Remembering Fallen ANZAC Soldiers

Leaving Jerusalem by Route 1, when traffic is moving, is a wonder.

So many cars, so much construction with new wider roads and multiple lanes.

Oh the contrast, remembering the early days of one lane winding up and down the mountain.

Road and rail construction near Jerusalem Israel

Alongside the highway, light rail construction is even more impressive.

Next to Jerusalem route one rail construction

Rising up and over the valley and stretching into the entrance to Jerusalem are new train tracks.

Driving south to Beer Sheva on Route 6 is also a sharp contrast to the old days of narrow roads.

SodaStream factory in southern Israel

Not only has SodaStream in the Negev grown in size,

Industrial park near SodaStream factory in southern Israel

but from barren sand, a new industrial park is growing next to the SodaStream complex.

ANZAC museum in Beer Sheva

The Beer Sheva ANZAC Museum opened two years ago in time for the 100 years commemorations.

ANZAC Museum in Beer Sheva

Inside is a display of World War I military items, boots, hat, and a trumpet.

ANZAC Museum poster display

While our guide Colin explained the ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) role in the 1917 war in Palestine, I was fascinated by digital posters.

AMZAC Museum in Beer Sheva poster dislpay

Why would these young, very young, Australian and New Zealanders travel halfway around the world to fight in a war so far away from home?

ANZAC Museum in Beer Sheva posters

But they did enlist. And the Light Horsemen from Down Under came to assist the British army fight the Ottoman Empire.

Having toured Beer Sheva in the past, Allenby’s place in the story of Beer Sheva is well known.

ANZAC Museum video

However, the video in the ANZAC Museum was new.

ANZAC Museum in Beer Sheva

Old black and white photos from World War I do not tell the story as effectively.

Scene from video in ANZAC Museum in Beer Sheva

The war was not going well for the British army before the ANZACs arrived by boat with their magnificent horses.

ANZaC Museum in Beer Sheva

Without water. In the desert heat with flies and sand and lice, the options were few and demanded immediate action.

Blurry photo of Light Horsemen riding to Beer Sheva

They charged. Those crazy Aussies and Kiwis! Sorry, I could only get a blurry photo from the video, they were galloping too fast.

ANZAC cavalry arrive in Beer Sheva, and reach wells for water

The Light Horsemen charged mounted on their prize horses to the surprise of Turkish soldiers – right at them, jumping over the shocked enemies heads and out of weapon range.

They made it to Beer Sheva, to the wells, which were found safe and intact.

ANZAC Museum in Beer Sheva

The Australians lost 32 soldiers.

The New Zealanders lost 31 soldiers.

From the victory in Beer Sheva, the British forces went on to turn back the last of the Ottoman Empire, arriving in Jerusalem on December 9, 1917.

Each year on October 31, there is a memorial ceremony in Beer Sheva.

In 2017, there was a major 100-year ceremony and commemoration.

ANZAC and British cemetery in Beer Sheva

I thought it appropriate to take a minute to remember those young ANZAC soldiers who never made it back home.

2 thoughts on “Remembering Fallen ANZAC Soldiers

  • October 30, 2019 at 8:50 pm
    Permalink

    Thanks for the coverage of the Anzacs, it was historically an important battle and turned the tide of the War, which was a colossal horrific waste of life and a showcase of British military ineptitude of the time. Sir John Monash (an Australian Jewish citizen General) was the only one with a brain and a strategy. I was at the re-enactment in 2017 but unfortunately the ‘charge’ was done at a respectful walking pace. Still it was impressive and the speeches about the links between Australia and Israel were very moving.

    Reply
    • October 31, 2019 at 6:05 am
      Permalink

      Yes, two years ago was huge commemoration, but last year not well remembered. Being in the new museum this week, I had to put current events on hold and mention an important bit of Jerusalem history most do not know. PS Colin had Mr. Feiglin as his principal until year three.

      Reply

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