Emu
Gully Air and Land Show (May 2nd and 3rd 2009)
The
inaugural Emu Gully Air and Land Show was an outstanding success in
bringing our Anzac history alive. This Emu Gully "Air and Land
spectacular” is to be held annually, and together with the forthcoming
Air and Land Museum, showcases our Anzac History. This "history in
action" is not only educational and entertaining for the whole family,
but it is inspirational as well.
Tom and his horse Cavalier (out of Emu Gully's
broodmare Comma) |
"Simpson" and his donkey helping a wounded mate |
Apart
from seeing the Light Horse in action with the re-enactment of the
Charge of Beersheba, Emu Gully also had on display their collection of
animals that went to War, including the heavier Gun or Artillery Horses,
the typical remount type or lighter "Waler" horse, Donkeys, a Mule and a
Camel. Emu Gully Heritage Stockhorse Waler Stud (one of the largest
breeders of Heritage Stockhorse Walers in Australia), had their troop
horses fully involved in the action, including displays of tentpegging
and other skills at arms. In the battle sequences the horses charge
through a pyrotechnic display and were buzzed by “enemy aircraft”. The
Emu Gully horses that are used in these events, (as well as the other
Light Horse mounts), have the courage and temperament qualities of their
forebears used in WWI by our Anzacs.
getting ready |
some of the
Light Horse troops on the day |
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Two of the Emu Gully horses - our stallion
Indee Topic and Jimmy - jumping the trenches in the Re-enacted
Charge of Beersheba |
However
horses were only a small part of the day, as while horses were used in
WWI, with the increasing use of the internal combustion engine, the
Light Horse Regiments were re-equipped with “iron steeds” by WW2.
Therefore not only were horses on display at the Air and Land
Spectacular, but Emu Gully also had on display its inventory of a great
number of tanks, armoured vehicles and planes and assorted military
equipment as used by the Australian Defence Force in WW1, WW2, Korea and
Vietnam. (Another connection between the Light Horsemen of WW1 and
our Air force, is that it was believed that a horseman had the natural
elements of balance and daring that suited them for the role of a
pilot so as a result, many in the Australian Light Horse were recruited
for the Australian Flying Corps.)
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In
addition to the battle displays and re-enactments of the Australian
Light Horse the other re-enactments involved the Air Force and or
Armoured units, including a spectacular display of a simulated Napalm
strike. For some links to YouTube footage of these events see:
http://www.airandlandshow.com.au
Emu Gully Helidon is excited
to announce it is hosting a huge "Air & Land Spectacular"
May 2nd and 3rd 2009
The Australian Light Horse will display some
“skill at arms” routines including tent-pegging and a comedy tent dropping
scenario. There will be Light Horse re-enactments including a re-enactment
of the Charge of Beersheba with the horses showing their mettle under fire,
featuring the genuine stockhorse Walers descended from the same bloodlines
as those horses who went to war. The Emu Gully troop horses will be
prominent in this action.
An exciting "Anzac experience" for the whole family. The show will be
entertaining, educational and inspirational. Our compere is well known show
announcer Angus Lane. Together with specialist commentators you will be
informed, educated, entertained and inspired by our remarkable Anzac legend.
- Experience the noise and tumult of a North African tan battle, using
restored WW2 tanks.
- Witness a famous Vietnam War battle with a Centurion Tank, APC, and
artillery of the war, including a bomb drop by aircraft of the era.
- See an Australian 2pdr Anti Tank in action against a WW2 Japanese Tank.
- Watch a magnificent display of radio controlled Model Warbirds.
- See a great display of Army vehicles and planes of the war years.
- Wander through the various military campsites, where history comes
alive as you see how soldiers on both sides lived on the battlefield.
- Be entertained with hit songs of the War years, by the Andrews
Sisters Tribute Band.
- See the remarkable air combat between two classic WW2 fighters,
the remarkable FW190 and the mighty Spitfire.
IN THE
STEPS OF THE LIGHT HORSE
The
recent trip by 70 Light Horsemen from the Australian Light Horse Association to
commemorate the 90th anniversary of the charge of Beersheba, received unexpected
and unprecedented worldwide publicity. This publicity was not by accident. A
documentary has been made of this momentous trip called "In the steps of the
Light Horse". The Australian Light Horse rode onto centre stage of history in
1917 to fulfil a destiny, and to help put in place some of the dynamics needed
for the restoration of the State of Israel.
