BROWN, John
| Service Number: | 12 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Driver |
| Last Unit: | 11th Light Horse Regiment |
| Born: | Not yet discovered |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | St George & District Honour Board |
World War 1 Service
| 2 Jun 1915: | Involvement Driver, 12, 11th Light Horse Regiment, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '3' embarkation_place: Brisbane embarkation_ship: HMAT Medic embarkation_ship_number: A7 public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Jun 1915: | Embarked Driver, 12, 11th Light Horse Regiment, HMAT Medic, Brisbane |
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An 11th Australian Light Horse original
John Brown was born on 14 January 1881 at Fernvale, Ipswich, Queensland, the son of James Brown (1855-1927) and Sarah Helena Hine (1853-1924). In 1905, he married Annie Seawright (1881-1974) at Perseverance, Wallumbilla, Queensland. In 1910, they had a son, James Harold William Brown (1910-1976).
At the time of his enlistment, he worked as a Stockman, so service in the Light Horse would have seemed appropriate for someone who spent time around horses. He was given service number 12 in the newly formed 11th Australian Light Horse (ALH) Regiment. On his enlistment form, he stated that he was separated from his wife and listed his next of kin as his father. No allowance was to be sent to his wife as stipulated on his attestation.
John was older than most of those enlisting with the regiment. The majority were in their early to mid-20s. Some were still teenagers; John was 33 when he joined. He had the experience that comes with age on his side, despite no previous military experience. Potentially, that was why he was assigned to the Regimental Headquarters.
The formation of the 4th Light Horse Brigade and 11th Light Horse Regiment was announced on 11 February 1915. Two squadrons of 11th Light Horse were subsequently formed in Queensland, and a third in South Australia. The regiment was united for the first time at Fraser's Paddock Camp, outside Brisbane, on 2 May 1915. The landings at Gallipoli had occurred one week before.
The war diary of the 11th begins at Enoggera, Queensland, on 24 March 1915 with the entry "11th Light Horse Regiment (A.I.F.) formed + moved to new camp". Lieutenant-Colonel William Grant, the inaugural Commanding Officer of 11th Light Horse, wrote this entry. He would subsequently be given command of 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade, of which the 11th was one of the three regiments that made up the brigade.
On 1 June 1915, at Pinkenba, the regiment began loading the horses and heavy bags aboard HMAT A7 Medic for transport to Egypt. The next day, the ship set sail for Sydney. The regiment sailed less B Squadron; however, A and C squadrons were accompanied by the 1st Reinforcements 11th ALH and the 6th Reinforcement of 2nd ALH Regiment, as well as some details from the Australian Army Service and Medical Corps. John Brown, as part of the Regimental Headquarters, embarked on Medic. On 4 June, Medic arrived in Sydney, where the men and horses were disembarked and sent to the Sydney Showgrounds.
On 10 July at 12.30 pm, when the Medic was approximately 100 kilometres south of Aden, Grant received word that Medic and, subsequently, the regiment were to move to Aden. An Ottoman force from North Yemen had crossed the frontier into Aden and advanced towards Lahij. Lahij was the centre of trade between Aden and the surrounding hinterland. Its Sultan of Lakij had warned Aden that the Ottomans were attacking him. However, he was subsequently killed, and local forces were defeated, compelling British forces to retreat to Aden. This defeat caused considerable concern for the British, so the closest available force, the 11th Light Horse, was rerouted to Aden until other troops could arrive. The Ottomans had advanced to Shaikh Othman, a town located just three kilometres inland from the harbour of Aden. The 11th believed that they would see some action for the first time.
Arriving in Aden, Grant reported to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and was told to be ready to disembark all fit troops for service on shore if required. Whilst most of the Light Horse had been in Gallipoli since May, the 11th ALH was preparing to face the Ottomans in Aden. This engagement in Aden would be John Brown's first taste of war.
In 1915, Aden was a vital part of the British Empire located in present-day Yemen. It was strategically important as a coaling port and harbour due to its location on the shipping route between Europe, India, and Australia and its proximity to the entrance of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. What did John Brown see and experience when he arrived in Aden? Aden is situated in a large crater surrounded by steep hills, the highest of which reached a height of 540 metres. In 1915, it was a bustling trade port with lighters taking goods from ships to warehouses in Maala, an area at one end of the port. The hills sloped down towards the sea on the outer sides, forming a series of valleys radiating from a central point. In Maala, there were wharves and warehouses for the unloading and storing of goods. All imports and exports were transported between the ships in the harbour and the wharves using lighters. Maala was located halfway between Steamer Point and Aden Crater, with Steamer Point being home to the consulates, shipping offices, and hotels, and Aden Crater being the location of the offices and shops of general import and export merchants. The distance between Steamer Point and Aden Crater was 8 kilometres, so Aden was a large port. By 1915, the town's waterfront was full of European-style brick buildings.
On 12 July, the men of 11th ALH landed in Aden and went on a ten-kilometre route march in which only one man dropped out. Grant considered this noteworthy, as when the 11th arrived in July, the hot, sandy winds known as the Shamal, or north winds, made the climate oppressive. After weeks at sea, the fact that only one man of the regiment had failed to complete the march was no doubt a source of pride to the CO of the regiment.
On 18 July, a transport arrived with 28th Indian Brigade. This unit's arrival meant that 11th Light Horse was no longer required. They had not seen any action. They were relieved of their defence obligations and continued to Suez, where they arrived on 22 July, disembarking three days later and entraining for Cairo. B Squadron had left Brisbane on 17 June and landed at Suez on the same day. The regiment was now whole again.
On 22 July 1915, the war diary records that 11th ALH was camped at Al Maza, Heliopolis, with those elements of 4th Light Horse Brigade, which had not deployed to Gallipoli. Men had been left behind to tend to the horses whilst most of the Light Horse was sent to Gallipoli to serve in an infantry role. The 11th was now to spend the next few weeks undergoing further training.
In the first week of August, the regiment's men were used for various police duties, including guarding Ottoman prisoners at Meadi, the hospital at Helouan, and the wireless station at Abu Zabel. Did John Brown undertake any of these guard duties? As a Driver in the Regimental Headquarters, his primary responsibility would have been assisting with the unit's administration and support functions. This support could include tasks such as maintaining equipment, assisting with logistics and supply, handling communications and providing general assistance to the officers and staff at headquarters. In addition to these administrative duties, Headquarters men were also called upon to perform other tasks, such as providing security, helping to set up and maintain camp, or assisting with caring for and managing the unit's horses.
On 20 August, Lieutenant-Colonel Grant received orders that 4th ALH Brigade was to be broken up to provide reinforcements for the depleted Light Horse Units on Gallipoli. The August Offensive to break the deadlock at Gallipoli had failed, and those Light Horse regiments already in action needed significant reinforcements. A Squadron would be sent to 2nd ALH, B Squadron to 5th ALH, and C Squadron 9th ALH. The men were told to be prepared for deployment to Gallipoli by 24 August. The Headquarters men were to be allocated across these three Regiments. John Brown was sent to 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment. The movement order was received on 24 August to entrain for Alexandria at 7.40 am the next day.
Twenty-one officers and 453 other ranks departed aboard Marquette for the Dardanelles on 25 August. One officer and 22 other ranks remained behind in Base details, whilst 48 remained in hospital with various ailments. That meant about 9% of the regiment's current strength was in hospital. One member of B Squadron deserted at Alexandria (299 Private James King of B Squadron). Seven pack horses embarked with the men on Marquette.
