World War I: Battle of Magdhaba

December 23, 1916 - Allied forces in the Sinai defeat the Turks at the Battle of Magdhaba (left). Moving across the Sinai desert in the fall of 1916, British Commonwealth forces pushed back the Ottomans opening the way for a military railroad to be constructed across the desert. Leading the advance was General Sir Philip Chetwode's "Desert Column" of mounted troops which entered El Arish on December 21. With the arrival of the 53rd Division the next day, Chetwode ordered General Sir Henry Chauvel to take the ANZAC Mounted Division and the Camel Corps south to capture Magdhaba. In the middle of the desert, Magdhaba was occupied by the 1,400 men of the Turkish 80th Regiment. Crossing a desert landscape, it was was critical that the town be taken in a timely fashion or Chauvel's men would have to withdrawal to get water for their horses. The assault began early on the 23rd, with Australian aircraft striking the Turkish defenses. As Chauvel's forces advanced, they quickly became pinned down by enemy fire. Lacking artillery, they were unable to crack the Turkish lines. At 2:50 PM, Chauvel contacted Chetwode for permission to retreat, which was granted. As this was occurring, elements of the 1st Light Horse Brigade captured a Turkish redoubt, unlocking their defenses. Moving along around the town, each Turkish position fell in turn and almost the entire garrison was captured.

Photograph Source: Public Domain