Australian Light Horse Studies Centre

5th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour

Citation: 5th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Contents

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Tuesday, 22 December 2009 6:07 PM EAST

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Thursday, 15 October 2009

5th Australian Light Horse Regiment, AIF, Outline
Topic: AIF - 2B - 5 LHR

5th LHR, AIF

5th Australian Light Horse Regiment

Outline

5th Light Horse and the Koala Mascot

[From: The Queenslander, 19 December 1914, p. 23.]

Formation

"A" Squadron recruited mainly from:
1st Light Horse Regiment (6 men).

"B" Squadron recruited mainly from:
3rd Light Horse Regiment (6 men)
4th Light Horse Regiment (6 men)

"C" Squadron recruited mainly from:
2nd Light Horse Regiment (6 men); and,
27th Light Horse Regiment (5 men).

Training

5th Light Horse Regiment Routine Order No 2, 17 October 1914

[Click on page for larger version.]

Training of the 5th Light Horse Regiment occurred at Enoggera Training Camp from August until September 1914.

Embarkation

The 5th Light Horse Regiment entrained from Newmarket Station, Brisbane, 12 December 1914, and travelled to Liverpool Camp, Sydney where they remained until embarkation details were finalised. Embarkation of the 5th Light Horse Regiment occurred by the HMAT A34 Persic from Sydney, New South Wales, on 21 December 1914 .

HMAT A34 Persic departing from Port Melbourne on 3 June 1916

[See: His Majesty's Australian Transports [HMAT] Ships, A34.]

The HMAT A34 Persic embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on 21 December 1914 with the bulk of the Regiment.

HMAT A44 Vestalia at Port Melbourne on 6 December 1916

[See: His Majesty's Australian Transports [HMAT] Ships, A44.]

An advance party was despatched on the HMAT A44 Vestalia. The advanced party contained the full complement of "A" Troop from "B" Squadron. In addition, all officer's batmen were included in the party. The advance party had 26 men from the 1st Reinforcements attached for embarkation.

The 5th Light Horse Regiment sailed to Egypt and disembarked on 1 February 1915.

Colour Patch

Initially, the only colour separation of the various Australian mounted troops was by use of the pennant. The marker pennants were carried on poles to mark lines troop lines in camps in Egypt. They were not lance pennants as the Australian lancers had red over white pennants on their lances.

Pennant of the 5th Light Horse Regiment

While this pennant was useful in distinguishing horse and troop lines, it failed to identify the individual with a unit. The AIF 1st Australian Division Standing Orders issued in December 1914 ordered the Australian Light Horse Regiments to wear a 4 inch wide [10.2cm] blue armband with the regiment name marked on the band in black lettering.

The earlier systems proved to be ineffective so to assist with identification of the men in the various units within the AIF, Divisional Order No 81 (A) Administration was issued at Mena on 8 March 1915 detailing the Colour Patch for the 5th Light Horse Regiment as others received their colours. The colour patch was made of cloth 1¼ inches wide and 2¾ inches long and worn on the sleeve one inch below the shoulder seam. The colour patch for the 5th Light Horse Regiment was light blue over red.

5th Light Horse Regiment Colour Patch

The 5th Light Horse Regiment carried the red Brigade colour as the lower triangle part of the colour patch, while the light blue unit colour was on the top. This is illustrated with the above presentation.

Gallipoli

As mounted troops, the Light Horse was considered to be unsuitable for work in Gallipoli. The mounted troops volunteered to operate as infantry and thus were sent to Gallipoli with the 5th Light Horse Regiment landing on 20 May 1915. The Regiment was only deployed on defensive activities throughout the stay at Gallipoli. On 29 August 1915, the Regiment received another squadron as reinforcements. "B" Squadron, 11th Light Horse Regiment was absorbed and renamed as "D" Squadron, 5th Light Horse Regiment. The 5th Light Horse Regiment left the peninsula on 20 December 1915.

Defence of Egypt

After the return to Egypt, the 5th Light Horse Regiment reformed and re-equipped. The reorganisation of the Light Horse led to the formation of the ANZAC Mounted Division to which the 5th Light Horse Regiment became a foundation member.

On 28 February 1916, the 5th Light Horse Regiment moved to join its parent brigade, the 2nd Light Horse Brigade, which was taking part in the defence of the Suez Canal. The work was hot and monotonous. They remained here until moved to the Romani region to bolster the defence of that area.

Sinai

The 2nd Light Horse Brigade played an important role in beating back the Turkish invasion of the Suez Canal zone at Romani. Now known as the Battle of Romani which lasted from 4-6 August which was quickly followed by the Battle of Katia and then Bir el Abd on 9 August. All the actions in which the 5th Light Horse Regiment finally led to the defeat of the Ottoman Canal Expeditionary force and its retreat to Bir el Mazar.

Over the next few months, the 5th Light Horse Regiment took part in the Allied advance over the Sinai leading to the fall of Bir el Mazar, then El Arish followed by Bir el Magdhaba and finally Rafa in January 1917. The Ottoman forces were expelled from the Sinai and were poised to be tackled in Palestine.

Palestine

On 27 March 1917, the 5th Light Horse Regiment took an adventurous role during the First Battle of Gaza. While involved in street fighting as a prelude to taking the city, the 5th Light Horse Regiment received the order to withdraw and return to the starting line. Grudgingly they did so but realised the Turks has snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat.