At 6 am on 28 August, the Marquette arrived in Mudros Harbour. At 3.30 pm, the war diary reports that Grant reported to the MLO on board that Chlorine Gas was escaping from munitions in the hold below No. 3 Troop Deck. This issue was reported to HQ on board Aragon, and at 4.15 pm, Marquette received orders to proceed to Anzac. As a result of the chlorine, the regiment, less C Squadron transferred to SS Clacton. C Squadron proceeded aboard SS Princess Abbas. The men carried 150 rounds of ammunition per man and three days rations. By 1.15 am the next morning, the men had transferred to lighters and been landed on the beach where they were bivouacked in Reserve Gully. The war diary records that the HQ men were distributed among the 2nd, 5th and 9th except for Lt-Colonel Grant, three other officers and 15 other ranks. The GOC ANZAC ordered that the men of the 11th being used to reinforce the three other ALH regiments were to serve as a fourth squadron and not to be broken up. This decision would have been reassuring to the men. John Brown was taken on strength with the 2nd ALH Regiment on 29 August. 2nd ALH's war diary for that day states that A Squadron and the Machine Gun Squadron reported for duty, allowing the fifty men of 1st ALH who had been assisting in Garrison Duty at Pope's Post to return to their unit.
John Brown's first week in the Gallipoli trenches appears to have passed as uneventfully as was possible at Gallipoli. One man was killed, and two were wounded. By 6 September, the regiment had moved into reserve at Old No. 3 Outpost, with one squadron in the second line trenches and the remaining three in bivouac. The Machine Gun Squadron was sent to 17th Battalion AIF.
On 8 September, the War Dairy of 2nd ALH records that an 11th ALH man was killed. This man was 99 Private John Boydle, a 22-year-old Farmer from Paddington, Queensland, who received a bullet to the chest. He had enlisted on 5 January 1915, nine days before John Brown.
On 16 October, John Brown was struck down by dysentery and was taken aboard Nevasa, where he was transported to Malta and admitted to St Patrick's Hospital. He remained in Malta until January 1916. Meanwhile, the Light Horse and the other AIF units were withdrawn from Gallipoli and returned to Egypt. St. Patrick's was a new hospital established for the wounded and sick from Gallipoli. It had previously been a farm. After recovering, he was sent to All Saints' Convalescent Camp. This camp was located on a hill overlooking the sea, approximately eight kilometres northwest of Valletta. There was only a small staff to oversee the camp. Most of the work was carried out by the convalescent soldiers themselves. The camp had daily activities such as bathing, Swedish drill (a form of exercise), and marches. When the men had fully recovered, they returned to their units.
John Brown was discharged from All Saints on 21 January 1916. He boarded Euripedes and returned to Egypt. On 12 February 1916, 11th ALH was reconstituted, and ten days later, John Brown was transferred back to the regiment. This return occurred at Heliopolis. The regiment now had a strength of 21 officers and 705 other ranks. By the end of the month, the regiment had increased its number to close to 800.
During March, the men trained in musketry and participated in riding tests. On 9 March, John Brown resumed his duties with the Regimental Headquarters. On 16 March, over 100 men in the regiment decided to transfer to the Artillery. It was time for the regiment to refit and retrain, although its role was still unclear. Sandstorms prevented the men from training for at least two days. At Gallipoli, the regiment, in its roles as reinforcements for the other ALH regiments, had lost a total of 20 killed in action, died of wounds or died of disease. A further 57 were wounded, and two men had died of disease in Egypt.
At the start of April, the men who had opted to transfer to the Artillery left the regiment. The regiment provided guards for various activities throughout the month. Inoculation against typhoid was given on 12 April. On 24 April, the regiment received orders to move to Tel-el-Kebir. However, three officers and 97 Other Ranks remained as part of the Cairo Town Piquet. On arrival at Tel-el-Kebir, the regiment numbered 19 officers and 477 Other Ranks, 80 mules and 221 horses. Horses remained in short supply, and the regiment was not yet mounted again.
On 2 May,11th ALH's camp was inspected by the GOC 3rd ALH Brigade, Brigadier General John Antill. Mid-month, having had the entire regiment vaccinated against smallpox, the regiment was moved to Serapeum on the Suez Canal. The regiment numbered approximately 500. However, it left B Squadron behind to look after the horses and proceeded to its new location, dismounted. For the remainder of the month, the men engaged in musketry practice and bayonet drills and were sent piecemeal on various assignments, including escorting 60-pounders and sentry duty. At the end of May, the regiment numbered 14 Officers and 353 Other Ranks at the railhead near Serapeum, Six Officers and 196 Other Ranks at Tel-el-Kebir looking after the horses and two officers and 11 other ranks at the School of Instruction at Zeitoun.
On 1 June, the regiment received orders to return to Tel-el-Kebir, draw horses, and then return to the railhead. At this time, the regiment was a mix of dismounted and mounted troopers as there were insufficient horses due to a contagious outbreak at the Remount Depot at Tel-el-Kebir. On 16 June, the men stationed at the railhead were subjected to their first enemy aerial bombing. In anticipation of receiving more horses, the regiment then spent three days erecting a stable. The 11th was responsible for the railhead's defence. At month's end, the mounted portion of the regiment (6 officers and 194 men) were in Moascar, with most of the unit remaining dismounted and in camp at the Serapeum railhead.
At the start of July, orders were received to proceed to Moascar to receive the balance of the regiment's horses. The first week of the month was spent exercising the horses and fitting them out with saddles and other equipment. The regiment was then redeployed to Ballah (a little over 30 kilometres north of Serapeum along the Canal), where it arrived at 1800 on 10 July and was camped on the west side of the Canal. Ballybunion was the unit's next posting.
Ballybunion was a post on the Sinai side of the Suez Canal, east of the rail station at Ballah. Water was a significant issue in the Sinai, and the regiment's movement always considered where the water would be supplied. At Ballybunion, the regiment was tasked with reconnoitring the water supply around Bir El Jeffeir. Here, they found the water to be slightly brackish. Several locations in the area were investigated, and wells were found that could support a regiment in each location. The wells were improved with assistance from the Royal Engineers at the various locations. Timber for their construction was carried on the backs of camels. Patrols were sent out as early warnings against Ottoman advances; however, the war diary recorded no contacts.
Returning to its mounted role, the 11th Light Horse joined the British forces defending the Suez Canal on 20 July 1916. Over the following months, the regiment conducted patrols out into the Sinai Desert. The regiment did not see action in the Battle of Romani, fought between 3 and 5 August. In its immediate aftermath, troops of the regiment were used in patrolling duties with the Imperial Camel Corps. Elements of the regiment were in action at Bir-el-Aweidiya on 7 August 1916, losing four other ranks killed and one officer and four other ranks wounded.
On 9 September 1916, John Brown was admitted to the 3rd Australian General Hospital at Abbassia with appendicitis. He returned to duty on 5 October 1916. The 11th Light Horse had returned to the roadhead at Serapeum, south of Ismailia on the Suez Canal.
On 29 November 1916, John became sick again and was admitted to hospital at Serapeum. He was transferred to the Stationary Hospital on 2 December 1916, suffering 'adhesions of peritoneum', which can cause abdominal pain. It seemed he had not sufficiently recovered after his appendicitis. On 18 December 1916, he was discharged and returned to duty with the 11th ALH.
