Battle Honour 1st

Jaffa

The regiment was still able to act as infantry when necessary and orders were received to be in readiness to take over the trenches east of Jaffa at short notice. With this object in view, Lieutenant-Colonel Granville, Major Harris, Captains Mack and Battye visited the portion of the front line held by the King's Own Scottish Borderers of the 155th Infantry Brigade.

On 17 December 1917 a move was made for the front line near Shelmeh; squadrons moved independently to take over a series of posts from the 155th Brigade. A Squadron of the 2nd LH was temporarily attached. The CO, adjutant and squadron leaders were the only ones to keep their horses near the front line, the rest of the horses being sent back to the camp near Richon under Captain Otton, two subalterns from each squadron and one man to four horses. Major Irwin, 1st L.H., was in charge of the horses of the brigade. Two of the posts, Nos 3 and 4, were being constantly sniped and a few shells were being fired into No 3 Post. The line at this time was close enough to permit of the enemy shelling Jaffa and orders were to push him back; dismounted patrols were sent out and machine guns located.

During the night of 19-20 December 1917 heavy rain fell and some of the trenches were badly flooded. Rations were brought up by Captain McKeown and distributed to the various posts. The meat issue was frozen rabbit from Australia, which was very good, but it was impossible to light a fire in the front line. Sniping was kept up by the enemy on Posts 3 and 4, Posts 5 and 6 being shelled.

On 23 December the regiment returned to Richon and 29 reinforcements were taken on strength.

PV Vernon Royal New South Wales Lancers 1885–1985 Parramatta 1985

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