The 5th Light Horse Regiment took no part in the Second Battle of Gaza on 19 April 1917.

The 5th Light Horse Regiment took part in the Battle of Beersheba and then the follow up actions that lasted until early January 1918. After the fall of Jerusalem the 5th Light Horse Regiment moved to the Jordan Valley and took parts in operations in this region. This included the taking of Jericho, the attack on Amman during 27 March - 2 April 1918 and Es Salt Raid of 30 April – 4 May 1918.

Amman

At the opening of the final Allied offensive on 19 September 1918, the 5th Light Horse Regiment took part in the invasion of the Moab hills for the third time. This time Amman was captured. During this time the 5th Light Horse Regiment took part in one of the more unusual actions during the Great War. On 29 September 1918, two squadrons surrounded the town of Ziza which held 4,500 Turkish troops. The Turkish commander agreed to surrender the following day as they were concerned that the Arab guerrillas in the distance would take the town and slaughter everyone in it. The 5th Light Horse Regiment agreed to protect the Turkish garrison and so that night, both Turk and Australians joined to defend against a foe. In the morning, true to their word, the Turkish garrison surrendered all their weapons and went into captivity.

Finally, the Ottomans called for an Armistice on 30 October 1918.

Return to Australia

After the conclusion of hostilities, the 5th Light Horse Regiment was marked to return to Australia. Prior to that action, one of the saddest actions occurred for the Australian Lighthorsemen, they had to farewell their best friends, the horses. All the Light Horse unit horses' health was ascertained with the fit horses being transferred to the Indian Cavalry while those in poor condition were destroyed by the Veterinary units.

On 13 March 1919 the 5th Light Horse Regiment was deployed to assist in suppressing the Egyptian Uprising. When the revolt collapsed, the 5th Light Horse Regiment embarked on the 28 June 1919 for the long voyage to Australia where the unit was disbanded.

Commanding Officers

Lieutenant Colonel Hubert Jennings Imrie Harris
Lieutenant Colonel Lachlan Chisolm Wilson
Lieutenant Colonel Donald Charles Cameron

Decorations earned by the 5th Light Horse Regiment

1 CB - Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath
3 CMG - Companion in The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George
4 DSO - Distinguished Service Orders
9 MC - Military Crosses
1 CBE - Companion of the Order of the British Empire
6 DCM - Distinguished Conduct Medals
18 MM- Military Medals
1 MSM - Meritorious Service Medal

Campaigns

Gallipoli
Anzac
Defence at Anzac
Suvla
Sari Bair
Gallipoli 1915-1916
Egypt
Defence of Egypt
Sinai
Romani
Magdhaba
Rafa
Palestine
First Battle of Gaza
Third Battle of Gaza
Beersheba
El Mughar
Nebi Samwill
Jerusalem
Jaffa
Jericho
Amman
Es Salt
Megiddo
Nablus
Palestine 1917-1918

Casualties suffered by the 5th Light Horse Regiment

137 killed
708 wounded

War Diary

The Australian War Memorial has put these on line and may be accessed here:

5th Light Horse Regiment War Diaries.

Embarkations:

The following list details all the embarkations in support of the 5th Light Horse Regiment, AIF, during the Great War. Each entry details the individual soldier's: rank on embarkation; full name; Declared age; last occupation held; last address as a civilian; enlistment Date; and, ultimate fate. Each man is linked to a brief military biography where ever possible. One interesting point is that many of the men listed in the embarkation roll for the 5th Light Horse Regiment ended up in a different unit altogether. This list details the men's starting point in the AIF.

Regimental Headquarters Section	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A34 Persic 21 December 1914
"A" Squadron	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A34 Persic 21 December 1914
"B" Squadron	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A34 Persic 21 December 1914
"C" Squadron	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A34 Persic 21 December 1914
Machine Gun Section	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A34 Persic 21 December 1914
Vestalia Goup	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A44 Vestalia 19 December 1914
1st Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A44 Vestalia 19 December 1914
2nd Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A53 Itria 9 February 1915
3rd Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A53 Itria 9 February 1915
4th Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A15 Star of England 8 April 1915
5th Reinforcements	Newcastle, New South Wales on board HMAT A57 Malakuta 17 May 1915
6th Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A63 Karoola 12 June 1915
7th Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A9 Shropshire 20 August 1915
8th Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A55 Kyarra 10 August 1915
9th Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A1 Hymettus 17 September 1915
10th Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A69 Warilda 5 October 1915
11th Reinforcements Mashrobra Group 11th Reinforcements Hawkes Bay Group	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A47 Mashrobra 4 October 1915 Sydney, New South Wales on board SS Hawkes Bay 21 October 1915
12th Reinforcements Suffolk Group 12th Reinforcements Hawkes Bay Group	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A23 Suffolk 30 November 1915 Sydney, New South Wales on board SS Hawkes Bay 21 October 1915
13th Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A55 Kyarra 3 January 1916
14th Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A62 Wandilla 31 January 1916
15th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A67 Orsova 11 March 1916
16th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A47 Mashobra 5 April 1916
17th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A10 Karroo 5 May 1916
18th Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A16 Seang Choon 4 May 1916
19th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board RMS Mongolia 8 July 1916
20th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board RMS Malwa 22 July 1916
21st Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A58 Kabinga 12 September 1916
22nd Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A43 Barunga 26 October 1916
23rd Reinforcements	Melbourne, Victoria on board HMAT A42 Boorara 10 May 1917
24th Reinforcements	Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A1 Hymettus 3 February 1917
25th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board RMS Karmala 3 February 1917
26th Reinforcements	Melbourne, Victoria on board HMAT A42 Boorara 10 May 1917
27th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney 9 May 1917
28th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney 9 May 1917
29th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A55 Kyarra 3 September 1917
30th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board RMS Ormonde 2 March 1918

See: Troop transport ships for information and photographs about the various ships employed in transporting the troops to Egypt.