In April 1917, the regiment moved into Palestine. This move led up to the second battle of Gaza. On 1 April, the regiment left Rabah, with the rest of 4th Light Horse Brigade en route to El Arish. to join the main British and dominion advance. Following the railway line that traversed the northern route across the Sinai, they camped at Bir el Abd on 2 April, Salmana on 3 April, then Tilul, Mazar, and Bardawil before arriving at El Arisk at 1045 on 5 April 1917, where the Regiment's Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel William Grant recorded in the war diary 'good watering on the beach.'. The regiment spent the next two days getting ready for the next operation. This engagement would be the regiment's first major battle, the second attempt by the British to take the fortified town of Gaza. Getting the unit battle-ready involved carting the baggage to the Imperial Mounted Divisional dump. The Sinai Military Railway had reached Rafa on the Turco-Egyptian boundary in the previous month, meaning supplies could be built up before the attack. The 11th ALH reached Rafa on 10 April and crossed into Palestine the next day, setting up camp at Khan Yunis. The following week was spent periodically garrisoning outposts as the prelude to the Gaza attack.
At 0330 on 19 April 1917 the Regiment less two troops (64 men) concentrated at Aseiferiyeh and deployed for dismounted attack at 0400. The remaining two troops of B Squadron were used as 4th Brigade's reserve. Given that one man in each four-man section acted as a horseholder when the regiment attacked dismounted, the 11th put approximately 200 men into the attack. The 11th ALH was not used to attack the town directly. This objective was left to the 52nd, 53rd and 54th British Divisions. The Imperial Mounted Division, of which 4th ALH Brigade was a part, was given the role of protecting the eastern flank. Grant wanted the entire regiment to halt on the Khirbit Sihan ridge just north of the Gaza-Beersheba Road (Grant spells it Bir Saba, the Arabic spelling used by the Ottomans). It provided an excellent defensive line. However, the leader of C Squadron, Major Percival John Bailey, had been wounded in the right leg, and without him in command, his squadron moved 275 metres further forward than intended in support of the Camel Corps on the left. The regiment came under high explosive (HE), shrapnel and machine gun fire from a ridge to the east. C Squadron eventually returned to the ridge line, and the regiment began to entrench; however, the machine gun fire was heavy, enfilading the regiment. The GOC 4th LH Brigade ordered the regiment to withdraw six hundred metres to the rear. Here, the regiment entrenched and held on for two hours despite being heavily shelled by HE and shrapnel. This heavy bombardment necessitated a further 700-metre withdrawal to a new ridgeline to conform to the 12th ALH Regiment's movement. This ridge was held until 1945 when the regiment was ordered to withdraw.
The 11th ALH's role in the failed attack that became known as Second Gaza had ended with 11 killed, one man missing and 52 men wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Grant recorded in the war diary that "all ranks behaved in a splendid manner, went forward under heavy shell fire, both shrapnel and high explosive, and remained cool throughout."
After the battle, 11th ALH returned to Khan Yunis, arriving at the baggage dump on 25 April 1917, where the men received a change of clothing. They had spent over two weeks in the same clothes, leaving their kit at the Divisional dump at El Arish on 7 April.
On 6 May 1917, the regiment consisting of 19 officers and 352 other ranks moved out with the 4th Brigade to El Gamli and then to Khan El Far, where it was to operate against Khan Khasif. The expected major engagement did not occur, and after a small exchange of shots in which one horse was shot and there were no other casualties, the Brigade retired.
Between June and August 1917, the 11th Australian Light Horse Regiment was engaged in training and reconnaissance patrols between the British and Turkish lines. The regiment's primary task was patrolling the wide area between British and Turkish positions. These patrols often led to contact with Turkish cavalry. Water scarcity and the demanding patrol schedule added to the challenges faced by the regiment during this time. While there were no large-scale battles during this period, the regiment's work was important in maintaining pressure on the Turkish forces and gathering intelligence. The unit's efforts supported the British forces' broader strategic objectives, helping lay the groundwork for the offensive later in the year.
On 1 August 1917, John Brown was sent on ten days' leave to the rest camp at Port Said with Lieutenant A. W. Manning and 14 other ranks. The men of 11th ALH would be sent off in small groups over the next few months to enable as many men as possible to get a break at the rest camp. Due to the declining health of the Desert Mounted Corps resulting from the harsh desert conditions, the commander, Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Chauvel, had approved the establishment of a Rest Camp at Port Said. Port Said was chosen as the site for the camp because it offered a more complete change from the desert than the alternative site proposed at El Arish. The site was just 100 metres from the sea, with a 'splendid beach' in front. It was determined that the camp would have the capacity to accommodate 700 men at any given time and that each individual would spend eight consecutive days in the camp, serving as a substitute for leave to Cairo and Alexandria. John Brown was one of the first fifteen men in the 11th ALH Regiment to go. Given that he was an original member of the regiment, was attached to the Regimental Headquarters, had suffered from recurring issues relating to his appendicitis, and had an exemplary record, never having incidents of drunkenness or absence without leave recorded in his service record, he must have been an easy choice for selection among the first group. He returned to the regiment on 11 August 1917. The regiment was located at Tel-el-Marakeb.
In the lead-up to Beersheba, the regiment was sent out with 4th Light Horse Brigade to be the outpost brigade holding the line from El Buggar. On 13 September 1917, Lieutenant-Colonel Grant, the commander of the 11th Light Horse, was promoted to command the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel John William Parsons was given command of the Regiment. He had been an original member of the 11th ALH, holding the rank of major when the regiment left Australia.
On the day of the attack on Beersheba, 31 October 1917, the regiment was at Iswaiwin at 1500 when it received orders to relieve 8th Light Horse Regiment, which was spread out along a line facing the town. This relief was done by 1545, meaning the regiment was now dispersed along the line. At 1640, orders were received for it to immediately form the brigade reserve and watch the rear of the brigade. The Light Horse needed to seize the wells of Beersheba to enable the horses to be watered; if not, they would be forced to withdraw. The deteriorating tactical situation required the 11th's sister regiments in 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade - the 4th and the 12th Regiments - to be sent against Beersheba at the gallop. This attack became known to history as the charge of Beersheba. Because the 11th had been engaged in flank protection duties and was too widely scattered initially to take part, it was appropriate to be given the reserve duties. C Squadron occupied the line from 1280 to Wadi Sineid, while A Squadron provided support near Regimental Headquarters at 1180. Post the charge, the regiment was ordered to perform the mopping-up role after the charge. By 1930, the 11th ALH had entered Beersheba, where it captured 375 prisoners, along with horses, camels, and enemy equipment.
On 1 November, the regiment stood to arms at 0400, patrolling the town to secure captured material and manage prisoners. Later that morning, orders were received to withdraw outposts and regroup northeast of Beersheba. This move completed the operation.
On 2 November, John Brown was admitted to hospital in Palestine, again suffering from abdominal adhesions. Consequently, John was not present with the Regiment when it participated in the charge against Turkish positions at Sheria on 7 November. Unlike Beersheba, the week prior, when confronted with heavy fire, the troopers of the 11th and 12th ALH were forced to dismount and eventually withdraw. In this engagement, the regiment suffered one officer and twelve other ranks killed and two officers and twelve other ranks wounded.
