Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, 975 WALLIS, 10 Light Horse

« Prev Item Next Item »

Subcollections

10 Australian Light Horse - Troopers 1914-1920

Overview

Postwar photograph of 975 Corporal Albert Edward Wallis MM 5th Reinforcements from Bunbury, enlisted 14 January 1915, returned 4 August 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-32-55-186

Inscriptions and markings

MILITARY MEDAL

Date of Recommendation : 16 November 1917

” 8th November 1917. For conspicuous gallantry in the field. On the right flank this man galloped into the retiring Turks and took the surrender of one officer, nine men and one Machine Gun ,with two complete packs. His action and dash dumbfounded the enemy and I consider him worthy of special award. He was detached from his troop at the time as flank guard and his action single handedly speaks for itself “.

Contextual Information

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

Geotag

-33.320005773441, 115.63566008719

Open in Google Maps

Nearest geotagged records:

View all geotagged records...

Links to additional resources

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Organisation Details
View Collection
Item Feedback