3rd Battle of Gaza

[jamesmcdonald]

Does anyone have any maps or information on the 156th brigade attacks at Umbrella hill and El Arish redoubt?

[redescort]

JIMMAC

This is taken from THE HISTORY OF THE 1/5TH BATTALION “The Suffolk Regiment” byCAPT. A. FAIR, M.C. and CAPT. E. D. WOLTON

During this time the 156th Brigade, which had decided to move to the jumping-off point just before zero, and not to spend the night there as we had, was moving up into position. Tanks were also advancing. These had silencers and moved very quietly over the sand. But either the tanks or the troops had been seen on the sky-line at Samson’s Ridge, and a heavy shrapnel fire was opened on them causing many casualties. Our sector of deployment was searched by heavy but inaccurate machine-gun and rifle fire-mostly overhead. Private Harrison was killed, and three men were wounded. At 3 a.m., preceded by a tank, and with a standing barrage on the first line of trenches, the Battalion moved steadily forward, reaching the enemy wire, which was totally destroyed one minute before the barrage lifted. This continued on the trenches twenty yards behind the wire, and so steady and accurate was it that several sections pushed on right up to the wire. The barrage lifted and the line dashed forward, meeting with little resistance. Small bodies held out, and one of these shot Capt. J. R. Rowley the most popular officer in the Battalion who was the first in the trench. He was mortally wounded, and died the same evening. Capt. T. J. Catchpole, at the head of his Company, rushed a party of Turks and was seriously wounded-dying the next day. Lieut. T. O. Taylor was also wounded in D Company’s front line, and died the following day. The second line was captured and likewise the third, but having no support on the flanks the troops were withdrawn to the second line and proceeded to consolidate it.

The Turk seemed thoroughly surprised, and during the morning opened very little fire on the trenches or “ No Man’s Land.” In the meantime the troops on our left had met with serious opposition. The Battalions in support of us who were to push on through the Turkish third line and forward, had a difficult change of front to make. They had lost direction, and were in El Arish Redoubt together with a company of the battalion on our left. These events did not materially affect our position as long as the 156th Brigade made good on our right, for the original line could guard our left. Accurate reports of the progress made were brought by the runners from all Companies with great promptness, under heavy fire, and Battalion Headquarters moved to the Redoubt about 6 a.m.

joatmon

[steve fuller]

Any use? Have larger versions if required?

[jamesmcdonald]

Any use? Have larger versions if required?

Thanks Steve, it's a start, I was looking for the 52nd Division Jim

[jamesmcdonald]

JIMMAC

This is taken from THE HISTORY OF THE 1/5TH BATTALION “The Suffolk Regiment” byCAPT. A. FAIR, M.C. and CAPT. E. D. WOLTON

During this time the 156th Brigade, which had decided to move to the jumping-off point just before zero, and not to spend the night there as we had, was moving up into position. Tanks were also advancing. These had silencers and moved very quietly over the sand. But either the tanks or the troops had been seen on the sky-line at Samson’s Ridge, and a heavy shrapnel fire was opened on them causing many casualties. Our sector of deployment was searched by heavy but inaccurate machine-gun and rifle fire-mostly overhead. Private Harrison was killed, and three men were wounded. At 3 a.m., preceded by a tank, and with a standing barrage on the first line of trenches, the Battalion moved steadily forward, reaching the enemy wire, which was totally destroyed one minute before the barrage lifted. This continued on the trenches twenty yards behind the wire, and so steady and accurate was it that several sections pushed on right up to the wire. The barrage lifted and the line dashed forward, meeting with little resistance. Small bodies held out, and one of these shot Capt. J. R. Rowley the most popular officer in the Battalion who was the first in the trench. He was mortally wounded, and died the same evening. Capt. T. J. Catchpole, at the head of his Company, rushed a party of Turks and was seriously wounded-dying the next day. Lieut. T. O. Taylor was also wounded in D Company’s front line, and died the following day. The second line was captured and likewise the third, but having no support on the flanks the troops were withdrawn to the second line and proceeded to consolidate it.

The Turk seemed thoroughly surprised, and during the morning opened very little fire on the trenches or “ No Man’s Land.” In the meantime the troops on our left had met with serious opposition. The Battalions in support of us who were to push on through the Turkish third line and forward, had a difficult change of front to make. They had lost direction, and were in El Arish Redoubt together with a company of the battalion on our left. These events did not materially affect our position as long as the 156th Brigade made good on our right, for the original line could guard our left. Accurate reports of the progress made were brought by the runners from all Companies with great promptness, under heavy fire, and Battalion Headquarters moved to the Redoubt about 6 a.m.

joatmon

Thanks,joatmon, Anything on 1/7 scottish rifles at this battle? Jim

[Hywyn]

Jimmac

You may already have this overall view of the battle but just in case.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_Battle_of_Gaza

Hywyn

[steve fuller]

Thought it was the 156 Bgde you wanted, sorry. Here is the larger version

[jamesmcdonald]

Thought it was the 156 Bgde you wanted, sorry. Here is the larger version

Thanks, Steve, Much obliged,..........Jim