Australian Light Horse Studies Centre

12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour

Citation: 12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Contents

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Saturday, 31 December 2011 11:03 AM EAST

See: Men who possibly charged at Beersheba - 12th LHR

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Thursday, 7 January 2010

12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, AIF, Outline
Topic: AIF - 4B - 12 LHR

12th LHR, AIF

12th Australian Light Horse Regiment

Outline

12th Light Horsemen parading through MacQuarrie St, Sydney, April 1915.

[From: The Sydney Mail, 28 April 1915, p. 6.]

Formation

The 12th Light Horse Regiment was formed as part of the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade, 1915, 4th Contingent and attached to the Australian Division. Recruits went to the Liverpool Training Camp to the west of Sydney, New South Wales, from 1 March 1915. The recruits were drawn from throughout New South Wales. Many of the men went from the Light Horse Militia formation into the AIF Light Horse.

Training

12th Light Horse Regiment Routine Order No 1, 23 February 1916

[Note: Earlier Routine Orders were destroyed. Click on page for larger version.]

Training for the 12th Light Horse Regiment commenced at the Liverpool Training Camp to the west of Sydney, New South Wales, from 1 March 1915. In addition to this depot, training also occurred at the Holdsworthy Training Camp to the south of Sydney.

Embarkation

Embarkation of the 12th Light Horse Regiment was accomplished in two groups using both the HMAT A29 Suevic and HMAT A44 Vestalia from Sydney, New South Wales.

HMAT A29 Suevic, 1919

[See: His Majesty's Australian Transports [HMAT] Ships, A29.]

The 12th Light Horse Regiment embarked on the HMAT A29 Suevic from Sydney, New South Wales, 13 June 1915.

HMAT A44 Vestalia at Port Melbourne on 6 December 1916

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

An assortment of men from the 12th Light Horse Regiment took part in a second embarkation on the HMAT A44 Vestalia from Sydney, New South Wales, 22 June 1915.

The 12th Light Horse Regiment sailed to Egypt and disembarked on 23 July 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 12th 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 12th 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.

First 12th Light Horse Regiment Colour Patch

The first colour patch for the 12th Light Horse Regiment was a downward facing oblong with white over red. This was worn by the men from the renamed 12th Light Horse Regiment became the 2nd Camel Regiment.

Second 12th Light Horse Regiment Colour Patch

The reformed 12th Light Horse Regiment as part of the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade, Australian Mounted Division, carried the blue Brigade colour as the lower triangle part of the colour patch, while the black unit colour was on the top. This is illustrated with the above presentation.

Aden

During the voyage to Egypt, the part of the 12th Light Horse Regiment travelling on the HMAT A29 Suevic was diverted to Aden and landed on 12 July 1916 to bolster the defences of the British garrison which was under pressure from Yemeni tribesmen who were threatening an attack. By 18 July no attack had occurred and the threat diminished allowing the Regiment re-embarked to Egypt.

Gallipoli

As mounted troops, the Light Horse was considered to be unsuitable for work in Gallipoli. The mounted troops volunteered to operate as infantry. Because of the level of casualties at Gallipoli, the 12th Light Horse Regiment was broken up on 26 August 1915 with squadrons being allotted to other Regiments as reinforcements.

"A" Squadron became "D" Squadron, 1st Australian Light Horse Regiment .

"B" Squadron became "D" Squadron, 7th Australian Light Horse Regiment.
"C" Squadron became "D" Squadron, 6th Australian Light Horse Regiment.

The various squadrons of the Regiment were deployed on primarily defensive activities throughout the stay at Gallipoli. The various squadrons of the 12th Light Horse Regiment left the peninsula during December 1915.

Defence of Egypt

After the return to Egypt, on 19 February 1916, the 12th Light Horse Regiment reformed and re-equipped. On 28 February 1916, the 12th Light Horse Regiment moved to the Suez Canal taking part in its defence. The work was hot and monotonous.

Sinai

After many months service in the Sinai, during September 1916 the 12th Light Horse Regiment was redesignated as the 2nd Camel Regiment. The Regiment continued to see further service in the Sinai.

Palestine

During the reorganisation of the Light Horse Divisions, the Regiment resumed its old identity as the 12th Light Horse Regiment in February 1917. The 12th Light Horse Regiment became part of the 4th Light Horse Brigade in the Imperial Mounted Division and then Australian Mounted Division.

