100th Beersheba anniversary
The Rupanyup community came together yesterday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ‘last great cavalry charge in history’, the Battle of Beersheba.
The capture of Beersheba, in what is now Israel, during the First World War led to an opening in the Turkish flank that enabled Allied forces to break the Ottoman line near Gaza and advance further into Palestine.
Rupanyup RSL vice-president Sonny Johns said it was important Wimmera people took an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices Australian men – including many from Rupanyup district – made in battle.
He said on April 25 each year, Australians remembered and acknowledged the men who fought and died at Gallipoli.
“We remember Gallipoli because of the bravery the men displayed and the hardships they had to endure, but Gallipoli was one of the worst-planned and badly-executed operations in Australian military history,” he said.
“We remember Gallipoli because it was a glorious defeat. But on October 31, 2017, we remembered one of the most daring and successful victories in our history.”
The famous mounted charge at Beersheba was part of a wider British offensive collectively known as the third Battle of Gaza.
“Eight-hundred Australian Light Horsemen carried out the charge under the command of great Australian General Harry Chauvel – 400 from the 4th Light Horse regiment and 400 from the 12th,” Mr Johns said.
“Major James Lawson from Rupanyup, later Colonel, led A Squadron, 4th LH at the front of the charge and other men from around the area were also part of the 800 who participated in the charge.
“Only 31 were killed. The operation was an outstanding success and changed the course of the war. From this point on the Australians were able to continue to drive the Turks out of Palestine back to the Mediterranean.
“The defeat spelled the end of the Ottoman Empire and opened the way for the Jews to return and set up the State of Israel.”
RSL leaders hosted a service at the town’s 4th Light Horse Memorial, featuring George Lanagan as guest speaker.
• Editorial – page 7.