John was sent back to Egypt for convalescence and did not return to the 11th ALH until 21 December 1917, when the Regimental Headquarters was located at Burj, north of Beersheba. December 1917 was a tough month for the regiment. It was spent in the Judean hills south of Hebron. The heavy rains made it difficult to supply the frontline with the ground being 'sticky'. The supply challenges required the men to carry their kit.
The 11th Light Horse spent the first months of 1918 resting and training. On 11 March 1918, John was promoted to Lance Corporal.
In April 1918, the regiment was located at Selmeh, east of Jaffa. On 11 April, training for the regiment involved 'mounted work in rapid movements', in which steel helmets were worn so that the men could become accustomed to wearing them whilst travelling at speed. The regiment also trained in dismounted work with the bayonet. On 29 April, the regiment received notification that the Brigade would move out that night, and the men were to carry one horse blanket, one sleeping blanket, 14lbs of grain and three days rations. "A" Echelon was detailed to accompany the regiment. This echelon consisted of two limbers carrying ammunition, bombs and water. The regiment was preparing for an offensive into the Jordan Valley. On 30 April, at 0500, the regiment passed Um Shert and was heavily shelled with HE and shrapnel, which resulted in two other ranks killed.
On the morning of 1 May 1918, the enemy launched an attack with an estimated 5000 men from the Damieh bridgehead. Turkish soldiers attacked in a very extended formation in successive waves, threatening to envelop the Light Horse's left flank. Turkish artillery effectively suppressed the British artillery, which enabled the Turkish counterattack to threaten the 11th ALH flank on the left. The regiment was under intense pressure, so much so that half the horseholders were called up to the line, meaning each remaining horseholder held eight horses. At 0845, with the enemy within 600 metres of the 11th's firing line, a message was received that the sister regiment, 12th ALH, was withdrawing to the high ground east with a rear guard action being fought on foot. Conforming with the 12th ALH's withdrawal on the right, the 11th ALH began a withdrawal, leaving men behind in various positions throughout the foothills to slow down the Turkish pursuit.
By 1000, a new line was occupied. This line was sufficient to check the attempted Turkish flanking manoeuvre. A further withdrawal was made at 1200 to higher ground.
At 15:00, the 1st Light Horse Brigade was ordered by Desert Mounted Corps to advance up the Umm esh Shert track to Es Salt, leaving one squadron on Red Hill. There was a gap of 5-6 km between the left flank of the 4th Light Horse Brigade, held by the 11th Light Horse Regiment, and the squadron of the 1st Light Horse Regiment on Red Hill, supported by two squadrons positioned at the base of the hill. The 4th Light Horse Brigade was under attack from three directions: Nahr ez Zerka on the right, Jisr ed Damieh in the centre, and a third Ottoman group that crossed the Jordan at Mafid Jozele but was ordered back to Jisr ed Damieh.
The main attack targeted the line held by the 11th Light Horse sister regiments, 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments. They were forced back, facing west with impassable rocky hills behind them. The 4th Light Horse Regiment, supported by 'A' Battery Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) on the northern flank, held their position until Turkish attackers closed within 180 metres, then slowly withdrew into the hills. The Nottinghamshire Battery Royal Horse Artillery was near the brigade centre. Each attack was repelled, leaving more enemy dead closer to their guns. Under heavy pressure, they had to retreat further into the hills, losing men and horses each time, until they exhausted their ammunition with attackers surrounding them on three sides. Machine gun fire killed the horses, and the nine 13-pounder guns were abandoned. The remaining men and horses escaped eastward to the Wadi el Retem. While the dismounted light horse could potentially retreat east into the hills, the artillery batteries had no apparent escape route.
At Umm esh Shert, the 11th Light Horse Regiment faced one of its most challenging battles. The 4th Light Horse Brigade's guns were forced into gullies. "B" Battery managed to escape with only one gun lost. However, "A" Battery HAC and the Nottinghamshire Battery had their horses shot and could not move. After using the guns until the last moment, they abandoned them, damaging what they could before retreating. The gunners took the breech-blocks and sights as they withdrew slowly, firing while climbing the slopes to a safer position. Although they could have defended the guns from the hills for hours, it would have risked the entire brigade. Meanwhile, the 11th Light Horse Regiment withdrew down the valley with "B" Battery, and two other regiments retreated eastward through challenging terrain.
The 11th ALH held on to their position. At 1900, orders were received from Brigade that the line would be held at all costs and that wire entanglements were to be erected in front of the line. During the night, the regiment erected 275 metres of barbwire. The following morning, with water becoming scarce, patrols were sent out to secure more water. However, this was observed by the enemy, which opened up with artillery on any men of the regiment attempting to use the nearby wells. At 1600 on 2 May, the Ottomans attacked a position known as the "Table Top" held by 20 men of 11th ALH. This group of men fended off two attacks with bayonets before succumbing to a bombing attack, resulting in the position being lost. Of the 20 men, four were killed and seven wounded.
The shelling of the 11th ALH's position continued on 3 May. Whilst attempts were made to water the horses throughout the day, the nearest safe watering area involved a six-kilometre round trip. At 1930, the 4th ALH Regiment, to the right of the 11th ALH, was attacked, while the 11th itself was heavily shelled for about an hour. This shelling caused a stampede of the horses; however, there were no casualties among the men.
At 1000 on 4 May, the 4th ALH, the Brigade's right flank regiment, was again attacked, pushing back its advanced squadron. This withdrawal left the 11th ALH's right squadron in danger of being enfiladed, so it withdrew to a new position. At 1500, the 11th ALH received a message that the Brigade was to withdraw. At 1845, the regiment began withdrawing and returned to Jericho at 2330. The raid on Es Salt had failed.
After the Es Salt Operation, the 11th ALH settled down to static warfare, providing men for the front line. The regiment later defended the crossing points over the Jordan and repelled significant Turkish and German attacks on 14 and 15 July.
In August 1918, the regiment was issued swords and trained in traditional cavalry tactics to prepare for the next offensive against the Ottomans. On 5 September, John Brown was promoted to Corporal and, due to a shortage of Sergeants, was immediately promoted to Temporary Sergeant to complete the establishment strength. The regiment began its cavalry sword operation along the Palestine coast on 19 September 1918. On 25 September, the 11th Light Horse implemented the new tactics at Semakh, located on the shore of Lake Tiberias. Initially, they charged the Turkish defences surrounding the town on horseback, wielding swords. Subsequently, they cleared the town on foot, utilising rifles and bayonets. The 11th ALH lost three officers and 11 other ranks killed, with two further other ranks dying of their wounds and four officers and 24 other ranks wounded. The regiment captured over 350 Turkish prisoners.
Semakh was the regiment's last major operation of the war; the Ottoman Empire surrendered on 30 October 1918.
John Brown's promotion to Sergeant was made permanent on 15 November 1918.
On 13 December 1918, he was admitted to hospital, suffering jaundice, which kept him away from the regiment for a week.
On 5 February 1919, he left the regiment and was sent to Moascar. This move was the beginning of his journey to return home to Australia. As an original member of the regiment and having been away from Australia for nearly four years, he was selected for early repatriation. He spent a month in the camp at Moascar before he embarked from Kantara aboard HT Port Sydney on 4 March 1919, arriving in Sydney on 11 April. He was discharged from the AIF on 23 June 1919.
Post-war, John became a Cream Carrier in Pelican, Queensland.
