‘Incredible courage and bravery’
The battle was the first ever nighttime cavalry charge and was instrumental in the British gaining advantage over the Ottomans.
The heroic efforts of Australian Light Horsemen were acknowledged last month at a commemoration for the Battle of Semakh at the historic Semakh Railway Station in northern Israel, where the battle took place.
The battle was the first ever nighttime cavalry charge and was instrumental in the British gaining advantage over the Ottomans.
The commemoration keynote speech was delivered by Australian ambassador to Israel Paul Griffiths.
“I am humbled and honoured to stand here again to pause together to reflect, remember and respect the sacrifice and bravery of the heroic Anzac soldiers who fought in the Battle of Semakh,” Griffiths said.
“On September 23, 1918 Lieutenant General Harry Chauvel ordered the Australian mounted division to capture this very site.
“This was part of the great ride – a 12-day journey involving 1200 Australian Light Horsemen sweeping in from Jaffa to Damascus in one of the great rides in the history of cavalry.”
Moriah Ben-David from the Zionist Federation of Australia-Israel office and Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies (QJBD) public affairs chair Libby Burke laid wreaths.
Burke said it was a real honour to lay a wreath on behalf of QJBD, and acknowledged those who sacrificed their lives.
“This battle truly represents the long-held bond between Australia and Israel. It was incredibly moving to be at the service and see the tribute paid to Australia, which – significantly – took place next to a statue honouring Aboriginal soldiers who also fought in the war,” she said.
“This event is vitally important because it is a sobering reminder of how vulnerable this area is from its neighbours, and how crucial it is to educate future generations on the values and commitment to freedom both our nations share,” she said.
Chairman of the Society for the Heritage of WWI in Israel Eran Tearosh noted, “Semakh is a cornerstone of pure Australian military heritage – ‘pure’ as being a place where only Australians were involved in the fighting, showing incredible courage and bravery.”
The commemoration was attended by close to 100 expats from Australia, as well as defence attaches from Australia, India and Great Britain.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Israel Foreign Ministry and the IDF. Major General (retired) Elazar Stern, Minister of Intelligence, addressed those present on behalf of the Israeli government.
Six light planes from the Megiddo Aviation Club flew over the Sea of Galilee and onto Semakh junction to commemorate the use of allied aerial forces in liberating Palestine during WWI.
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