Further Reading:

5th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour

Citation: 5th Australian Light Horse Regiment, AIF, Outline

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Tuesday, 22 December 2009 8:10 PM EAST

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5th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour
Topic: AIF - 2B - 5 LHR

5th LHR, AIF

5th Australian Light Horse Regiment

Roll of Honour

Poppies on the Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial, Canberra

The Roll of Honour contains the names of all the men known to have served at one time with the 5th Light Horse Regiment and gave their lives in service of Australia, whether as part of the 5th Light Horse Regiment or another unit.

Roll of Honour

Louis ARNTZEN, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Edward Duncan ASKEW, Died of Disease, 8 September 1916.
Victor BARKLEY, Died of Wounds, 21 July 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.

William Holdsworth BATES, Killed in Action, 2 September 1915.
Harry BEGOURIE, Died of Wounds, 8 August 1916.
William John BIDDLE, Died of Accident, 18 January 1917.
Robert Edward BIRT, Killed in Action, 22 July 1917.
Norman Robertson BLACKIE, Died of Wounds, 31 May 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
John Milton Roy BLACKWELL, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Frederick Charles BODEN, Died of Disease, 8 November 1918.
Clifford Owen BOWCOTT, Died of Wounds, 5 December 1915.
Stanley BRENNAN, Died of Disease, 14 February 1919.
Frederick James George BROWN, Killed in Action, 17 September 1916.
Roderick Stawell BROWNE, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Thomas Joseph BRUNDRIT, Killed in Action, 8 November 1915.
Gladstone William BYRNE, Killed in Action, 30 September 1917.

Harry Westropp CAMERON, Killed in Action, 28 July 1918.
Charles Jr CAMPBELL, Died of Wounds, 26 October 1918.
John CAMPBELL, Died of Wounds, 11 January 1917.
John CARBERRY, Killed in Action, 5 August 1917.
Arthur Herbert CARLETON, Killed in Action, 24 April 1918.
Cecil Godfrey CARR, Killed in Action, 18 July 1916.
Herbert CARTER, Died of Wounds, 19 August 1917.
Wilfred Mason CHAILLE, Killed in Action, 14 July 1918.
Philip Champion CHAMPION DeCRESPIGNY, Killed in Action, 14 July 1918.
Albert Arthur CHARD, Killed in Action, 4 December 1917.
John CHRISTIANSEN, Killed in Action, 22 November 1915.
Albert CLARK, Died of Disease, 27 January 1916.
Richard Henry CLOUGH, Died of Wounds, 2 June 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
Charles Joseph CONAGHAN, Died of Disease, 4 January 1919.
Alfred Henry CONNOLLY, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
John Cornelius CONWAY, Killed in Action, 23 December 1916.
James COOK, Killed in Action, 19 October 1917.
Samuel COOK, Died of Wounds, 14 November 1915.
Archibald CURRIE, Died of Wounds, 25 September 1918.
Samuel Hugh CURRY, Died of Disease, 24 October 1918.

James Judge DAVIES, Died of Disease, 22 October 1918.
Edward DAVIS, Died of Wounds, 9 November 1917.
Erskine William Douglas Hamilton DAWSON, Died of Wounds, 6 November 1917.
Herbert Selwyn DAWSON, Died of Disease, 28 June 1915.
Francis Joseph De WARREN, Killed in Action, 9 August 1916.
Charles Chisholm DIXON, Died of Disease, 23 December 1918.
Andrew James DOHERTY, Died of Wounds, 28 September 1918.
Robert Smith DONALDSON, Killed in Action, 29 September 1918.
John DRANEY, Killed in Action, 9 August 1916.
Oscar Thomas DUNN, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Thomas DWYER, Killed in Action, 5 April 1918.

Harold James EGGINS, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Jack ELLIS, Died of Wounds, 3 May 1918.
Ernest Edwin ENSOR, Died of Wounds, 20 April 1918.
Thomas Robert EVANS, Killed in Action, 26 November 1915.

Percy FINES, Died of Disease, 3 April 1919.
Charles Edgar FITZ-HANNAM, Killed in Action, 27 August 1915.
Herbert Walter FLAHERTY, Killed in Action, 25 November 1915.
Patrick FOLEY, Killed in Action, 2 June 1915.
Alexander Madden FOOT, Killed in Action, 22 November 1915.
Michael Joseph FORD, Killed in Action, 14 November 1915.
Frank William FREESTONE, Killed in Action, 10 November 1917.
Albert Lester FRENCH, Killed in Action, 29 January 1917.
Walter FURNISS, Killed in Action, 8 October 1918.