His son James would follow in his footsteps, enlisting in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force in May 1940 and landing in Suez in May 1941 after a stint in the United Kingdom. He would serve with 6th Division in the Middle East and New Guinea.
John died on 16 June 1966, aged 84 and is buried in St. George, Queensland.
He received the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his First World War service.
Submitted 7 December 2024 by Tim Barnett
John Brown was born on 14 January 1881 at Fernvale, Ipswich, Queensland, the son of James Brown (1855-1927) and Sarah Helena Hine (1853-1924). In 1905, he married Annie Seawright (1881-1974) at Perseverance, Wallumbilla, Queensland. In 1910, they had a son, James Harold William Brown (1910-1976).
At the time of his enlistment, he worked as a Stockman, so service in the Light Horse would have seemed appropriate for someone who spent time around horses. He was given service number 12 in the newly formed 11th Australian Light Horse (ALH) Regiment. On his enlistment form, he stated that he was separated from his wife and listed his next of kin as his father. No allowance was to be sent to his wife as stipulated on his attestation.
John was older than most of those enlisting with the regiment. The majority were in their early to mid-20s. Some were still teenagers; John was 33 when he joined. He had the experience that comes with age on his side, despite no previous military experience. Potentially, that was why he was assigned to the Regimental Headquarters.
The formation of the 4th Light Horse Brigade and 11th Light Horse Regiment was announced on 11 February 1915. Two squadrons of 11th Light Horse were subsequently formed in Queensland, and a third in South Australia. The regiment was united for the first time at Fraser's Paddock Camp, outside Brisbane, on 2 May 1915. The landings at Gallipoli had occurred one week before.
The war diary of the 11th begins at Enoggera, Queensland, on 24 March 1915 with the entry "11th Light Horse Regiment (A.I.F.) formed + moved to new camp". Lieutenant-Colonel William Grant, the inaugural Commanding Officer of 11th Light Horse, wrote this entry. He would subsequently be given command of 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade, of which the 11th was one of the three regiments that made up the brigade.
On 1 June 1915, at Pinkenba, the regiment began loading the horses and heavy bags aboard HMAT A7 Medic for transport to Egypt. The next day, the ship set sail for Sydney. The regiment sailed less B Squadron; however, A and C squadrons were accompanied by the 1st Reinforcements 11th ALH and the 6th Reinforcement of 2nd ALH Regiment, as well as some details from the Australian Army Service and Medical Corps. John Brown, as part of the Regimental Headquarters, embarked on Medic. On 4 June, Medic arrived in Sydney, where the men and horses were disembarked and sent to the Sydney Showgrounds.
On 10 July at 12.30 pm, when the Medic was approximately 100 kilometres south of Aden, Grant received word that Medic and, subsequently, the regiment were to move to Aden. An Ottoman force from North Yemen had crossed the frontier into Aden and advanced towards Lahij. Lahij was the centre of trade between Aden and the surrounding hinterland. Its Sultan of Lakij had warned Aden that the Ottomans were attacking him. However, he was subsequently killed, and local forces were defeated, compelling British forces to retreat to Aden. This defeat caused considerable concern for the British, so the closest available force, the 11th Light Horse, was rerouted to Aden until other troops could arrive. The Ottomans had advanced to Shaikh Othman, a town located just three kilometres inland from the harbour of Aden. The 11th believed that they would see some action for the first time.
Arriving in Aden, Grant reported to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and was told to be ready to disembark all fit troops for service on shore if required. Whilst most of the Light Horse had been in Gallipoli since May, the 11th ALH was preparing to face the Ottomans in Aden. This engagement in Aden would be John Brown's first taste of war.
In 1915, Aden was a vital part of the British Empire located in present-day Yemen. It was strategically important as a coaling port and harbour due to its location on the shipping route between Europe, India, and Australia and its proximity to the entrance of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. What did John Brown see and experience when he arrived in Aden? Aden is situated in a large crater surrounded by steep hills, the highest of which reached a height of 540 metres. In 1915, it was a bustling trade port with lighters taking goods from ships to warehouses in Maala, an area at one end of the port. The hills sloped down towards the sea on the outer sides, forming a series of valleys radiating from a central point. In Maala, there were wharves and warehouses for the unloading and storing of goods. All imports and exports were transported between the ships in the harbour and the wharves using lighters. Maala was located halfway between Steamer Point and Aden Crater, with Steamer Point being home to the consulates, shipping offices, and hotels, and Aden Crater being the location of the offices and shops of general import and export merchants. The distance between Steamer Point and Aden Crater was 8 kilometres, so Aden was a large port. By 1915, the town's waterfront was full of European-style brick buildings.
On 12 July, the men of 11th ALH landed in Aden and went on a ten-kilometre route march in which only one man dropped out. Grant considered this noteworthy, as when the 11th arrived in July, the hot, sandy winds known as the Shamal, or north winds, made the climate oppressive. After weeks at sea, the fact that only one man of the regiment had failed to complete the march was no doubt a source of pride to the CO of the regiment.
On 18 July, a transport arrived with 28th Indian Brigade. This unit's arrival meant that 11th Light Horse was no longer required. They had not seen any action. They were relieved of their defence obligations and continued to Suez, where they arrived on 22 July, disembarking three days later and entraining for Cairo. B Squadron had left Brisbane on 17 June and landed at Suez on the same day. The regiment was now whole again.
On 22 July 1915, the war diary records that 11th ALH was camped at Al Maza, Heliopolis, with those elements of 4th Light Horse Brigade, which had not deployed to Gallipoli. Men had been left behind to tend to the horses whilst most of the Light Horse was sent to Gallipoli to serve in an infantry role. The 11th was now to spend the next few weeks undergoing further training.
In the first week of August, the regiment's men were used for various police duties, including guarding Ottoman prisoners at Meadi, the hospital at Helouan, and the wireless station at Abu Zabel. Did John Brown undertake any of these guard duties? As a Driver in the Regimental Headquarters, his primary responsibility would have been assisting with the unit's administration and support functions. This support could include tasks such as maintaining equipment, assisting with logistics and supply, handling communications and providing general assistance to the officers and staff at headquarters. In addition to these administrative duties, Headquarters men were also called upon to perform other tasks, such as providing security, helping to set up and maintain camp, or assisting with caring for and managing the unit's horses.
On 20 August, Lieutenant-Colonel Grant received orders that 4th ALH Brigade was to be broken up to provide reinforcements for the depleted Light Horse Units on Gallipoli. The August Offensive to break the deadlock at Gallipoli had failed, and those Light Horse regiments already in action needed significant reinforcements. A Squadron would be sent to 2nd ALH, B Squadron to 5th ALH, and C Squadron 9th ALH. The men were told to be prepared for deployment to Gallipoli by 24 August. The Headquarters men were to be allocated across these three Regiments. John Brown was sent to 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment. The movement order was received on 24 August to entrain for Alexandria at 7.40 am the next day.
Twenty-one officers and 453 other ranks departed aboard Marquette for the Dardanelles on 25 August. One officer and 22 other ranks remained behind in Base details, whilst 48 remained in hospital with various ailments. That meant about 9% of the regiment's current strength was in hospital. One member of B Squadron deserted at Alexandria (299 Private James King of B Squadron). Seven pack horses embarked with the men on Marquette.
