BEERSHEBA - Centenary of the last Cavalry Change
The Battle of Beersheba was fought on 31 October 1917, when the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) attacked and captured the Yildirim Army Group garrison at Beersheba, beginning the Southern Palestine Offensive of the Sinai and Palestine campaign of World War 1. After successful limited attacks in the morning, by infantry from the 60th (London) and the 74th (Yeomanry) Divisions of eh XX Corps from the south-west, the ANZAC Mounted Division (Desert Mounted Corps) launched a series of attacks. These attacks, against the strong defences which dominated the eastern side of Beersheba, eventually resulted in their capture during the late afternoon. Shortly afterwards, the Australian Mounted Divison's 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments (4th Light Horse Brigade) conducted a mounted infantry charge with bayonets in their hands, their only weapon for mounted attack, as their rifles were slung across their backs. While part of the two regiments dismounted to attack entrenchments on Tel es Saba defending Beersheba, the remainder of the light horseman continued their charge into the town, capturing the place and part of the garrison as it waswithdrawing.
Creswick is the home of the well-known Creswick Light Horse Troop, Australia’s largest Light Horse re-enactment group, the group that leads ANZAC Day both in Creswick and Melbourne
The Creswick-Smeaton RSL sub-Branch, in conjunction with the Creswick and District Historical Society and the Creswick Light Horse Troop itself are combining to host a commemorative dinner and a week-long exhibition of World War 1 militaria. The Light Horse will provide a living exhibition of one or more kitted horses and uniformed Troopers.
We have been fortunate that Phillip Bradley, one of Australia’s leading military historians and author of the recently published book “The Australian Light Horse” has agreed to both open the Exhibition and speak at the Commemorative Dinner.
Creswick is the home of the well-known Creswick Light Horse Troop, Australia’s largest Light Horse re-enactment group, the group that leads ANZAC Day both in Creswick and Melbourne
The Creswick-Smeaton RSL sub-Branch, in conjunction with the Creswick and District Historical Society and the Creswick Light Horse Troop itself are combining to host a commemorative dinner and a week-long exhibition of World War 1 militaria. The Light Horse will provide a living exhibition of one or more kitted horses and uniformed Troopers.
We have been fortunate that Phillip Bradley, one of Australia’s leading military historians and author of the recently published book “The Australian Light Horse” has agreed to both open the Exhibition and speak at the Commemorative Dinner.