Joseph GAHAN, Killed in Action, 26 March 1917.
John Bennett GALLIGAN, Killed in Action, 26 March 1917.
James GARDNER, Died of Accident, 8 November 1916.
Roy GEORGE, Died of Wounds, 8 November 1917.
John William GILHESPY, Died of Disease, 12 November 1918.
Bernard Benedict GILHOOLY, Killed in Action, 9 August 1918.
William John GILLES, Died of Wounds, 4 November 1917.
Thomas Fitzpatrick GREEVY, Died of Wounds, 9 March 1917.
John Thomas GRIFFIN, Killed in Action, 20 July 1917.
John GWYNNE, Killed in Action, 31 October 1915.

John Matthew HANLY, Killed in Action, 6 June 1915.
James Norman HARCUS, Killed in Action, 4 October 1917.
Hubert Jennings Imrie HARRIS, Killed in Action, 31 July 1915.
Bertram Nigel HARTWELL, Died of Wounds, 24 April 1918.
Alexander HEASLOP, Died of Disease, 1 July 1917.
Arthur Francis HENNESSEY, Died of Wounds, 3 October 1918.
William Harding HETHORN, Died of Wounds, 31 August 1918.
Thomas John HIGGINS, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Reginald Thomas HOBBS, Died of Disease, 29 November 1915.
Harold Michael HOGAN, Killed in Action, 19 April 1917.
Henry Albert HOLDGATE, Killed in Action, 10 November 1917.
Arthur Charles HOMER, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Joseph Stewart HOPPER, Killed in Action, 6 August 1917.
Alan HOWARTH, Killed in Action, 25 May 1918.
Charles Frank HUGGINS, Died of Wounds, 4 May 1918.
James HUGHES, Died of Wounds, 10 August 1916.
Stephen William HUNT, Died of Disease, 18 July 1915.
Norman Cropley HYDE, Killed in Action, 9 November 1915.

William Howe IRVING, Killed in Action, 6 November 1917.

Frederick Charles Jens JENSEN, Killed in Action, 8 October 1918.
Alfred Joseph JOHNSTON, Killed in Action, 12 December 1917.

William KEELAN, Died of Accident, 27 November 1915.
John KELLEHER, Died of Wounds, 9 November 1917.
William Henry KEMP, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Malcolm Stuart KENNEDY, Died of Wounds, 2 January 1918.
Thomas Alfred KING, Died of Wounds, 8 September 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
Ernest Augustus KNICKEL, Died of Disease, 24 July 1917.

Ernest Edward LANCASTER, Killed in Action, 17 October 1917.
Frederick Charles LAW, Killed in Action, 26 November 1915.
Robert LEISHMAN, Killed in Action, 25 November 1915.
John Austin LINNANE, Died of Disease, 1 May 1916.
Peter John LINNANE, Died of Wounds, 23 November 1917.
Nevill Montague LITTLE, Killed in Action, 3 September 1916.
William Matthew LONGWILL, Killed in Action, 8 October 1918.
Clyde LOVELL, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Augustus LUBOMIRSKI, Killed in Action, 28 July 1918.
James LUCAS, Killed in Action, 7 November 1915.
Percy Hampton LUMLEY, Died of Wounds, 30 March 1918.
Michael Joseph LYNAM, Died of Wounds, 20 October 1917.

Harold Eric Joseph MacARTNEY, Died of Disease, 5 July 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
Leslie MacDONALD, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Walter MAGARRY, Died of Disease, 12 October 1915.
Ernest George MARLEY, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
John James MARSH, Died of Wounds, 6 November 1917.
Sidney George MARSHALL, Killed in Action, 17 September 1918.
Robert MARTIN, Died of Disease, 27 August 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
Frederick MARTYR, Killed in Action, 8 August 1916.
Charles Bute MASSY, Killed in Action, 5 August 1916.
Richard McCABE, Killed in Action, 29 August 1917.
David McCONNELL, Died of Disease, 1 November 1918.
Thomas McCORMACK, Killed in Action, 11 April 1917.
Samuel Crichton McGOWAN, Died of Wounds, 7 August 1916.
James Clyde McGRATH, Killed in Action, 22 October 1918.
Richard McGRATH, Killed in Action, 12 December 1917.
James McLEAN, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Thomas Joseph McMAHON, Died of Disease, 14 May 1916.
John David McRAE, Killed in Action, 9 August 1916.
William Leslie MEIKLE, Died of Disease, 26 July 1917.
John MONAGHAN, Died of Disease, 13 December 1918.
John Bain MONCRIEFF, Killed in Action, 3 September 1916.
Donald Rutherford MORISON, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Francis Michael MOY, Killed in Action, 24 April 1918.
Albert Stanley MUIR, Killed in Action, 5 November 1917.
David James MURRAY, Died of Wounds, 30 May 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
James Martin MURRAY, Died of Wounds, 10 July 1915.

William Martinus NILSON, Killed in Action, 8 November 1917.
William Arthur NOLLER, Killed in Action, 8 November 1915.
Ernest John NORTON, Killed in Action, 19 April 1917.

Arthur O'CONNOR, Died of Wounds, 9 June 1917.
Stanley O'DWYER, Died of Wounds, 13 December 1916.
William O'NEILL, Killed in Action, 5 November 1915.
William James O'NEILL, Died of Disease, 8 August 1918.
John O'SULLIVAN, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Arthur Robert French OXFORD, Killed in Action, 6 November 1917.

William Alexander PAVEY, Died of Wounds, 1 May 1918.
Arthur Laurence POTTER, Died of Wounds, 3 May 1918.
Leslie Raymond POUNTNEY, Died of Wounds, 8 July 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
Michael POWIS, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Edgar Sylvanus PYNEGAR, Died of Disease, 30 October 1918.