At 6 am on 28 August, the Marquette arrived in Mudros Harbour. At 3.30 pm, the war diary reports that Grant reported to the MLO on board that Chlorine Gas was escaping from munitions in the hold below No. 3 Troop Deck. This issue was reported to HQ on board Aragon, and at 4.15 pm, Marquette received orders to proceed to Anzac. As a result of the chlorine, the regiment, less C Squadron transferred to SS Clacton. C Squadron proceeded aboard SS Princess Abbas. The men carried 150 rounds of ammunition per man and three days rations. By 1.15 am the next morning, the men had transferred to lighters and been landed on the beach where they were bivouacked in Reserve Gully. The war diary records that the HQ men were distributed among the 2nd, 5th and 9th except for Lt-Colonel Grant, three other officers and 15 other ranks. The GOC ANZAC ordered that the men of the 11th being used to reinforce the three other ALH regiments were to serve as a fourth squadron and not to be broken up. This decision would have been reassuring to the men. John Brown was taken on strength with the 2nd ALH Regiment on 29 August. 2nd ALH's war diary for that day states that A Squadron and the Machine Gun Squadron reported for duty, allowing the fifty men of 1st ALH who had been assisting in Garrison Duty at Pope's Post to return to their unit.
John Brown's first week in the Gallipoli trenches appears to have passed as uneventfully as was possible at Gallipoli. One man was killed, and two were wounded. By 6 September, the regiment had moved into reserve at Old No. 3 Outpost, with one squadron in the second line trenches and the remaining three in bivouac. The Machine Gun Squadron was sent to 17th Battalion AIF.
On 8 September, the War Dairy of 2nd ALH records that an 11th ALH man was killed. This man was 99 Private John Boydle, a 22-year-old Farmer from Paddington, Queensland, who received a bullet to the chest. He had enlisted on 5 January 1915, nine days before John Brown.
On 16 October, John Brown was struck down by dysentery and was taken aboard Nevasa, where he was transported to Malta and admitted to St Patrick's Hospital. He remained in Malta until January 1916. Meanwhile, the Light Horse and the other AIF units were withdrawn from Gallipoli and returned to Egypt. St. Patrick's was a new hospital established for the wounded and sick from Gallipoli. It had previously been a farm. After recovering, he was sent to All Saints' Convalescent Camp. This camp was located on a hill overlooking the sea, approximately eight kilometres northwest of Valletta. There was only a small staff to oversee the camp. Most of the work was carried out by the convalescent soldiers themselves. The camp had daily activities such as bathing, Swedish drill (a form of exercise), and marches. When the men had fully recovered, they returned to their units.
John Brown was discharged from All Saints on 21 January 1916. He boarded Euripedes and returned to Egypt. On 12 February 1916, 11th ALH was reconstituted, and ten days later, John Brown was transferred back to the regiment. This return occurred at Heliopolis. The regiment now had a strength of 21 officers and 705 other ranks. By the end of the month, the regiment had increased its number to close to 800.
During March, the men trained in musketry and participated in riding tests. On 9 March, John Brown resumed his duties with the Regimental Headquarters. On 16 March, over 100 men in the regiment decided to transfer to the Artillery. It was time for the regiment to refit and retrain, although its role was still unclear. Sandstorms prevented the men from training for at least two days. At Gallipoli, the regiment, in its roles as reinforcements for the other ALH regiments, had lost a total of 20 killed in action, died of wounds or died of disease. A further 57 were wounded, and two men had died of disease in Egypt.
At the start of April, the men who had opted to transfer to the Artillery left the regiment. The regiment provided guards for various activities throughout the month. Inoculation against typhoid was given on 12 April. On 24 April, the regiment received orders to move to Tel-el-Kebir. However, three officers and 97 Other Ranks remained as part of the Cairo Town Piquet. On arrival at Tel-el-Kebir, the regiment numbered 19 officers and 477 Other Ranks, 80 mules and 221 horses. Horses remained in short supply, and the regiment was not yet mounted again.
On 2 May,11th ALH's camp was inspected by the GOC 3rd ALH Brigade, Brigadier General John Antill. Mid-month, having had the entire regiment vaccinated against smallpox, the regiment was moved to Serapeum on the Suez Canal. The regiment numbered approximately 500. However, it left B Squadron behind to look after the horses and proceeded to its new location, dismounted. For the remainder of the month, the men engaged in musketry practice and bayonet drills and were sent piecemeal on various assignments, including escorting 60-pounders and sentry duty. At the end of May, the regiment numbered 14 Officers and 353 Other Ranks at the railhead near Serapeum, Six Officers and 196 Other Ranks at Tel-el-Kebir looking after the horses and two officers and 11 other ranks at the School of Instruction at Zeitoun.
On 1 June, the regiment received orders to return to Tel-el-Kebir, draw horses, and then return to the railhead. At this time, the regiment was a mix of dismounted and mounted troopers as there were insufficient horses due to a contagious outbreak at the Remount Depot at Tel-el-Kebir. On 16 June, the men stationed at the railhead were subjected to their first enemy aerial bombing. In anticipation of receiving more horses, the regiment then spent three days erecting a stable. The 11th was responsible for the railhead's defence. At month's end, the mounted portion of the regiment (6 officers and 194 men) were in Moascar, with most of the unit remaining dismounted and in camp at the Serapeum railhead.
At the start of July, orders were received to proceed to Moascar to receive the balance of the regiment's horses. The first week of the month was spent exercising the horses and fitting them out with saddles and other equipment. The regiment was then redeployed to Ballah (a little over 30 kilometres north of Serapeum along the Canal), where it arrived at 1800 on 10 July and was camped on the west side of the Canal. Ballybunion was the unit's next posting.
Ballybunion was a post on the Sinai side of the Suez Canal, east of the rail station at Ballah. Water was a significant issue in the Sinai, and the regiment's movement always considered where the water would be supplied. At Ballybunion, the regiment was tasked with reconnoitring the water supply around Bir El Jeffeir. Here, they found the water to be slightly brackish. Several locations in the area were investigated, and wells were found that could support a regiment in each location. The wells were improved with assistance from the Royal Engineers at the various locations. Timber for their construction was carried on the backs of camels. Patrols were sent out as early warnings against Ottoman advances; however, the war diary recorded no contacts.
Returning to its mounted role, the 11th Light Horse joined the British forces defending the Suez Canal on 20 July 1916. Over the following months, the regiment conducted patrols out into the Sinai Desert. The regiment did not see action in the Battle of Romani, fought between 3 and 5 August. In its immediate aftermath, troops of the regiment were used in patrolling duties with the Imperial Camel Corps. Elements of the regiment were in action at Bir-el-Aweidiya on 7 August 1916, losing four other ranks killed and one officer and four other ranks wounded.
On 9 September 1916, John Brown was admitted to the 3rd Australian General Hospital at Abbassia with appendicitis. He returned to duty on 5 October 1916. The 11th Light Horse had returned to the roadhead at Serapeum, south of Ismailia on the Suez Canal.
On 29 November 1916, John became sick again and was admitted to hospital at Serapeum. He was transferred to the Stationary Hospital on 2 December 1916, suffering 'adhesions of peritoneum', which can cause abdominal pain. It seemed he had not sufficiently recovered after his appendicitis. On 18 December 1916, he was discharged and returned to duty with the 11th ALH.
