The strength of the enemy was estimated at about 1,000, with one or two field guns. Strong patrols had been pushed north and south, and into the village of Mishmar Hayarden.

Hannaford, Lieutenant E, later reported having found a crossing not held by the enemy, about two miles south of the bridge. At 12.30 p.m. the Regiment received orders not to become involved with the enemy, as the Division intended an alteration of plans. By this time the Notts Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, had opened fire on the enemy position, personally indicated to the Battery Observation Officer by Bleechmore, Major C. The battery made splendid practice, and succeeded in knocking the enemy gun, which had been placed in position to cover the bridge, off its mounting with its second shot.

At 3 p.m. orders were received that a combined effort would be made to force the crossing. The plan was that the 5th Light Horse Brigade would force the crossing south of the bridge, whilst the Regiment made a demonstrative attack, with its right flank resting at the bridge and its left on a clump of trees at the ford. During this movement the 10th Light Horse Regiment were to rush the ford, mounted, supported by covering fire from the 3rd Machine Gun Squadron and the 8th and 9th Light Horse Regiments.

With this object in view the Regiment and 3rd Machine Gun Squadron moved forward and took up their positions under heavy fire. By 3.15 p.m. A and “C” Squadrons were in position overlooking the river and ready to support the 10th Light Horse Regiment with their fire. At 4 p.m. the 5th Light Horse Brigade were observed crossing unopposed at El Min, but the ford in our sector was still strongly held by the enemy, who were in a good position and had the use of good cover.

At 5.30 p.m. the 10th Light Horse Regiment succeeded in crossing the river, followed by the 8th Light Horse Regiment, and took up a position on the high ground on the eastern bank. At 9.15 p.m. the Regiment, together with the 3rd Machine Gun Squadron, concentrated at Regimental Headquarters, then moved via Mishmar Hayarden to the ford at Jisr Benat Yakub, which was crossed at 10.45 p.m. The casualties of the day consisted of one officer [Wastell, Lieutenant MF] and four men wounded.

After crossing the ford a halt was made for half an hour to feed the horses, after which the Brigade pushed on with the intention of surrounding Deir es Sarass before dawn. This move was made across country, B and “C” Squadrons furnishing the advance and flank guards. The going here was particularly bad, the country being rocky, hilly, and trackless; horses having to be led up some of the steep rocky goat tracks for the first couple of miles, after which the conditions slightly improved.

At 5 a.m. on the 28th September 1918, the Regiment was astride the main road, a little to the' east of Deir es Sarass, but the enemy were found to have retreated towards Kuneitra. At 6.30 a.m., three enemy planes, flying low, passed over the Brigade and dropped bombs near the bridge over the Jordan River. At 7.30 a.m. the Brigade continued the advance along the main road towards Kuneitra, the remainder of the Division following, as each unit crossed the river. Aerial reconnaissance reports showed that the high ground covering the approaches to El Kuneitra to be held by a mixed force of roughly 1,000 of the enemy.

The country being passed through consisted of a high tableland, crossed by a solitary road, on both sides of which, as far as the eye could see, were masses of loose boulders, making progress, off the road, practically impossible. The inhabitants of these parts were Circassians, and friendly to the enemy, with whom they fought, chiefly as cavalry, on their stout little Arab ponies. Several of their patrols were seen in the distance, but these took great care to keep well out of range.

As the high ground overlooking Kuneitra was gained large numbers of Circassian cavalry could be seen retiring in the direction of Sasa; El Kuneitra being occupied without resistance at 2.30 p.m. The mayor of the town with an escort came out under cover of an immense white flag and surrendered the town to Hodgson, Major General W. After watering the horses on the outskirts of the town, the Brigade moved to a position two and a half miles south of Jeba, where it bivouacked.

This advance had brought the Brigade to within 34 miles of Damascus, the intervening country being open tableland, broken by deposits of lava and basalt. It was, however, abundantly watered by running streams and possessed a good main road.

Previous:  Bert Schramm's Diary, 18 September 1918

Next:  Bert Schramm's Diary, 20 September 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, 19 September 1918

Posted by Project Leader at 1:01 AM EADT

Updated: Monday, 6 June 2011 8:20 AM EADT

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