James QUINN, Died of Wounds, 5 November 1917.

William RABY, Died of Disease, 21 March 1916.
Thomas John RADCLIFFE, Killed in Action, 9 August 1916.
Edward Thomas REYNOLDS, Killed in Action, 21 July 1915.
James Henry REYNOLDS, Died of Wounds, 7 May 1918.
Harold Stanley RICKETTS, Killed in Action, 15 October 1917.
Ralph ROBERTSON, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Angus Bruce ROBINS, Killed in Action, 14 November 1915.
George William ROSE, Killed in Action, 29 November 1915.
Wilfred Wallace ROSS, Killed in Action, 8 November 1917.
Thomas Llewellyn ROWLANDS, Died of Accident, 27 August 1916.
Edward RUMMEL, Died of Wounds, 20 December 1917.
Michael RUSSELL, Died of Accident, 2 September 1917.
Thomas Richard RUTLEDGE, Killed in Action, 19 April 1918.
Cornelius James RYAN, Died of Wounds, 4 May 1918.
Owen John RYAN, Killed in Action, 11 September 1917.

James Leslie SAUNDERS, Died of Disease, 1 February 1916.
Thomas Henry SAUNDERS, Killed in Action, 5 November 1915.
Henry James SEANEY, Killed in Action, 14 November 1915.
David Lindsay SHARP, Died of Wounds, 28 April 1918.
Harold Herbert SHAW, Killed in Action, 24 April 1918.
Roy Allen SHEEHAN, Killed in Action, 12 May 1917.
Henry Bradley SHERIDAN, Died of Accident, 24 January 1918.
Stanley Henderson SHERIDAN, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Harold Philip SHERWIN, Killed in Action, 7 November 1915.
Harry SIMPSON, Killed in Action, 9 August 1916.
Charles Selby SMETZER, Killed in Action, 2 May 1918.
Samuel Stanley SMITH, Killed in Action, 29 November 1915.
Roy Henry SOLOMON, Died of Wounds, 30 June 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
Albert SOUTHAM, Killed in Action, 18 September 1918.
Joseph Henry SPILLER, Died of Wounds, 17 July 1918.
Bertram Rudplph Danby STEELE, Died of Wounds, 10 June 1918.
William George STEELE, Killed in Action, 5 August 1916.
James Alexander STEWART, Died of Disease, 1 February 1915.
Samuel John STEWART, Killed in Action, 2 May 1918.
William STEWART, Killed in Action, 13 August 1915.
Lawrence STINSON, Died of Disease, 19 December 1915.
Joseph Dandy STREET, Killed in Action, 5 November 1915.
Thomas Alfred SYKES, Died of Disease, 28 December 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.

Charles Alfred TAYLOR, Died of Wounds, 1 December 1915.
Michael Joseph TIERNEY, Died of Disease, 6 March 1915.
Frank TONG, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
William George TWIST, Died of Wounds, 17 April 1917.
William Bernard TYLER, Killed in Action, 10 November 1917.

Thomas Allan WALKER, Killed in Action, 11 September 1915.
Charles George WALLER, Died of Disease, 13 April 1917.
Charles Dixon WARD, Killed in Action, 19 September 1918.
John William WARRENER, Died of Wounds, 18 October 1917.
Alfred WATSON, Killed in Action, 4 July 1918.
Eric Stanley WATSON, Died of Wounds, 26 May 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
Herbert Crook WATT, Died of Disease, 28 October 1918.
Frederick Theodore WATTERS, Died of Wounds, 28 June 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
Raymond Francis WEBB, Died of Wounds, 28 April 1917.
Thomas WEBSTER, Died of Wounds, 8 November 1917.
William Henry WESTAWAY, Died of Wounds, 4 December 1917.
William Salisbury WHITBREAD, Died of Wounds, 9 November 1917.
Bert WICKS, Killed in Action, 4 September 1917.
Allan Charles WILLIAMS, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Edward Homer WILLIAMS, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
Robert Glen WILLIAMS, Killed in Action, 8 November 1917.
Andrew WILLIAMSON, Killed in Action, 16 September 1917.
Frank Ness WILSON, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
William Clark WILSON, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.
William King WOOD, Died of Wounds, 28 November 1916.
Henry WOOLLEY, Died of Wounds, 25 April 1918.
Harold WRIGHT, Died of Wounds, 3 October 1918.
William Carey WYLIE, Died of Disease, 2 February 1919.

Albert John YATES, Died of Disease, 16 January 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
George YOUNG, Died of Disease, 18 October 1918.
Walter Alexander YOUNG, Killed in Action, 28 June 1915.

Lest We Forget

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

Further Reading:

Citation: 5th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Tuesday, 20 October 2009 10:49 AM EADT

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Sunday, 9 August 2009

Bir el Abd, Sinai, 9 August 1916, 5th LHR, AIF, Unit History Account
Topic: AIF - 2B - 5 LHR

Bir el Abd

Sinai, 9 August 1916

5th LHR, AIF, Unit History Account

Brigadier General Lachlan Chisholm Wilson and Captain Henry Wetherell, collaborated to produce a unit history published in 1926 called History Of The Fifth Light Horse Regiment, 1914 - 1919 which included a section specifically related to the battle of Beersheba and is extracted below. A copy of this book is available on the Lost Leaders of Anzacs website.

