The Battle of Beersheba (WWI) – The Last Cavalry Charge
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| An alleged photo of the charge of the 4th Light Horse at Beersheba that has been taken from a captured Turk |
The Battle of Beersheba on WWI's Middle Eastern front was fought on October 31, 1917. It was a part of the wider British offensive known as the third Battle of Gaza, against Ottoman and German forces.
The charge of the 4th Australian Light Horse during this battle is considered the last great cavalry charge.
The assault on the town of Beersheba began at dawn with British infantry attacking from the south, an assault which had failed in capturing Beersheba by late afternoon. Nearing the dark hours the British and Australian commanders knew that only a wild, desperate cavalry charge could seize Beersheba before the approaching night.
Commencing at dusk, members of the 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment stormed through the Turkish defenses, taking advantage of the fact that they were not protected by barbed wires and seized the town.
Commencing at dusk, members of the 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment stormed through the Turkish defenses, taking advantage of the fact that they were not protected by barbed wires and seized the town.
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| A Joint Israeli-Australian stamp released in 2013, commemorating the Battle of Beersheba |
The Australian Light Horse casualties were 31 dead and 36 wounded. They captured over 700 men of the Central Powers.
The capture of the strategic town of Beersheba enabled the British forces a week later, to break the line of the Ottoman Empire near Gaza and advance further into the Holy Land.