The 12th Light Horse Regiment took part in the Second Battle of Gaza on 19 April 1917 and suffered the heaviest casualties since Gallipoli.

The 12th Light Horse Regiment, the Regiment took part in the Battle of Beersheba. Fame for the Regiment was achieved when, in conjunction with the 4th Light Horse Regiment, charged and took Beersheba, thereby sealing victory on that day for the Allied forces.

The 12th Light Horse Regiment then took part in the follow up actions that lasted until early January 1918.

From this time onwards, for the next two months, the 12th Light Horse Regiment remained in continuous combat action until relieved for three months refit and training at Deir el Belah from early January 1918.

In early April 1918, the 12th Light Horse Regiment moved into the Jordan Valley and took part in the invasion of Moab and took Es Salt during the action of 30 April – 4 May 1918. Unfortunately, due to a Turkish attack on the lines of communication which was being defended by 4th Light Horse Brigade, this raid nearly turned into a disaster where the Turkish forces almost cut off the Australian Mounted Division in the hills.

Megiddo

In a move that converted the Light Horse into full cavalry, the Australian Mounted Division was issued with swords during August and early September 1917. The Australian Mounted Division went to work training with swords and undertaking cavalry work.

On 19 September 1918 the Battle of Megiddo began. The infantry over ran the Turkish defensive trenches allowing the cavalry to debouch into the Turkish hinterland. The 12th Light Horse Regiment participated in the breakthrough which moved rapidly through the north of Palestine. At the end of the first week, it was obvious that the way to Damascus was open and so a second push occurred on the heels of the first assault. On 1 October 1918, Damascus was taken.

After a rest in Damascus, the 12th Light Horse Regiment moved towards Homs when the Turks surrendered on 30 October 1918.

Return to Australia

After the conclusion of hostilities, the 12th 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 12th Light Horse Regiment was deployed to assist in suppressing the Egyptian Uprising. When the revolt collapsed, the 12th Light Horse Regiment embarked on the 17 July 1919 for the long voyage to Australia where the unit was disbanded.

Commanding Officers

Lieutenant Colonel Percy Phipps Abbott
Lieutenant Colonel John Robinson Royston
Lieutenant Colonel Harold McIntosh
Lieutenant Colonel Donald Cameron
Lieutenant Colonel Philip Arthur Chambers

Decorations earned by the 12th Light Horse Regiment

3 DSO - Distinguished Service Orders
5 MC & 1 Bar - Military Crosses
9 DCM & 1 Bar - Distinguished Conduct Medals
14 MM- Military Medals
17 MID - Mentioned in Despatches

Campaigns

Gallipoli
Sari Bair
Gallipoli 1915-1916
Egypt
Defence of Egypt
Palestine
Second Battle of Gaza
Third Battle of Gaza
Beersheba
El Mughar
Nebi Samwill
Jerusalem
Jericho
Es Salt
Megiddo
Sharon
Palestine 1917-1918

Casualties suffered by the 12th Light Horse Regiment

53 killed
401 wounded

War Diary

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

12th Light Horse Regiment War Diaries.

Embarkations:

The following list details all the embarkations in support of the 12th Light Horse Regiment, AIF, during the Great War. Each entry details to formation and the ships on which the units embarked with the date and place of embarkation. The detail of the formation is linked to a list of men who embarked upon that ship on the specific date.

