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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, MARTIN, 10 Light Horse
Subcollections
Overview
Photograph of 1340 Trooper William Clarence Martin DCM and Bar from Kelmscott
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
Details
Registration number
cwa-org-32-55-301
Inscriptions and markings
Distinguished Conduct Medal
'He was in charge of a section of the brigade scouts acting ahead of the brigade on its advance from Jisr ed Damie to Es Salt on 20 April, 1918. He and one member of his section advanced to within 25 yards of an enemy observation post, unobserved, and captured two of the enemy and killed the remaining enemy.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135
Date: 11 December 1919
Bar to Distinguished Conduct Medal
'For gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 27-28 September, 1918. When the regiment forced the crossing across the river Jordan in the face of heavy machine gun and rifle fire, this non-commissioned officer, after his troop leader was wounded, assumed command and gallantly pushed on against the enemy's position, which resulted in the capture of fifty prisoners and two machine guns.'
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.
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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