In April 1917, the regiment moved into Palestine. This move led up to the second battle of Gaza. On 1 April, the regiment left Rabah, with the rest of 4th Light Horse Brigade en route to El Arish. to join the main British and dominion advance. Following the railway line that traversed the northern route across the Sinai, they camped at Bir el Abd on 2 April, Salmana on 3 April, then Tilul, Mazar, and Bardawil before arriving at El Arisk at 1045 on 5 April 1917, where the Regiment's Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel William Grant recorded in the war diary 'good watering on the beach.'. The regiment spent the next two days getting ready for the next operation. This engagement would be the regiment's first major battle, the second attempt by the British to take the fortified town of Gaza. Getting the unit battle-ready involved carting the baggage to the Imperial Mounted Divisional dump. The Sinai Military Railway had reached Rafa on the Turco-Egyptian boundary in the previous month, meaning supplies could be built up before the attack. The 11th ALH reached Rafa on 10 April and crossed into Palestine the next day, setting up camp at Khan Yunis. The following week was spent periodically garrisoning outposts as the prelude to the Gaza attack.
At 0330 on 19 April 1917 the Regiment less two troops (64 men) concentrated at Aseiferiyeh and deployed for dismounted attack at 0400. The remaining two troops of B Squadron were used as 4th Brigade's reserve. Given that one man in each four-man section acted as a horseholder when the regiment attacked dismounted, the 11th put approximately 200 men into the attack. The 11th ALH was not used to attack the town directly. This objective was left to the 52nd, 53rd and 54th British Divisions. The Imperial Mounted Division, of which 4th ALH Brigade was a part, was given the role of protecting the eastern flank. Grant wanted the entire regiment to halt on the Khirbit Sihan ridge just north of the Gaza-Beersheba Road (Grant spells it Bir Saba, the Arabic spelling used by the Ottomans). It provided an excellent defensive line. However, the leader of C Squadron, Major Percival John Bailey, had been wounded in the right leg, and without him in command, his squadron moved 275 metres further forward than intended in support of the Camel Corps on the left. The regiment came under high explosive (HE), shrapnel and machine gun fire from a ridge to the east. C Squadron eventually returned to the ridge line, and the regiment began to entrench; however, the machine gun fire was heavy, enfilading the regiment. The GOC 4th LH Brigade ordered the regiment to withdraw six hundred metres to the rear. Here, the regiment entrenched and held on for two hours despite being heavily shelled by HE and shrapnel. This heavy bombardment necessitated a further 700-metre withdrawal to a new ridgeline to conform to the 12th ALH Regiment's movement. This ridge was held until 1945 when the regiment was ordered to withdraw.
The 11th ALH's role in the failed attack that became known as Second Gaza had ended with 11 killed, one man missing and 52 men wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Grant recorded in the war diary that "all ranks behaved in a splendid manner, went forward under heavy shell fire, both shrapnel and high explosive, and remained cool throughout."
After the battle, 11th ALH returned to Khan Yunis, arriving at the baggage dump on 25 April 1917, where the men received a change of clothing. They had spent over two weeks in the same clothes, leaving their kit at the Divisional dump at El Arish on 7 April.
On 6 May 1917, the regiment consisting of 19 officers and 352 other ranks moved out with the 4th Brigade to El Gamli and then to Khan El Far, where it was to operate against Khan Khasif. The expected major engagement did not occur, and after a small exchange of shots in which one horse was shot and there were no other casualties, the Brigade retired.
Between June and August 1917, the 11th Australian Light Horse Regiment was engaged in training and reconnaissance patrols between the British and Turkish lines. The regiment's primary task was patrolling the wide area between British and Turkish positions. These patrols often led to contact with Turkish cavalry. Water scarcity and the demanding patrol schedule added to the challenges faced by the regiment during this time. While there were no large-scale battles during this period, the regiment's work was important in maintaining pressure on the Turkish forces and gathering intelligence. The unit's efforts supported the British forces' broader strategic objectives, helping lay the groundwork for the offensive later in the year.
On 1 August 1917, John Brown was sent on ten days' leave to the rest camp at Port Said with Lieutenant A. W. Manning and 14 other ranks. The men of 11th ALH would be sent off in small groups over the next few months to enable as many men as possible to get a break at the rest camp. Due to the declining health of the Desert Mounted Corps resulting from the harsh desert conditions, the commander, Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Chauvel, had approved the establishment of a Rest Camp at Port Said. Port Said was chosen as the site for the camp because it offered a more complete change from the desert than the alternative site proposed at El Arish. The site was just 100 metres from the sea, with a 'splendid beach' in front. It was determined that the camp would have the capacity to accommodate 700 men at any given time and that each individual would spend eight consecutive days in the camp, serving as a substitute for leave to Cairo and Alexandria. John Brown was one of the first fifteen men in the 11th ALH Regiment to go. Given that he was an original member of the regiment, was attached to the Regimental Headquarters, had suffered from recurring issues relating to his appendicitis, and had an exemplary record, never having incidents of drunkenness or absence without leave recorded in his service record, he must have been an easy choice for selection among the first group. He returned to the regiment on 11 August 1917. The regiment was located at Tel-el-Marakeb.
In the lead-up to Beersheba, the regiment was sent out with 4th Light Horse Brigade to be the outpost brigade holding the line from El Buggar. On 13 September 1917, Lieutenant-Colonel Grant, the commander of the 11th Light Horse, was promoted to command the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel John William Parsons was given command of the Regiment. He had been an original member of the 11th ALH, holding the rank of major when the regiment left Australia.
On the day of the attack on Beersheba, 31 October 1917, the regiment was at Iswaiwin at 1500 when it received orders to relieve 8th Light Horse Regiment, which was spread out along a line facing the town. This relief was done by 1545, meaning the regiment was now dispersed along the line. At 1640, orders were received for it to immediately form the brigade reserve and watch the rear of the brigade. The Light Horse needed to seize the wells of Beersheba to enable the horses to be watered; if not, they would be forced to withdraw. The deteriorating tactical situation required the 11th's sister regiments in 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade - the 4th and the 12th Regiments - to be sent against Beersheba at the gallop. This attack became known to history as the charge of Beersheba. Because the 11th had been engaged in flank protection duties and was too widely scattered initially to take part, it was appropriate to be given the reserve duties. C Squadron occupied the line from 1280 to Wadi Sineid, while A Squadron provided support near Regimental Headquarters at 1180. Post the charge, the regiment was ordered to perform the mopping-up role after the charge. By 1930, the 11th ALH had entered Beersheba, where it captured 375 prisoners, along with horses, camels, and enemy equipment.
On 1 November, the regiment stood to arms at 0400, patrolling the town to secure captured material and manage prisoners. Later that morning, orders were received to withdraw outposts and regroup northeast of Beersheba. This move completed the operation.
On 2 November, John Brown was admitted to hospital in Palestine, again suffering from abdominal adhesions. Consequently, John was not present with the Regiment when it participated in the charge against Turkish positions at Sheria on 7 November. Unlike Beersheba, the week prior, when confronted with heavy fire, the troopers of the 11th and 12th ALH were forced to dismount and eventually withdraw. In this engagement, the regiment suffered one officer and twelve other ranks killed and two officers and twelve other ranks wounded.
John was sent back to Egypt for convalescence and did not return to the 11th ALH until 21 December 1917, when the Regimental Headquarters was located at Burj, north of Beersheba. December 1917 was a tough month for the regiment. It was spent in the Judean hills south of Hebron. The heavy rains made it difficult to supply the frontline with the ground being 'sticky'. The supply challenges required the men to carry their kit.