Headquarters Section Suevic Group Headquarters Section Vestalia Group	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A29 Suevic 13 June 1915 Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A44 Vestalia 22 June 1915
"A" Squadron Suevic Group "A" Squadron Vestalia Group	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A29 Suevic 13 June 1915 Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A44 Vestalia 22 June 1915
"B" Squadron Suevic Group "B" Squadron Vestalia Group	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A29 Suevic 13 June 1915 Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A44 Vestalia 22 June 1915
"C" Squadron Suevic Group "C" Squadron Vestalia Group	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A29 Suevic 13 June 1915 Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A44 Vestalia 22 June 1915
Machine Gun Section	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A29 Suevic 13 June 1915
1st Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A40 Ceramic 25 June 1915
2nd Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A51 Chilka 7 June 1915
3rd Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A54 Runic 9 August 1915
4th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A8 Argyllshire 30 September 1915
5th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A32 Themistocles 5 October 1915
6th Reinforcements Moldavia Group 6th Reinforcements Hawkes Bay Group	Sydney, New South Wales on board RMS Moldavia 2 October 1915 Sydney, New South Wales on board SS Hawkes Bay 21 October 1915
7th Reinforcements Hawkes Bay Group 7th Reinforcements Uganda Group	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A66 Uganda 20 November 1915 Sydney, New South Wales on board SS Hawkes Bay 21 October 1915
8th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A10 Karroo 5 May 1916
9th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A20 Hororata 2 May 1916
10th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board RMS Mongolia 8 July 1916
11th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A25 Anglo-Egyptian 19 September 1916
12th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A58 Kabinga 12 September 1916
13th Reinforcements	Melbourne, Victoria on board HMAT A6 Clan Mccorquodale 19 September 1916
18th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney 9 May 1917
19th Reinforcements Port Lincoln Group 19th Reinforcements Kyarra Group 19th Reinforcements Commonwealth Group	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A17 Port Lincoln 11 June 1917 Melbourne, Victoria on board HMAT A55 Kyarra 7 September 1917 Melbourne, Victoria on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth 2 November 1917
20th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A55 Kyarra 3 September 1917
21st Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A55 Kyarra 3 September 1917
22nd Reinforcements	Melbourne, Victoria on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth 2 November 1917
23rd Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board SS Canberra 16 November 1917
14th Light Horse Regiment, 33rd Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board SS Canberra 16 November 1917
14th Light Horse Regiment, 34th Reinforcements	Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A38 Ulysses 19 December 1917

Note: Since the 14th Light Horse Regiment had been disbanded in Britain during September 1916, the Reinforcement cohorts were absorbed directly into the 12th Light Horse Regiment.

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

Acknowledgement: Many thanks to Steve Becker who has provided much useful assistance in the construction of this page.

Further Reading:

12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour

Citation: 12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, AIF, Outline

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Sunday, 10 January 2010 12:48 PM EAST

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Wednesday, 6 January 2010

12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour
Topic: AIF - 4B - 12 LHR

12th LHR, AIF

12th 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 12th Light Horse Regiment and gave their lives in service of Australia, whether as part of the 12th Light Horse Regiment or another unit.

Roll of Honour

John Henry ASHER, Killed in Action, 2 September 1917.
Arthur George AUSTIN, Died of Disease, 17 November 1918 .
Charles David AUSTIN, Killed in Action, 17 April 1917 .

Owen Cressy BARRY, Killed in Action, 11 May 1918.
Jack BEAZLEY, Killed in Action 31 October 1917
Stanley Patrick BIRMINGHAM, Died of Disease, 25 October 1918.
Frank Edward BLACK, Died of Disease, 26 December 1915.
Thomas Murray BOYD, Killed in Action, 30 September 1917.
William BRADBURY, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Thomas Walton BUCK, Killed in Action, 22 November 1915.
Colin Brodie BULL, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Harry BUNYAN, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.

Allan Begbie CAMPBELL, Killed in Action, 19 April 1917.
Daniel James CAMPBELL, Died of Accident, 22 April 1917.
Bute Alfred CHARTERS, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Stanley Francis CHIPPINDALE, Died of Wounds, 17 August 1916.
David Goodlett CLARK, Killed in Action, 22 November 1917.
Joseph CLEMENTS, Died of Wounds, 13 September 1915.
Allen Sydney Newell COLES, Died of Disease, 17 October 1918.
Harry Rex George COLEY, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Stanley Victor COOK, Died of Disease, 25 October 1918.
George Herbert COOKE, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Herbert Harold COOPER, Died of Disease, 25 Fabruary 1917.
John Ward COOPER, Died of Disease, 31 March 1917.
William James CORBETT, Died of Disease, 23 March 1919.
Albert COTTER, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Ernest James CRAGGS, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Eric William CRIPPS, Died of Disease, 11 October 1918.
Claude (Harold) CRITTENDEN, Killed in Action, 19 April 1917.
Norman Russell CROUCH, Died of Wounds, 13 Fabruary 1917.
Sydney James CROZIER, Died of Wounds, 29 March 1918.

Evan DAVIES, Died of Disease, 12 January 1919.
Ejgie De NEERGAARD, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Charles Ernest DOWNEY, Died of Accident, 25 April 1919.
Timothy DOYLE, Died of Wounds, 13 September 1916.
William James DUNBAR, Killed in Action, 7 November 1917.

