The Ottoman surrender of Jerusalem to the British

General Sir Edmund Allenby enters Jerusalem
on Decmber 11, 1917

By December 1917, the British advanced their forces in WWI middle-eastern campaign collapsing every Ottoman stronghold on their way to Jerusalem. On the night between the 8th and the 9th of December 1917, the Ottoman Seventh Army which was the last to defend Jerusalem, had retreated from the city.
On the following morning, a delegation of notables led by the Mayor of Jerusalem, Hussein Salim al-Husseini, headed out west to seek for the approaching British forces and deliver the Ottoman Governor's letter of surrender. They encountered a patrol of two British Regiment Sergeants; Sgt. James Sedgewick and Sgt. Frederick Hurcomb which refused to accept the surrender, due to what they considered as their lower ranks. The encounter however was immortalized in a historic photo taken by the Ottoman delegation in proof of their will to give in.
The surrender was eventually accepted later on that day by Brigadier General C.F. Watson, on the steps of David’s Tower.

The text of the Jerusalem's Decree of the Surrender stated that: "Due to the severity of the siege of the city and the suffering that this peaceful country has endured from your heavy guns; and for fear that these deadly bombs will hit the holy places, we are forced to hand over to you the city through Hussein al-Husseini, the mayor of Jerusalem, hoping that you will protect Jerusalem the way we have protected it for more than five hundred years." Signed: Izzat, the Mutasarrif of Jerusalem.

Two days after the official surrender of Jerusalem to the British and exactly six weeks after the fall of Beersheba, General Sir Edmund Allenby commander of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, made his formal entry into Jerusalem through the Jaffa Gate. Allenby entered the city on foot, as a sign of respect for the Holy City and not on a horseback or a vehicle, which were customary for such ceremonies.

Allenby later described the events in a dispatch sent the British Secretary of War, concluding the British takeover of the Holy City:

"Official Entry
At noon on the 11th I made my official entry into Jerusalem.

24. In the operations from Oct. 31 to Dec. 9 over 12,000 prisoners were taken. The total captures of material have not yet been fully comited, owing to the large area covered by these operations ; but they are known to include about 100 guns of various calibres, many machine guns, more than 20,000,000 rounds of rifle ammunition, and 250,000 rounds of gun ammunition. More than twenty aeroplanes were destroyed by our airmen or burnt by the enemy to avoid capture.

25 . My thanks are due to the cordial assistance which I received from his Excellency the High Commissioner, General Sir Francis Wingate, 6.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.M.G., D.8.O., who has always given me the greatest assistance.

26. During the whole period Rear-Admiral T. Jackson, C.B., M.V.O., has given me most loyal support, and has co-operated with me in a manner which has materially contributed to our success.

27. Brigadier-General Sir G. Macauley, K.C.M.G., C.B., Director of Railway Transport, has given invaluable help in the organisation of my railways.

28 . All ranks and services in the Force under my command have acquitted themselves in a manner beyond praise. Fatigue, thirst, heat, and cold have been endured uncomplainingly. The co-operation of all arms has been admirable, and has enabled success in battle to be consummated by irresistible and victorious pursuit.

Leaders and staffs have all done well, and in particular I bring to your Lordship's notice the names of the following officers ; —

Major-General (temporary Lieutenant-Genera] ) Sir Philip C!hetwode, Bart., K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.

My plan of operations was based on his appreciation of the situation and on the scheme which he put forward to me on my arrival in Egypt last summer. To his strategical foresight and tactical skill the success of the campaign is largely due.

Major-General (temporary Lieutenant-General) E. S. Bulfin, C.B., C.V.O. Has shown great ability as an organizer and leader in high command. To his determination in attack, and his dash and drive in purfsuit, is due the swift advance to Jerusalem.

Mijor-General (temporary Lieutenant-General) Sir Henry Chauvel, K.C.M.G., C.R. Has commanded my mounted troops with invariable success in attack and pursuit. His co-operatioD with other arms has always been ready and loyal, and has contributed greatly to the victory won.

Major-General L. J. Bols, C.B., D.S.O., Chief of the General Staff, has done briUiant work. He is a general staff officer of the first rank.

Major-General J. Adye, C.B., Deputy Adjutant-General, has rendered invaluable service.

Major-General Sir Walter Campbell, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O., Deputy Quartermaster-General, has had a difficult task which he has carried out with complete success.

Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) G. P. Dawnay, D.S.O., M.V.O., Reserve of Officers, Brigadier-General, General Staff, has proved himself a strategist and tactician of unusual merit. His work has been of the highest value.

I have the honour to be.Your Lordship's most obedient servant,

E. II. 11. Allenby,

General,

Commanding-in-Chiof,

Egyptian Expeditionary Force. "

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