An Australian Cavalryman serving in Palestine during World War I
Detail of Character
Slouch hat and Emu Feathers
Jacket and Insignia
Webbing
Boots and Putties
Canteen
303 Rifle
Trousers
Major Points
The Australian Light Horse regiments served with distinction in every theatre of World War I. They served against the Ottoman Turks in the Gallipoli Campaign in the Dardanelles in 1915 as well as the campaigns in Palestine against the Ottomans from 1916-1918. They were involved in the last successful cavalry charge in history at Beersheba in 1917. Several regiments also served on the Western Front in France from 1916-1918.
The ANZAC legend was born at Gallipoli where fierce fighting and severe casualties were only a sign of worse to come on the Western Front. A mutual and enduring respect was formed between the ANZAC’s and the Turkish foes and today Anzac Cove is considered sacred ground to both Australians and Turks alike.
The founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemel Ataturk, was responsible for stopping the ANZAC advance of the first day of the campaign, thereby preventing the Allies best chance for winning the campaign.
The Gallipoli campaign was designed to open the Bosphorus Straits so that the Ottoman capital could be taken. Though it was a sound plan it was poorly executed in a number of regards and represents perhaps one of the greatest lost opportunities of WWI.
After Gallipoli the bulk of Australian Light Horse were to stay in Egypt since open plains warfare suited them. The 13th and two squadrons of the 4th Light Horse went to France where they were part of the ANZAC Corps, which stopped the last German Offensive of the war.