Charles Henry EDGEWORTH, Killed in Action, 9 November 1915.
Gordon James EDWARDS, Died of Disease, 26 November 1918.
Henry John EDWARDS, Died of Disease, 23 May 1918.
Rupert Harry Adams EDWARDS, Killed in Action, 28 April 1917.

John Henry FIELDING, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Henry FITZGERALD, Killed in Action, 19 April 1917.
William Thomas FLOOD, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Frederick Francis FORD, Died of Wounds, 23 November 1917.

Ronald Charles GILLHAM, Killed in Action, 31 August 1918.
Gordon Charles GOOCH, Died of Wounds, 10 November 1915.
Walter Bede GREENHALGH, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Cecil Harcourt GROVE, Killed in Action, 10 November 1917.
Cecil George Joseph GUMMOW, Died of Disease, 14 August 1918.
Herbert Henry GYLER, Died of Wounds, 11 Fabruary 1917.

John Murray HALL, Died of Wounds, 12 November 1915.
Walter Sydney HARVISON, Died of Disease, 3 November 1918.
Cecil Thomas HILLS, Died of Wounds, 3 November 1917.
Oliver Ashover HIND, Killed in Action, 3 November 1917 .
John HOGAN, Died of Disease, 21 October 1918.
Hugh Cyprian HOLDEN, Killed in Action, 23 November 1915.
William HOLLAND, Killed in Action, 29 September 1915.
Percy Alva HOLLIDAY, Died of Accident, 21 July 1916.
Robert Clive HUNTER, Killed in Action, 13 June 1916.

Robert Luff ISAAC, Killed in Action, 29 September 1915.

George Whiting KELLY, Died of Wounds, 3 December 1917.
Frank Claude KENNIFF, Died of Disease, 23 August 1918.
James Murray KILPATRICK, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Harold KINGSTON, Died of Disease, 30 October 1918.

Claude William LAMBERT, Killed in Action, 27 November 1915.
Augustus Hubert Neville LEWIS, Died of Disease, 27 April 1917.
Wallace Hepburn LORIMER, Killed in Action, 19 April 1917.
William James Hamilton LOWE, Killed in Action, 28 August 1918.

Frank Raymond MASSIE, Died of Disease, 15 October 1918.
Alexander Robert MATHESON, Killed in Action, 19 April 1917.
James John McCAULEY, Killed in Action, 9 November 1915.
Patrick McFARLAND, Died of Disease, 15 September 1915.
William Anthony McGINTY, Died of Disease, 22 April 1916.
Colin Dugald McINNES, Died of Wounds, 13 November 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
Harold McINTOSH, Died of Wounds, 24 April 1917.
William James McLEAN, Died of Disease, 6 November 1918.
Duncan Victor MULHOLLAND, Died of Wounds, 31 May 1918.
Frederick Mozart MURRAY, Died of Wounds, 30 September 1915, and subsequently buried at sea.
Reginald Hainsworth MUSGROVE, Killed in Action, 9 November 1915.

Alfred Ernest NEAVES, Died of Wounds, 3 September 1915.
Ejgie (Ejgil) NEERGAARD, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
August Charles Frederick NEUMANN, Died of Wounds, 22 April 1917.
John Samuel NIAU, Killed in Action, 30 April 1918.
Gilbert NORRIS, Killed in Action, 3 May 1917.

Urban PARR, Killed in Action, 12 October 1917.
Reginald Darcy PECK, Died of Disease, 22 October 1918.
Maurice James PENSON, Died of Wounds, 18 November 1917.

Harry Hancock RATHBONE, Killed in Action, 19 April 1917.
George Henry RICHARDS, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Arthur Lester Reeves RIDLEY, Killed in Action, 9 April 1917.
Ernest Ambrose ROBERTS, Killed in Action, 17 September 1915.
William Richard ROYAL, Died of Disease, 18 April 1916.

John James SAINSBURY, Killed in Action, 12 November 1917.
Frederick James SANDERS, Died of Wounds, 22 April 1917.
Clifford SMITH, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Joseph William SMITH, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Lionel Thomas Watson SMITH, Killed in Action, 5 August 1916.
Charles Leslie STONE, Died of Disease, 29 October 1918.