Wilson, L.C. and Wetherell, H., History Of The Fifth Light Horse Regiment, 1914 - 1919, Motor Press, Sydney, 1926, pp. 79 - 80:

When the New Zealand Brigade, to which we temporarily belonged, had arrived within a couple of miles of Katia Oasis, the Brigadier (Chaytor) sent for the C.O. and informed him that the five mounted brigades were going to charge Katia Oasis and rush the Turkish position mounted. The General pointed out the fronts to be attacked by the New Zealand Brigade and explained that a battery of heavy Austrian guns were supposed to be amongst certain palm trees to our front. The 5th Regiment was accordingly instructed to gallop the Turkish position and they would be supported by one of the New Zealand regiments, the idea being that the other four mounted brigades were to charge in on our flanks. The Regiment was accordingly formed in two lines. 'A' and 'B' Squadrons in the front line, and 'C' Squadron in the second line, the squadrons being in line of troop columns; the ground to be covered was sand, over which was scattered small brush. Bayonets were drawn and fixed on the rifles, which were to be used as lances. Orders were issued that on approaching the Turkish position the troops would gallop up into line and the Regiment would sweep through the Turkish position. The Regiment accordingly moved off at a fast trot, with bayonets fixed, over a distance of about a mile and a half. Within half a mile of the objective the troops galloped into line, and the Regiment charged the oasis. A splendid line was kept, the Regiment moving with the precision of a peace manoeuvre. As a matter of fact, the guns had been removed from that part of the Oasis which we attacked, and when we arrived there, there were only some dozen Turks who were taken prisoners. As we approached our objective, machine guns, rifle fire, and artillery opened on us from the Turkish position further to the rear. We had now gained our objective, and it was apparent that the other brigades were not charging in (mounted) as anticipated. This being so, it was useless for this Regiment alone to charge across the open country to the main position of the Turks. The Regiment under Major Cameron, was sent to the extreme right of the Brigade line, covering the flank of the Auckland Rifles. Two troops of 'B' Squadron were sent as escort to the guns and one troop as escort to the ammunition, two of these troops being subsequently brought up to the firing.-line, one on the right with 'C' Squadron, and the other on the left with the remainder of the Regiment. The remainder of the Regiment, consisting of 'A' Squadron and portion of 'B' Squadron, were sent up on the left of the brigade line to support the Canterburys and to keep in touch with the 1st and 2nd Brigades, It thus happened that during this day's fighting, part of the Regiment was on the extreme right of the Brigade and the balance on the extreme left. The 3rd Brigade did not come up on the right-flank of the line as anticipated. It appears they met strong opposition and were not able to take up their allotted place. The result of this was that the Turks started to out-flank the New Zealand Brigade line occupied by 'C' Squadron, and some very brisk fighting at very close quarters ensued, there being a distance of yards only between the opposing men. On our left flank touch was obtained with the 2nd Brigade. Fighting continued throughout the day. The enemy's numbers were greatly in excess of ours and their artillery was very active. Late in the afternoon, a determined counter-attack was made by the enemy. They opened an extremely heavy artillery and machine gun fire on the 2nd Brigade, to our left. That brigade was forced back, which resulted in our left flank being open. As a gap was now occurring in the Division's line our left flank was thrown back to prevent the Turks getting in behind our left rear. Shortly after this, instructions were received from General Chaytor that the whole force would retire. The Division accordingly retired to Oghratina. During the day we collected 13 prisoners. Our casualties for the day amounted to 37, including Major Johnstone and Lieutenants Wood and Graham wounded. Sergeant Hector McLean was subsequently awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry during these operations.

Further Reading:

5th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour

Battle of Romani, Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916

Bir el Abd, Sinai, 9 August 1916

Citation: Bir el Abd, Sinai, 9 August 1916, 5th LHR, AIF, Unit History Account

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Friday, 18 September 2009 9:00 PM EADT

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Wednesday, 5 August 2009

Romani, Sinai, 4-5 August 1916, 5th LHR, AIF, Unit History Account
Topic: AIF - 2B - 5 LHR

Battle of Romani

Sinai, 4 - 5 August 1916

5th LHR, AIF, War Diary Account

The officers of the 5th Light Horse Regiment after the Battle of Romani

[Left to Right: Back Row: Captain Richard Stewart Billington, ?, ?, Major John McClelland Boyd, Captain George Hicks, Lieutenant Bernard Radcliff; Middle Row: Lieutenant Cyril Ernest Scott, Lieutenant Colonel Lachlan Chisholm Wilson, Lieutenant Colonel Donald Charles Cameron, Major Archdale George Bolingbroke; Front Row: Major Robert Harold Nimmo, Lieutenant David Blakeney Broughton, Captain Ernest Alfred Field Stanfield, Lieutenant Frederick Anthony James W. Taylor.]

