The Australian Light Horse

Trade Paperback

The magnificent Australian force and its decisive victories in Arabia in World War I

This is the stirring story of the Australian Light Horse in the Middle East in World War I, culminating in their brilliant victories in Gaza, Beersheba and Damascus.

The Australian Light Horse was a unique force, first raised during the Boer War, and then reformed for World War I. Most of the men were from the Australian outback, had a special bond with their horses (which were also from Australia) and knew how to survive and fight in harsh landscapes and dry conditions.

The greatest part of the Allied victory over the Turks was thanks to the Australian Light Horse. Colonel Lawrence had a strategy for actually defeating the Turks - as opposed to the British High Command's acceptance of the status quo. What Lawrence needed was a mobile, elite force to join his own troops - and in the Light Horse he had them. Battle-hardened by Gallipoli and the repulse of the Turkish invasion of Egypt, the Australians were ready. Under their brilliant commander, Sir Harry Chauvel, they won great victories in the Sinai, Palestine and Syria - culminating in the last great cavalry charge in our military history, and the taking of Beersheba in 1917. Roland Perry brings this story to life, and tells it with colour, emotion and authority.

'The first great read about the victories of the Australian cavalry in Arabia' The Australian

'Conjures up the romantic image of the Light Horse that endures to this day' Herald Sun

'A compulsive read' Newcastle Herald

'A history book that deserves a place in every suburban home library . . . the story of an extraordinary generation of Australians who created an enduring legend while changing the course of history' West Australian