Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, 58 SAUNDERS, 10 Light Horse

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Subcollections

10 Australian Light Horse - Troopers 1914-1920

Overview

Photograph of 58 Trooper Herbert Earl Sunders DCM from Midland, enlisted 3 November 1914, returned 29 April 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-32-99-549

Inscriptions and markings

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'At Khan Khissler, on 1 October, 1918, this non-commissioned officer brought his guns into action under heavy close range fire, and behaved with great coolness and gallantry at a critical time. He brought fire along the road on the retreating enemy, causing a number of casualties. He has commanded a sub-section throughout the operations, and has done exceptionally good work.'
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.

Public Location