Wilson, L.C. and Wetherell, H., History Of The Fifth Light Horse Regiment, 1914 - 1919, Motor Press, Sydney, 1926, pp. 73-80:

PART I. By Brigadier General LC Wilson.
CHAPTER 19. ROMANI OPERATIONS (July and August, 1916).
On the 18th July, 1918, Major-General Chaytor, the Commander of the Anzac Mounted Division, left Romani by aeroplane on a reconnaissance towards El-Abd. On the same afternoon, the 2nd Light Horse Brigade moved out from Romani, with the intention of carrying out a reconnaissance as far as El Abd. General Chaytor, from his aeroplane, observed large Turkish forces between El Abd and Oghratina; upon his return he informed the Brigade-which had then reached Katia-.of his discovery. The Brigade accordingly halted at Katia for the night. Before dawn it moved eastward towards El Abd. This Regiment was not participating in the reconnaissance, but Captain McNeill, of 'B' Squadron, was with the 6th Regiment to learn the local geography. It appears that the advance scouts of the Brigade shortly before dawn, near Oghratina, rode into the infantry advance guard of the Turkish force. Captain McNeill reported a few exciting moments as the Turkish infantry tried to surround the advanced horsemen, who, however, galloped over them in the first tinge of dawn back to their own supports. It appeared afterwards that this was a strong Turkish force of some 18,000 troops, under the German General, Von Kressentein, who had some weeks previously moved from Beersheba with the intention of taking possession of the Canal. The 1st and 2nd Light Horse Brigades, who were based at Romani, immediately got in contact with this Turkish force, each brigade doing a 24-hour tour of duty. [74] During the next fortnight, these brigades kept in close touch with the Turkish force and delayed their advance considerably. This delay enabled the Higher Command to make arrangements for a stand of the British troops at Romani.

On the 1st July, 1916, the Kantara Outpost Command had been formed under Brigadier-General the Marquis of Tullibardine. Its area included Dueidar, but special instructions were issued that the 5th Regiment was not to be embodied in the scheme of defence as the Regiment was to remain mobile.

On the Turkish invasion being reported, a Force, known as the Section Mounted Troops, under Brigadier-General Chaytor, was formed under the direct orders of the Section Commander, General Lawrence, the command consisting of the Canterbury and Auckland Mounted Rifles, the 5th Light Horse, two squadrons of the Warwickshire Yeomanry, one squadron of the Worcestershire Yeomanry, one squad of the Gloucester Yeomanry, and the Somerset and Leicestershire Batteries, R.H.A. In the meantime, our position in the 2nd Light Horse Brigade had been taken by the Wellington Mounted Rifles.

From the 18th July, when the Turkish force was reported until the subsequent advance after the defeat of the Turks at Romani, this Regiment was engaged in sending out strong patrols to Dhaba on the East and Aras on the South, by day. By night, posts were kept at Hill 383 (three miles) and 331 (six miles) and at a point three miles out to the east of Dueidar. Telephone wires were run out to these night posts and early warning would have been received a1 an attack on this particular front. Stand-to at 1.30 a.m.

On the 26th July, the Turks had a force at Mageibra. The High Command was very anxious to know where the Turkish attack was likely to eventuate: whether through Dueidar or more to the South, or whether it would be made through Romani. To keep in touch with the Turks at Mageibra, a patrol of two officers and thirty other ranks (Lieutenant Stanfield and Lieutenant Broughton) were sent to Nagid, from the 26th to the 30th. The headquarters of this patrol were at Nagid, and their duty was for one officer and four men to be day and night on the ridges overlooking Mageibra, [75] so as to keep close observation of movements there. This particular duty was well carried out by these officers. The work was exciting, as they were operating some twenty miles in front of our line of posts, and the Turks soon discovered their presence. They made numerous attempts to capture them. They were chased away temporarily on various occasions, but always came back to their posts when the Turks had retired. General Chaytor was very complimentary on the excellent way in which this work was carried out. After this four days' tour of duty officers from other units took over the duty.

On the 3rd August, the patrols watching the enemy at Mageibra reported that a large hostile force was advancing from the latter place towards Hamisah and Nagid. It was estimated that the enemy force in this vicinity towards evening was holding an outpost line on the high ridge, 2,000 yards east of Nagid, extending south-east towards Bir-Waset. Instructions were accordingly received from General Chaytor that this Regiment should reconnoitre Nagid at dawn, the object being to locate the enemy flank and to find out, if possible, his strength. Any serious engagement with the enemy was to be avoided. The Regiment accordingly left Dueidar at 12.30 a.m. on the night of the 3rd-4th. A halt was made at Nuss to consult Major Whitehorn, who was stationed there in charge of a squadron of the Auckland Mounted Rifles, which was supplying the officers' patrol watching Mageibra. This patrol was captured that night, being caught between two columns of Turkish infantry. The Regiment left Nuss at 2.45 a.m. in a south-east direction, in order to arrive at Nagid from the south. This was accomplished, and at dawn the advance guard reported Nagid 'All clear.' The advance guard moved on to the high ridges 2,000 yards north of Nagid. Upon reaching this position, the advance scouts detected a body of the enemy, apparently two battalions of a strength of about 1,500, marching in a north-west direction. The enemy had as protection a flank-guard and advance-guard of camel men. The enemy, seeing out advance scouts and patrols, immediately took up a position along a high ridge, between our position and the, valley up which they were marching to Hod-el-enna. They opened fire with machine [76] guns and mountain guns. We had two casualties, one being Lieutenant G. Hicks (wounded).

Having carried out our instructions of ascertaining the position of the enemy, their strength and movements, we reported by telephone to General Chaytor. In the meantime the main Turkish columns were attacking the British lines at Romani. Instructions were received from General Chaytor to proceed three miles back from Nuss on the road towards Dueidar and there await instructions from him. This movement was carried out. Touch was obtained with various signalling stations, but no instructions could be obtained or information gained as to the whereabouts of the New Zealand Brigade. After waiting there a couple of hours, the Regiment moved to the north-west of the Sand Hills. Similar efforts were here made and patrols sent out, but no information could be obtained. It afterwards appeared that a message was sent from that brigade to the Regiment to report at Canterbury Hills,. but this message never arrived. Accordingly, at sun-down the Regiment returned to Dueidar to re-ration and get orders.

