Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum > Records

First World War Black and White Photograph of Light Horsemen and Horses Resting in the Desert

« Prev Item Next Item »

1916 - 1918

Overview

A small black and white photograph of a large group of Light Horsemen and their horses resting in the desert. One man remains mounted on his horse while all the others that can be seen are dismounted, either lying or standing next to their mounts. The photograph has a small border and is in good condition back and front. There is a small number 2 written on the reverse top corner.

Historical information

Everything the Light Horse trooper needed for living and fighting had to be carried by him and his horse. His extra clothing, food and personal possessions were in a canvas haversack carried over the shoulder. Across the other shoulder hung a one-litre water bottle. As well as the 90 rounds of ammunition in his bandolier, he carried ten rounds in the .303 (“three-oh-three”) rifle slung over his shoulder and another 50 rounds in pouches on his belt, which also supported the bayonet and scabbard. The horse was carefully fitted with the special military saddle, designed to carry a remarkable array of equipment with the least possible discomfort. Across the front was strapped a rolled greatcoat and waterproof ground sheet. Mess tin, canvas water bucket and nosebag with a day’s grain ration, were slung at the back of the saddle. There was also a heel rope, removable length of picket line and a leather case with two horseshoes and nails. The man’s blanket was sometimes carried in a roll or spread under the saddle on top of the saddle blanket or “rug”.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2022.1.47

Item type

Photographs

Themes

War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Photo Paper

Width

87 mm

Height or length

61 mm

Inscriptions and markings

"2" written on back in pencil.

Contextual information

Walers were the type of horse used by Light Horsemen in the campaign in the Middle East during the First World War. The light horse fought dismounted, with rifles and bayonets, however, sometimes they charged on horseback, notably at Magdhaba and Beersheba. The smallest unit of a light horse regiment was the four-man section: one holding the horses while the other three fought. The horses were called Walers because, although they came from all parts of Australia. They were sturdy, hardy horses, able to travel long distances in hot weather with little water.
Horses usually need to drink about 30 litres of water a day. However, during the campaign they often went for up to 60 hours without water, while carrying a load of almost 130 kilograms, comprising rider, saddle, equipment, food, and water.

Keywords

First World War

10th Light Horse Regiment

Australian Imperial Force

Place made

Egypt

Year

1916 - 1918

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Comparative significance criteria

Interpretive capacity