Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, 1446 WITHAM, 10 Light Horse

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Subcollections

10 Australian Light Horse - Troopers 1914-1920

Overview

Photograph of 1446 Trooper Walter Graham Witham, MM from Swan View, 11th Reinforcements, enlisted 9 August 1915, returned 8 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

Registration number

cwa-org-32-55-334

Inscriptions and markings

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in charge of a Medium Trench Mortar Battery at Villers-Bretonneux at 3 a.m. on 2nd June 1918, the enemy placed an intense barrage of H.E. and gas on the position. Bombardier Witham led his detachment in spite of the barrage and removed the gun and ammunition. Gas helmets had to be worn continually. The building in which the mortar was in position was in flames and a direct hit had been obtained on the ammunition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

Contextual Information

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

Links to additional resources

Service Summary

Service Records

Military Medal

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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