Eric Fullerton TAIT, Killed in Action, 20 September 1917.
Albert James TERRY, Killed in Action, 25 September 1918.
Alfred John THORNE, Killed in Action, 9 November 1915.
Harold THORNTON, Killed in Action, 11 April 1917.

Jack WALL, Killed in Action, 25 September 1918.
George Henry WALLER, Killed in Action, 27 November 1915.
William Charles WARD, Died of Wounds, 19 April 1917.
Walter Norman WATT, Killed in Action, 30 September 1915.
Robert Henry WEIR, Died of Wounds, 22 May 1917.
Edwin WEST, Killed in Action, 28 November 1915.
Herbert Walker WEST, Killed in Action, 25 September 1918.
Mervyn WESTGARTH, Died of Disease, 9 December 1918.
William George Phillips WHILDON, Killed in Action, 9 January 1917.
Russell Gordon WITTS, Died of Disease, 2 November 1918.
Mervyn Cyrnos WOODD, Killed in Action, 31 October 1917.
Cedric WYNDHAM, Killed in Action, 12 December 1917.

Lest We Forget

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

Further Reading:

Citation: 12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EAST

Updated: Friday, 8 January 2010 5:52 PM EAST

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Wednesday, 1 April 2009

4160 Trooper John Gordon Hicks, 12th LHR, AIF
Topic: AIF - 4B - 12 LHR

4160 Trooper John Gordon Hicks.

12th LHR, AIF.

4160 Trooper John Gordon Hicks.

John Gordon Hicks, a brief military biography from The AIF Project:

Regimental number	4160
Religion	Methodist
Address	Ballina Road, Lismore, New South Wales
Marital status	Single
Date of Birth	5 November 1898
Age at embarkation	19
Next of kin	Father, John Gordon Hicks, Ballina Road, Lismore, New South Wales
Enlistment date	17 September 1917
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll	15 September 1917
Rank on enlistment	Private
Unit name	14th Light Horse Regiment, 33rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number	10/19/2
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board SS Canberra on 16 November 1917
Rank from Nominal Roll	Private
Unit from Nominal Roll	12th Light Horse Regiment
Fate	Returned to Australia 20 July 1919

John Gordon Hicks ancestory was Irish from around Belfast, Bellashannon [Ballyshannon] and Beleke[Belleek] with family names of McElvenan, McLean, Muldoon and Mulvena. He was born on 5 November 1898 to John Gordon Hicks and Ann Catherine (neé Mulvena b. 1872 - d. 1953) married at Lismore in 1897. John Gordon Hicks was the oldest child, the others being Robert WK (1900), Henry (1902), and Amelia M (1903). His father was a bacon manufacturer, who shipped product up the east coast between Sydney and Lismore.

For high school, John Gordon Hicks went to Newington College where apart from scholastic activities, he participated in both Rugby Union and Cricket, being part of the school teams.

School Photographs

Hicks in the Newington College 1914 Rugby Union 2nd XV

Hicks in the Newington College 1916 Rugby Union 1st XV

Hicks in the Newington College Cricket Team

Universal Training, 1916

Hicks, (centre), as a Scout in front of the entry arch at Sydney University, 1917.

Once reaching the age for enrollment in the Universal Training Scheme, John Gordon Hicks enrolled as a University Scout in 1916. He remained in service for about one year when he enlisted in the AIF. The brief military biography is given above.

Once discharged, John Gordon Hicks moved to Lismore where eventually he became the licensee of the Civic Hotel.

An advertising envelope with the hotel details, 1950.

In 1937, John Gordon Hicks married Elsie Prudence Pearl Ede in Lismore.

Elsie and John Hicks with John Gordon Ede.

Elsie Prudence died in 1976 and John Gordon Hicks died in 1981.

Acknowledgement: Many thanks are given to John Gordon Ede who supplied both detail and photographs about his grandfather, John Gordon Hicks.

Further Reading:

12th LHR, AIF, Contents

Citation: 4160 Trooper John Gordon Hicks, 12th LHR, AIF

Posted by Project Leader at 12:01 AM EADT

Updated: Sunday, 10 May 2009 12:46 PM EADT

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Friday, 31 October 2008

The Battle of Beersheba, Palestine, 31 October 1917, Cameron Account
Topic: AIF - 4B - 12 LHR

The Battle of Beersheba

Palestine, 31 October 1917

Cameron Account

12th ALHR Beersheba Post Battle Report, 31 October 1917.

