ANZAZ Movie | Battle of Beersheba (31 October 1917) -Australian Light Horse

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The Australian Light Horse mounted troops at Beersheba 31st October 1917

The Waler is an Australian breed of riding horse developed from horses that were brought to the Australian colonies in the 19th century. The name comes from their breeding origins in New South Wales; they were originally known as "New South Walers".

During WWI more than 130,000 Australian horses were sent overseas to support Australia's war effort. The horse that was most favoured was a mixed breed known as a waler, because many had been bred in New South Wales.

The 1st Light Horse Regiment was raised, from recruits from New South Wales, at Rosebury Park in Sydney in August 1914. It was one of three regiments of the 1st Light Horse Brigade - the first mounted formation committed by Australia to the First World War.

31 light horsemen were killed in the charge and 36 were wounded. Some originals from the Brigade who had enlisted in 1914 such as Edward Cleaver and Albert “Tibbie” Cotter, the famous Australian cricketer, were killed.Over 1000 Turkish prisoners were taken. 31 men from the Light Horse were killed, 36 were wounded, 70 horses killed with over 60 wounded.The Australians suffered 67 casualties. Two officers and 29 other ranks were killed, and 8 officers and 28 other ranks wounded. The fall of Beersheba opened the way to outflank the Gaza—Beersheba Line. On 6 November, after severe fighting, Turkish forces began to withdraw from Gaza further into Palestine.

Mounted troops had been part of Australia's home defence scheme since the 1890s, mostly as volunteers in rifle clubs. The Australian Light Horse served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902.

1st Light Horse BrigadeRoleLight horseSize~1,500 personnelPart of1st Australian Contingent (1914–15) Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) New Zealand and Australian Division (1915–16) Anzac Mounted Division (1916–19)EquipmentHorse, rifle and bayonet

These units were gradually mechanised either before or during World War II, although only a small number undertook operational service during the war. A number of Australian light horse units are still in existence today.

There were 122,000 horses exported from Australia during WWI. ... Their manes and tails were shorn as horse hair could be sold and their shoes removed. The remainder were sold to the British Army, the Indian Army and the Finnish Army. Six hundred (600) mares were sent to England for breeding purposes.

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