Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, WHITE, 10 Light Horse

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Subcollections

10 Australian Light Horse - Troopers 1914-1920

Overview

Photograph of 350 Trooper Lawrence Hamill White MM of Kelmscott, B Squadron, enlisted 19 October 1914, died of wounds, 14 October 1916

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-32-99-581

Inscriptions and markings

Military Medal

'This man is a member of the Scouting Platoon and once more displayed great courage in firstly scouting in No Man's Land in the right centre of the line of attack; secondly, he assisted to put out tapes marking the jumping off positions; thirdly, in patrolling No Man's Land in front of our lines before the attack was launched, and after the attacking parties had withdrawn to our lines. The last named act required great courage as it was though at the time that the German counter attack was being pushed right up to our lines. This is the second time that this man has been brought under notice for his gallantry and devotion to duty. This man was wounded when patrolling in No Man's Land on the occasions referred to. He is recommended for distinction. Period, 29th/30th August, 1916, north of POZIERES.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62
Date: 19 April 1917

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