After the victory at Beersheba on 31 October 1917, the Commanding Officer of the 12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Donald Cameron wrote his post battle summary which is transcribed below.

Report of the assault on Beersheba on 31 October 1917

1545 - Received orders to saddle up and get ready to move immediately. The Regiment had previously moved into the concentration area of Iswaiwin with the Brigade at 1130 and off saddled, fed horses and men.

1600 - General Officer Commanding 4th LH Brigade sent for Commanding Officers and Seconds in Command. On reporting to Brigade Headquarters orders were received that the 4th and 12th LH Regiment would attack Beersheba commence at once.

1630 - The 4th and 12th LH Regtiments deployed from a point 1 mile N of Pt 1280. The 12th Regiment moved with "A" Squadron in advance in line extended to 5 yards with right flank in vicinity of and south of flank track W and connecting with the 4th LH Regiment. "B" Squadron moved in the same formation 300 yards in rear of "A" Squadron. Headquarters, "C" Squadron and 1 sub-section of Machine Gun Squadron moved in line of troop column 300 yards in rear of "B" Squadron. The Regiment moved on Beersheba at the gallop. Heavy enemy rifle and machine gun fire developed on the left flank from the vicinity of 1180. This fire was silenced by artillery. The leading Squadron came under very heavy rifle fire and machine gun fire from the trenches in (see note at foot). On reaching a point about 100 yards from these trenches one Troop of "A" Squadron dismounted for action, and the remainder of the Squadron galloped on, leaving the trenches on the right. "B" and "C" Squadrons followed this route. The trenches were left to the Troop that dismounted. The Regiment, less 1 troop, kept straight on to Beersheba. Headquarters and "C" Squadron were halted about 1 mile from Beersheba and held in support in a Wadi under cover. "A" and "B" Squadrons less 1 troop entered Beersheba along the Asluj - Beersheba road. At the crossing of the Wadi Saba the pace of the leading file was checked to enable an accommodation of pace. Both Squadrons entered Beersheba in a body. When reaching the red brick building in the vicinity of the Mosque the greater portion of the force under Captain Jack Rupert Cyril Davis moved to the right leaving the mosque on the left thence to a point about 200 yards south of railway station. Thence across railway line making a turning movement to the right finishing in the vicinity of a building with an oval roof on the northern outskirts of Beersheba. A party of 6 men galloped in front General Headquarters (Turkish). One troop under Lieutenant Rodney Keith Robey and Second Lieutenant Edward Alfred Mulford skirted the town on the left. The whole rallying in the main body while Captain Jack Rupert Cyril Davis on the northern outskirts turned about checked and held up the enemy force which was escaping in a northerly direction. The greater part of the enemy immediately surrendered. 9 Guns attempted to escape but were retaken complete.

One troop under Major Eric Montague Hyman (after half an hours action) and and cleared the enemy in the trenches east of Beersheba. About 60 of these enemy, including 3 officers tried to escape by were intercepted by a troop of our "C" Squadron and taken prisoners. "C" Squadron then moved up to the angle of the railway into the vicinity of the viaduct.

Consolidation:

All prisoners were rounded up in the angle of the above railway and counted. Defensive positions were taken up at the pumping station and preparations made for all round defence. Major Eric Montague Hyman consolidated the redoubt east of Beersheba in anticipation of a counter attack from the south-west and held the positioons all night. The picquets in the vicinity of the pumping station were withdrawing at 2300 when Brigade Headquarters arrived and took over. A patrol of 1 NCO and 8 men was sent out at 2300 and made a reconnaissance in a south-west direction returning a 0300 bringing in 23 prisoners and reporting "All clear."

In all, 38 Officers and 700 Other Ranks were taken, 9 guns, 3 machine guns and a large quantity of various war material including rolling stock, transport vehicles and animals were captured.

Further Reading:

12th Australian Light Horse Regiment, Roll of Honour

The Battle of Beersheba, Palestine, 31 October 1917

Australian and New Zealand Roll of Honour

Citation: The Battle of Beersheba, Palestine, 31 October 1917, Cameron Account

Posted by Project Leader at 1:01 AM EADT

Updated: Thursday, 8 December 2011 8:47 AM EAST