Light Horseman

Copyright © 2006 Ron Marshall

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This painting depicts an Australian Light Horseman on his gallant Waler galloping across the dusty Palestinian plain just on sunset. The Light Horseman is yelling and brandishing his bayonet. They are among the 4th and12th Regiments of Australian Light Horse that are charging toward the town of Beersheba and the defending Turks on the 31st of October 1917.

His horse has had no water for three days and gallops with a will, for she can now smell the wells of Beersheba which must be captured before the night falls. There is an urgency to this desperate charge, for if they fail to take the town by night, they will have no water for man or horse, and many will die in the desert. They gallop so swiftly that the Turkish guns are firing over their heads, missing most of them.

The Charge of the Australian Light Horsemen on Beersheba was a resounding victory. The precious wells of Beersheba were saved and the thirsty horses drank their fill that night.
 
These wonderful horses not only carried their riders into battle, but all the gear that the horse and rider needed to live and fight in the desert.

Here is a link to a list of what these horses carried - http://www.lighthorse.org.au/resources/manual-for-dress-equip-and-conduct/manual-for-dress-equip-and-conduct-2.-standing-orders-for-uniform-dress-and-equipment#1E scroll down page to Dress Order No. 1E (Full Marching Order)

  ”Beersheba Remembered”
“Spur” OFFICIAL AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
17TH EDITION, April 1999

 An Account of the Charge at Beersheba: http://www.lighthorse.org.au/famous-battles/world-war-one/famous-battles-an-account-of-the-charge