The 11th Light Horse spent the first months of 1918 resting and training. On 11 March 1918, John was promoted to Lance Corporal.
In April 1918, the regiment was located at Selmeh, east of Jaffa. On 11 April, training for the regiment involved 'mounted work in rapid movements', in which steel helmets were worn so that the men could become accustomed to wearing them whilst travelling at speed. The regiment also trained in dismounted work with the bayonet. On 29 April, the regiment received notification that the Brigade would move out that night, and the men were to carry one horse blanket, one sleeping blanket, 14lbs of grain and three days rations. "A" Echelon was detailed to accompany the regiment. This echelon consisted of two limbers carrying ammunition, bombs and water. The regiment was preparing for an offensive into the Jordan Valley. On 30 April, at 0500, the regiment passed Um Shert and was heavily shelled with HE and shrapnel, which resulted in two other ranks killed.
On the morning of 1 May 1918, the enemy launched an attack with an estimated 5000 men from the Damieh bridgehead. Turkish soldiers attacked in a very extended formation in successive waves, threatening to envelop the Light Horse's left flank. Turkish artillery effectively suppressed the British artillery, which enabled the Turkish counterattack to threaten the 11th ALH flank on the left. The regiment was under intense pressure, so much so that half the horseholders were called up to the line, meaning each remaining horseholder held eight horses. At 0845, with the enemy within 600 metres of the 11th's firing line, a message was received that the sister regiment, 12th ALH, was withdrawing to the high ground east with a rear guard action being fought on foot. Conforming with the 12th ALH's withdrawal on the right, the 11th ALH began a withdrawal, leaving men behind in various positions throughout the foothills to slow down the Turkish pursuit.
By 1000, a new line was occupied. This line was sufficient to check the attempted Turkish flanking manoeuvre. A further withdrawal was made at 1200 to higher ground.
At 15:00, the 1st Light Horse Brigade was ordered by Desert Mounted Corps to advance up the Umm esh Shert track to Es Salt, leaving one squadron on Red Hill. There was a gap of 5-6 km between the left flank of the 4th Light Horse Brigade, held by the 11th Light Horse Regiment, and the squadron of the 1st Light Horse Regiment on Red Hill, supported by two squadrons positioned at the base of the hill. The 4th Light Horse Brigade was under attack from three directions: Nahr ez Zerka on the right, Jisr ed Damieh in the centre, and a third Ottoman group that crossed the Jordan at Mafid Jozele but was ordered back to Jisr ed Damieh.
The main attack targeted the line held by the 11th Light Horse sister regiments, 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments. They were forced back, facing west with impassable rocky hills behind them. The 4th Light Horse Regiment, supported by 'A' Battery Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) on the northern flank, held their position until Turkish attackers closed within 180 metres, then slowly withdrew into the hills. The Nottinghamshire Battery Royal Horse Artillery was near the brigade centre. Each attack was repelled, leaving more enemy dead closer to their guns. Under heavy pressure, they had to retreat further into the hills, losing men and horses each time, until they exhausted their ammunition with attackers surrounding them on three sides. Machine gun fire killed the horses, and the nine 13-pounder guns were abandoned. The remaining men and horses escaped eastward to the Wadi el Retem. While the dismounted light horse could potentially retreat east into the hills, the artillery batteries had no apparent escape route.
At Umm esh Shert, the 11th Light Horse Regiment faced one of its most challenging battles. The 4th Light Horse Brigade's guns were forced into gullies. "B" Battery managed to escape with only one gun lost. However, "A" Battery HAC and the Nottinghamshire Battery had their horses shot and could not move. After using the guns until the last moment, they abandoned them, damaging what they could before retreating. The gunners took the breech-blocks and sights as they withdrew slowly, firing while climbing the slopes to a safer position. Although they could have defended the guns from the hills for hours, it would have risked the entire brigade. Meanwhile, the 11th Light Horse Regiment withdrew down the valley with "B" Battery, and two other regiments retreated eastward through challenging terrain.
The 11th ALH held on to their position. At 1900, orders were received from Brigade that the line would be held at all costs and that wire entanglements were to be erected in front of the line. During the night, the regiment erected 275 metres of barbwire. The following morning, with water becoming scarce, patrols were sent out to secure more water. However, this was observed by the enemy, which opened up with artillery on any men of the regiment attempting to use the nearby wells. At 1600 on 2 May, the Ottomans attacked a position known as the "Table Top" held by 20 men of 11th ALH. This group of men fended off two attacks with bayonets before succumbing to a bombing attack, resulting in the position being lost. Of the 20 men, four were killed and seven wounded.
The shelling of the 11th ALH's position continued on 3 May. Whilst attempts were made to water the horses throughout the day, the nearest safe watering area involved a six-kilometre round trip. At 1930, the 4th ALH Regiment, to the right of the 11th ALH, was attacked, while the 11th itself was heavily shelled for about an hour. This shelling caused a stampede of the horses; however, there were no casualties among the men.
At 1000 on 4 May, the 4th ALH, the Brigade's right flank regiment, was again attacked, pushing back its advanced squadron. This withdrawal left the 11th ALH's right squadron in danger of being enfiladed, so it withdrew to a new position. At 1500, the 11th ALH received a message that the Brigade was to withdraw. At 1845, the regiment began withdrawing and returned to Jericho at 2330. The raid on Es Salt had failed.
After the Es Salt Operation, the 11th ALH settled down to static warfare, providing men for the front line. The regiment later defended the crossing points over the Jordan and repelled significant Turkish and German attacks on 14 and 15 July.
In August 1918, the regiment was issued swords and trained in traditional cavalry tactics to prepare for the next offensive against the Ottomans. On 5 September, John Brown was promoted to Corporal and, due to a shortage of Sergeants, was immediately promoted to Temporary Sergeant to complete the establishment strength. The regiment began its cavalry sword operation along the Palestine coast on 19 September 1918. On 25 September, the 11th Light Horse implemented the new tactics at Semakh, located on the shore of Lake Tiberias. Initially, they charged the Turkish defences surrounding the town on horseback, wielding swords. Subsequently, they cleared the town on foot, utilising rifles and bayonets. The 11th ALH lost three officers and 11 other ranks killed, with two further other ranks dying of their wounds and four officers and 24 other ranks wounded. The regiment captured over 350 Turkish prisoners.
Semakh was the regiment's last major operation of the war; the Ottoman Empire surrendered on 30 October 1918.
John Brown's promotion to Sergeant was made permanent on 15 November 1918.
On 13 December 1918, he was admitted to hospital, suffering jaundice, which kept him away from the regiment for a week.
On 5 February 1919, he left the regiment and was sent to Moascar. This move was the beginning of his journey to return home to Australia. As an original member of the regiment and having been away from Australia for nearly four years, he was selected for early repatriation. He spent a month in the camp at Moascar before he embarked from Kantara aboard HT Port Sydney on 4 March 1919, arriving in Sydney on 11 April. He was discharged from the AIF on 23 June 1919.
Post-war, John became a Cream Carrier in Pelican, Queensland.
His son James would follow in his footsteps, enlisting in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force in May 1940 and landing in Suez in May 1941 after a stint in the United Kingdom. He would serve with 6th Division in the Middle East and New Guinea.
John died on 16 June 1966, aged 84 and is buried in St. George, Queensland.
He received the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his First World War service.