Struggle in the Desert

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7039, 24 December 1932, Page 7

Struggle in the Desert

ANNIVERSARY OF BATTLE OF MAGDHA3A

December 23 marked the anniversary of the battle of Magdhaba in which t-he New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade played an important part.

After their defeat at Romani in 1910 the Turks withdrew to the line of the Wadi ei Arish, establishing strong garrisons at El Arish, El Magdhaba and Abu Aweigila. Early in December, 1916, Sir A. Murray’s proposal to advance on El Arish was approved ana preparations for the advance were complete by December 20. But on that day the R.F.C. reported that the enemy haa evacuated his position. The A.T'.N.Z. Division, plus the Imperial Camel Brigade, were at once ordered to move on

El Arish, which was occupied the following morning. During tko day 52nd Division marched in, and late that evening the mounted troops were ordered to move on Magdhaba. Magdhaba lies some 25 miles southeast of El Arisli on the right bank of the Wadi. At this period of the year the Wadi itself was dry, and no water existed between El Arisli and Magdkaba. Owing to watei supply difficulties at El Arish, it was not till midnight that the mounted troops commenced their march, but by -1.50 a.m., December 23, the forco was halted some four miles from Magdkaba, awaiting orders. As the result of reconnaissance it was discovered that the Turkish defences consisted of half a dozen unwired redoubts —with certain connecting entrenchments—disposed in a rough square astride the Wadi. By this time air reports were received that some, at least, of the redoubts and the dry bed of the Wadi itself were hold by the Turks. Further, there were no signs of reinforcements south-east of Magdkaba except for a handful ot troops at Kuafa. Hampered By Mirage. Orders were now issued for the 3rd Light Horse and N.Z. Mounted Rule Brigades to attack from the N.E., while the Camel Brigade moved straight in from the N.W., the Ist Light Horse Brigade itself being held in reserve. At 9.25 a.m. the 10th Light Horse Regiment was ordered right round the Turkish position to cut off the enemy's retirement to the south and S.E. Reaching the Wadi, the regiment captured a number of Turks already attempting to retire up the bed of the Wadi. At 10 a.m. a further air Teport was received stating that the enemy was making off and the Ist Light Horse Brigade was at one'e put in. It now became clear that the enemy had no idea of retirement, and his fire threatened serious casualties. The brigado was therefore swung right handed into cover of the Wadi up the broad bed of which the attack was continued dismounted. By noon the attacking troops had surrounded Magdhaba, and were everywhere hotly engaged. But, owing to difficulties of the ground and mirage, the artillery were greatly hampered and little progress had been made. About 1 pan. a message was received that no water could be located beyond Magdhaba. This was serious, since the hofses had had no water since leaving El Arish, and this place remained the only source of water unless Magdhaba fell. As there appeared to be no immediate prospect of this, General P&aayejHfl cfimwM tbfl

decided it would be necessary to break off the action. Went in With the Bayonet In the meantime, however, tho 3rd Light Horse Regiment had been slowly working up the Wadi and eventually gained touch with the Camel Brigade, within 100 yards of No. 1 Redoubt. The ground in front of them was absolutely devoid of cover, but moving together the light horsemen and the men of the Camel Brigado went in with the bayonet in a most dashing charge. The redoubt fell immediately, yielding 95 prisoners. Before this, however, about 2 p.m., General Chaytor had reported that resistance on his front was weakening and the action was therefore continued. The attack was now closing in, and by 4 p.m. No. 2 Redoubt was captured. But a little later the Australians and New Zealanders from tho N.E. swept over the opposing trenches into the villago itself. The Turkish defences wero now crumbling fa'st, and by 4.30 p.m. all organised resistance was at an end. As soon as the Turkish garrison had been rounded up, the Auckland Regiment was ordered to clear the battlefield and the remainder of tho force to prepare for the march back to El Aiish, which, was reached the following morning. In thirty hours the force had captured Magdhaba and with it some 1282 prisoners and much material—a notable example of the value of mounted troops in open country.