Battle of Rafa, Nov. 9, 1917

[KennethB]

Hi,

I've been reading some of the book 'The Yeomanry Cavalry of Worcestershire 1914-1922' and its action accounts.

While reading the Battle of Rafa, it stated that the operational orders had the attack being started by the Brigade Field Ambulance.

Has anyone ever heard of something like this non traditional role for a Field Ambulance?

Ken

[Philip Wilson]

Ken

The orders from the GOC Fifth Mounted Brigade for the attack on Rafa January 9th 1917 can be found on page 98 of 'The Diary of the Yeomanry MO ' - Captain O.Teichman.

It was pointed out at the time by the Second in Command, on seeing the Medical and Brigade Orders that the bearer sub division of the Field Ambulance with its sand carts and sledges would arrive at its destination before the Worcester Squadron.

As predicted this actually happened - for at 6am on the 9th January the enemy opened fire on the Field Ambulance but within a few minutes the Worcester Squadron dashed up in front of the sand carts. For a detailed description of the battle see Teichman's account.

Philip

[michaeldr]

For a detailed description of the battle see Teichman's account.

see http://www.archive.org/details/diaryofyeomanrym00teicrich