The presence of this Regiment at Nagid in the morning had undoubtedly a material effect on the Turkish Reserves. It subsequently appeared that they were stationed that night at Marieah, and two battalions seen by us were, no doubt, part of that Reserve marching to reinforce the attack at EtMaler. We were afterwards informed that, upon the fire opening at Nagid, there was a cessation for two hours of reinforcements to the Turkish firing-line.

At 7.30 p.m. Brigadier-General Antill with the 3rd Light Horse Brigade arrived at Dueidar from the south, and instructions were received that this Regiment should be attached to him for the time being. On the morning of the 5th, the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, plus this Regiment, marched from Dueidar to Nuss. On arrival there, we joined up with the New Zealand Brigade and again came under the command of the Brigadier of that unit.

At 10 a.m. the New Zealand Brigade (Chaytor), including this Regiment marched towards Katia along the telegraph line. The 3rd Brigade (Antill) marched towards Hamisah. The 1st Brigade (Meredith) and 2nd Brigade [77] (Royston) and 5th Mounted Brigade (Yeomanry) were marching towards Katia from Romani.

It should be here remarked that on the previous evening at sunset the Turkish attack at Romani had been repulsed with heavy losses, both in killed and prisoners, and that the remnants of the Turkish force had retired towards Katia.

When the New Zealand Brigade, to which we temporarily belonged, had arrived within a couple of miles of Katia Oasis, the Brigadier (Chaytor) sent for the C.O. and informed him that the five mounted brigades were going to charge Katia Oasis and rush the Turkish position mounted. The General pointed out the fronts to be attacked by the New Zealand Brigade and explained that a battery of heavy Austrian guns were supposed to be amongst certain palm trees to our front. The 5th Regiment was accordingly instructed to gallop the Turkish position and they would be supported by one of the New Zealand regiments, the idea being that the other four mounted brigades were to charge in on our flanks. The Regiment was accordingly formed in two lines. 'A' and 'B' Squadrons in the front line, and 'C' Squadron in the second line, the squadrons being in line of troop columns; the ground to be covered was sand, over which was scattered small brush. Bayonets were drawn and fixed on the rifles, which were to be used as lances. Orders were issued that on approaching the Turkish position the troops would gallop up into line and the Regiment would sweep through the Turkish position. The Regiment accordingly moved off at a fast trot, with bayonets fixed, over a distance of about a mile and a half. Within half a mile of the objective the troops galloped into line, and the Regiment charged the oasis. A splendid line was kept, the Regiment moving with the precision of a peace manoeuvre. As a matter of fact, the guns had been removed from that part of the Oasis which we attacked, and when we arrived there, there were only some dozen Turks who were taken prisoners. As we approached our objective, machine guns, rifle fire, and artillery opened on us from the Turkish position further to the rear. We had now gained our objective, and it was apparent that the other brigades were not charging in (mounted) as anticipated. This being so, it was useless for this Regiment alone to charge across the open country to the main position of the Turks. The Regiment [80] under Major Cameron, was sent to the extreme right of the Brigade line, covering the flank of the Auckland Rifles. Two troops of 'B' Squadron were sent as escort to the guns and one troop as escort to the ammunition, two of these troops being subsequently brought up to the firing.-line, one on the right with 'C' Squadron, and the other on the left with the remainder of the Regiment. The remainder of the Regiment, consisting of 'A' Squadron and portion of 'B' Squadron, were sent up on the left of the brigade line to support the Canterburys and to keep in touch with the 1st and 2nd Brigades, It thus happened that during this day's fighting, part of the Regiment was on the extreme right of the Brigade and the balance on the extreme left. The 3rd Brigade did not come up on the right-flank of the line as anticipated. It appears they met strong opposition and were not able to take up their allotted place. The result of this was that the Turks started to out-flank the New Zealand Brigade line occupied by 'C' Squadron, and some very brisk fighting at very close quarters ensued, there being a distance of yards only between the opposing men. On our left flank touch was obtained with the 2nd Brigade. Fighting continued throughout the day. The enemy's numbers were greatly in excess of ours and their artillery was very active. Late in the afternoon, a determined counter-attack was made by the enemy. They opened an extremely heavy artillery and machine gun fire on the 2nd Brigade, to our left. That brigade was forced back, which resulted in our left flank being open. As a gap was now occurring in the Division's line our left flank was thrown back to prevent the Turks getting in behind our left rear. Shortly after this, instructions were received from General Chaytor that the whole force would retire. The Division accordingly retired to Oghratina. During the day we collected 13 prisoners. Our casualties for the day amounted to 37, including Major Johnstone and Lieutenants Wood and Graham wounded. Sergeant Hector McLean was subsequently awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry during these operations.

Further Reading:

5th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour

Battle of Romani, Sinai, August 4 to 5, 1916

Bir el Abd, Sinai, 9 August 1916

Citation: Romani, Sinai, 4-5 August 1916, 5th LHR, AIF, Unit History Account

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Monday, 26 October 2009 6:14 PM EADT