Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 1, 30 FITZMAURICE, 10 Light Horse

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Subcollections

10 Australian Light Horse - Troopers 1914-1920

Overview

Photograph of 30 Sergeant James Fitzmaurice, DCM of Katanning, Headquarters, enlisted 6 December 1914, returned 17 November 1919.

Historical information

10 Light Horse was raised as a squadron, then a regiment in October 1914.and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade in Egypt. The Regiment served dismounted in Gallipoli and fought at the charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915, and at Hill 60 on 29-30 August. The only Victoria Cross awarded to a Light Horseman recognised the valour of Lieutenant Hugo Throssell at Hill 60.
After Gallipoli the Regiment was bought up to strength to defended Egypt from the Ottoman Army advancing on the Suez Canal. Through 1916 they drove the Turks across the deserts of Sinai, participating in the battles of Romani and Magdhaba.
In 1917 as part of the Desert Column they advanced into Palestine and participated in the bloody battles to break the Gaza-Beersheba line and helped capture Jerusalem. They participated in the Es Salt Raid in May 1918. In August they were equipped with swords and retrained as cavalry. In this role they took part in the rout of the Ottoman army in the Jordan Valley, a campaign the light horse referred to as "The Great Ride". In September the 10th was the first formed regiment to enter Damascus.
Turkey surrendered on 30 October 1918. After the end of the war, the regiment saw action in putting down the Egyptian uprising of 1919. The Regiment was one of the few to return home as a formed unit.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-99-516

Inscriptions and markings

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'He is a member of the original regiment, and has served continuously in Gallipoli, Sinai, and Palestine. He has at all times been most efficient in the field. On the 2 and 3 May, 1918, during the Turkish counterattack at Es Salt, he was in charge of bombs and ammunition in his post, and often exposed himself to much danger to keep his men supplied. When the Turks got to within a few yards of his position, he called on his men to charge, which they did, bombing the enemy to such effect that the latter retired, leaving many dead.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135
Date: 11 December 1919

Contextual Information

This photograph is part of the extensive Phil Sullivan 10th Light Horse Collection donated to the Army Museum in November 2023.

Public Location