Today, Anzac Day, is a time when we reflect on the courage and sacrifice made by our military in times of war. At the start of World War one in 1914, Australia was a fledgling nation of only thirteen years. The war helped to solidify Australia’s identity and the myth of the strapping bronzed Aussie was born.
The military debacle and needless sacrifice at Gallipoli, and the glorious charge of the Austrlaian Light Horse at Beersheba reinforced this legend and became the content of “Boys Own” stories.
One of the major hobby projects that I have underway is the building of an Australian Light Horse collection to hopefully re-enact the charge on the tabletop in October this year.
The charge of the 4th and the 12th Australian Light Horse at Beersheba late in the afternoon of 31 October 1917, is remembered as the last great cavalry charge.
I do not normally post about “work in progress” but I have made an exception for today.
This is not a small task as I need to paint the following 20mm HaT plastic figures:
- 12 troops of 12 mounted figures each (144 mounted) for the 4th and the 12th regiments;
- 12 Vickers Machine Guns (currently 8 short);
- 12 Lewis machine Guns;
- 12 elements of horse holders;
- 12 dismounted leaders elements;
- 24 trooper elements;
- and assorted leaders.
At the moment I am at the collecting and sorting out stage.
All that I need except for the Vickers machine guns.
Supporting mortar teams
Four of the twelve Vickers Machine gun teams needed.
Lewis Machine Gun Teams
Conversion of Vickers machine gun on the move.
There are also photos of these being transported on a limber which I will convert from the Airfix WW1 Royal Horse artillery as well.
Boxes of Mounted figures.
This is a great box set that comes with mounted and dismounted troopers as well as the horse holders required for mounted infantry.
The box content.
The Heavy weapons box set.
The dismounted elements sorted for basing and painting.
Mounted command elements. I have since decide to have all mounted two to a base.
Dismounted Command Elements sorted.
Lewis guns sorted.
Horse holder elements ready to go.
Box of elements that I have put together to try and sort things out, and get a feel for how they will look.
All of the Turkish Infantry and Artillery are completed. Although they they took no part in the engagement, I have the Turkish cavalary that were at the left of their position, and who covered the retreat during the night, still to paint.
Lest we forget.
That’s quite a project, but looks like you’ve got it planned out pretty well! 🙂 Hope it all goes well!
Looks ambitious, but do-able! I know what you mean about WIP post, but I do enjoy them!
Terrific to see this project finally back on the production line after a long break!
I don’t think there’s any real doubt the famous photo is in fact one taken by Official War Photographer Frank Hurley at Gaza using the 11th Light Horse Regiment to re-enact the charge for him on 7 February 1918. I’ve done an article on it I can send you if you wish. I’d also lose the ‘last great cavalry charge’. There were plenty after it, some in the same campaign. Perhaps leave painting the mortars to last, so far as I know the Light Horse didn’t use them.
Keep up the great work.
I know there were a number of cavalry charges including the charge of the Polish Cavalry (when fighting for the Soviets) during the Battle of Schoenfeld on March 1, 1945. There was also a number of later ones in Allenby’s Palestine campaign including the charge of British Yeomanry at Huj, Lawrence’s Arab revolt forces at Aqaba ands some smaller ones during the Jordan river part of the campaign.
Unlike these charges, the charge at Beersheba turned the Turkish flank and effectively broke the stalemate on the Gaza line of defences, leading to the capture of Jerusalem in time for Christmas! The charge effectively changed the course of the war in Palestine, Huj and Schoenfeld, whilst both victories, did not change the course of their campaigns. Hence last “great” cavalry charge.
Technically you could argue that it was a mounted charge and not a cavalry charge as they were not cavalry but mounted infantry.
Mortars and artillery were used to take out machine guns pinning down New Zealand troops at Tel el Saba on the right flank of the Australian Light horse, but were both British and not ANZAC. You are correct about the mortars as Light horse troops had integral Lewis Guns, and Vickers machine gun support was only at Brigade level.
Following the evacuation at Gallipoli the Infantry of the First AIF were only stationed in Palestine until early 1916 when they and their mortars went to the Western Front.
Nice post, best belated ANZAC Day wishes to great allies.