On 31 October 1917 New Zealand Mounted troops were part of the Allied attack on the Turkish defences at Beersheba, which was considered the key to taking Gaza due its strategically vital water wells. The New Zealand Mounted Rifles played a vital role in the Battle of Beersheba aiding the Australian forces in their role of capturing the town.

The hill known as Tel el Saba was New Zealand’s objective in the battle and was the key to taking Beersheba. It had to be taken by the Anzacs before a frontal attack on the town could take place as the Turkish defenders and machine guns were well dug in over-looking all the approaches to the township and its trench defences.

After six hours of hard fighting Tel el Saba was finally captured. Eight New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade men were killed in the attack and 26 wounded, almost all from the Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment.

With the New Zealand attack succeeding not long before sunset, the attack on Beersheba was in a critical state and in desperate need of water for the horses and men. Australian General Harry Chauvel ordered a mounted charge across the open ground straight through the Turkish trenches and into the town. With their bayonets in hand and rifles slung over their shoulders the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade charged and captured the fortified town before the sun had set. The epic charge is now regarded as the last great cavalry charge in history.

The Imperial Camel Corps, which included two New Zealand companies, played a vital role in the Sinai and Palestine campaigns and also fought at the Battle of Beersheba.

Archives New Zealand Reference: AAME 8106, W5603, 11/17/11 <a href="https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=20939662" rel="nofollow">www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=20939662</a>

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