"At a mile distant their thousand hooves were stuttering thunder, coming at a rate that frightened a man - they were an awe inspiring sight, galloping through the red haze - knee to knee and horse to horse - the dying sun glinting on bayonet points..." Trooper Ion Idriess
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Formed in July 1918 as part of the Australian Mounted Division. Prior to formation, the two Australian Regiments, which became the core of the Brigade, came from the two Australian Battalions which composed the Imperial Camel Corps. The Imperial Camel Corps was disbanded at the end of July 1918 and the men were transferred into the Light Horse to make the new Brigade. The third Regiment was added by the French 1er Regiment Mixte de Cavalerie Du Lavant which remained with the Brigade until the cessation of hostilities.
Outline of the 5th Australian Light Horse Brigade, AIF
Formed in July 1918 as part of the Australian Mounted Division. Prior to formation, the two Australian Regiments, which became the core of the Brigade, came from the two Australian Battalions which composed the Imperial Camel Corps. The Imperial Camel Corps was disbanded at the end of July 1918 and the men were transferred into the Light Horse to make the new Brigade. The third Regiment was added by the French 1er Regiment Mixte de Cavalerie Du Lavant which remained with the Brigade until the cessation of hostilities. Regiments included:
14th Australian Light Horse Regiment
This Regiment was reconstituted in July 1918 predominantly from the members of the 1st Battalion, Imperial Camel Corps.
Apart from the three active squadrons, in Egypt there was the 14th Light Horse Training Squadron which was formed in July 1918. It supplied reinforcements for the 14th Light Horse Regiment.
15th Australian Light Horse Regiment
This Regiment was reconstituted in July 1918 predominantly from the members of the 3rd Battalion, Imperial Camel Corps.
Apart from the three active squadrons, in Egypt there was the 15th Light Horse Training Squadron which was formed in July 1918. It supplied reinforcements for the 15th Light Horse Regiment.
1er Regiment Mixte de Cavalerie Du Levant
This Regiment was recruited exclusively from France. This comprised four squadrons made up from the following Regiments:
1er Regiment Spahis, two squadrons; and,
4e Regiment de Marche Chausseurs d'Afrique, two squadrons.
5th Signal Troop
The 5th Signal Troop was created in July 1918 and formed from the Signal Troops within the 1st, 3rd and 4th Battalions, Imperial Camel Corps.
5th Light Horse Field Ambulance
The Imperial Camel Corps Camel Field Ambulance was renamed the 5th Light Horse Field Ambulance in July 1918 .
5th Light Horse Brigade Train
The 5th Light Horse Brigade Train was came from the 37th Australian Army Service Corps Company in July 1918.
10th Mobile Veterinary Section
The 10th Mobile Veterinary Section was formed in July 1918.
New Zealand 2nd Machine Gun Squadron
The New Zealand 2nd Machine Gun Squadron was formed in July 1918 from the two New Zealand Imperial Camel Corps Companies, the 15th and 16th Camel Companies.
Artillery
Artillery support was provided for the 5th Light Horse Brigade from the British 19th Horse Artillery Brigade, "B" Battery, Honourable Artillery Company.
Embarkation
The original Brigade embarked to Egypt during month of May 1916.
To assist with identification of 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 various units. The 5th Light Horse Brigade received the colour in 1918 which reflected that previously used by the ICC. The colour patch for the 5th Light Horse Brigade was plain red in the shape of a triangle.
5th Light Horse Brigade Colour Patch
The individual units attached to the 5th Light Horse Brigade carried the red colour as a lower triangular part of the colour patch, the unit itself having their colour on the top. This is illustrated with the above description about each individual unit.
Commanders
Brigadier General George MacLeay MacArthur Onslow July 1918 to past November 1918
Attachments
Formed Australia July 1918.
Attached to the Australian Mounted Division July 1918 until June 1919.
Campaigns
Megiddo; and,
Damascus
Disbandment
The Brigade returned to Australia from June to July 1919. As each Regiment arrived in the specific home port, they were disbanded.
See:Troop transport ships for information and photographs about the various ships employed in transporting the troops to Egypt.
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