World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, 2426 LOUDON, 10 Light Horse

Overview

Photograph of 2426 trooper Robert James Loudon, DCM from Broomehill, 16th Reinforcements, enlisted 9 March 1916, returned 20 July 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

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-32-55-604
Inscriptions and markings

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'During the attack south of Duma, on the 1st October, 1918, some five machine guns suddently opened fire from about 100 yards distant. The horse of the O.C. Brigade Scouts was shot and fell on him, and at once the enemy rushed from all sides to attack him. Private Loudon galloped in and dispersed the enemy with his revolver. He kept the enemy at bay with his rifle, and caught the officer's horse and took it over to where he lay.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 42
Date: 20 May 1920

Contextual Information

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

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Organisation Details
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Loudon crop
2426 LOUDON

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