![]() ![]() To maintain the element of surprise, the 40,000-strong Desert Mounted Corps made the dusty 43km-trek toward Beersheba under the cover of darkness on 30 October 1917. Although the majority of the Turkish forces were stationed in Gaza, the 1000 Turkish rifleman in Beersheba had strong defensive positions and were supported by nine machine guns and two aircraft. ![]() The commanders of the allied forces turned their focus to Beersheba, a town at the end of the Turkish defensive line. It was a vital component of the allied forces’ campaign to secure the Sinai Peninsula and ensure the shipping corridors along the Suez Canal remained open to Britain and its allies. The charge of Beersheba by the Australian Light Horse took place on 31 October 1917, during the third Battle of Gaza in Palestine. 1917 (Image courtesy of State Library of Queensland) The background to Beersheba ![]() Member of the Australian 2nd Light Horse on active duty in the Middle East ca. Discover the exciting commemorations held in partnership with Queensland Mounted Infantry Historical Troop, Australian Outback Spectacular and more. Queensland communities hosted many special events and activities to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Australian Light Horse’s daring charge at Beersheba. The momentum of the surprise attack carried them through the Turkish defences where they were able to secure the town before it could be destroyed by the retreating Turkish force. On 31 October 1917, the heavily fortified town of Beersheba was the scene of a historic charge by the men of the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade.Ĭommencing at dusk, the brigade stormed the town, using their bayonets as swords in a highly unconventional charge. ![]()
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