This
re-enactment of the ride through the desert following the exact route the
Australian Light Horse took in 1917 including the charge over the same ground,
is compelling viewing. This trip is having a major impact in making Israel
aware of the “Gentile” sacrifice also involved in the formation of the modern
state of Israel.
The
documentary shows something of the unique shared history of our two Nations,
and
is available from Barry Rodgers the leader of the Australian delegation, for
$25
for the first copy, and $20 for subsequent copies including postage (within
Australia).
ABN
number 31 412 629 769.
Contact email address emugully@adventureed.com.au
Phone 61 (07) 4697 6631
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The film opens with that prophetic quote from Winston Churchill; “From
the ends of the earth ships and men are gathering together in the Eastern
Mediterranean to fulfil a destiny as yet unknown by mortal man.” The
documentary shows the important part the Australian Mounted Division played
in fulfilling that destiny.
The film starts in Gallipoli where the Australian Light Horse fought without
their horses in the Gallipoli campaign, then moves to Israel and follows the
various campaigns to free the land from the Ottoman Turks. The Israel tour
was held in conjunction with Kelvin Crombie, noted Australian author and
historian, and the “Society for the preservation of WW1 history in Israel". |
______________________________________________________________________________
Payment type accepted: Visa/ Bankcard/ Mastercard, cheque or postal order.
(Qty)….. of the DVD “In the steps of the Light Horse” total cost being
$..............(see above)
Please charge to my credit card
Visa/ Bankcard/ Mastercard or by cheque/postal order enclosed (circle card
type/method)
Number _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expiry Date……………..
Post to: (Please
print)
Name…………………………………........................................................................................
Address…………………………………………........................................................................
………………………………………………………………….................................................
Phone
No………………...…......................
Signature…………………………………………….
To order: Please print the above order form, fill in and post to Barry Rodgers,
P.O. Box 1049, Toowoomba, 4350
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In the steps of the Light Horse
On October 31st 1917 the Australian Light Horse galloped into history in their famous make or break charge at the Turkish defences at Beersheba. These young men mainly from rural Australia formed a most formidable force as mounted infantry. Ninety years later 70 members of the Australian Light Horse Association, mostly from rural Australia, followed in their steps, to honour, ponder and reflect.
The trip started in Turkey where the Light Horse fought without their horses in the defence of Gallipoli.
Our youngest rider was eighteen year old Dan English from Yungaburra Queensland, our oldest, Ian Robertson from Greensborough Victoria, a fit octogenarian Korean War veteran. Despite the age difference the intensity and significance of our campaign welded us into a tightly knit group, where we genuinely experienced something of that great Australian attribute, mateship. The climax of our trip was a five day ride in full WW1 uniform and equipment, following the same route the Australians took in their famous trek through the desert on the way to Beersheba.
Gallipoli.
We spent 2 days in Istanbul soaking up Turkish culture and hospitality, and soon began to appreciate the special bond between the Turks and Australians. Gallipoli was a national political watershed for both Nations. “Johnny Turk” was regarded as a fair and courageous fighter and the feelings were obviously mutual.
A significant service by Padre Darryll Moran from Tuncurry, New South Wales, was held at the Ari Burnu cemetery where so many Light Horsemen are buried. It was an impressive sight, a parade of the Light Horse in uniform with the imposing Sphinx in the background. On our second day we visited the infamous site of the Nek, and were amazed at how small the battlefield was. The words of C.W. Bean came to mind when he referred to the “only dignity the 10th Light Horse could give their fallen mates when it was their turn to charge, was not to tread on their faces, their bodies lay so thickly on the ground.”
Israel and the Palestinian Campaign.
This important campaign is often overshadowed by Gallipoli and the Western Front in our Anzac History.
In geo-political terms it was extremely significant, the breakthrough at Beersheba enabled the Allies to push the Ottoman Turks right out of Palestine. Many historians have made the analysis that the successful charge at Beersheba was one of the key factors in the formation of the modern State of Israel.
In many parts of this land it is as if time has stood still. We saw shepherds with their flocks, and camel trains wending their way through the desert, looking much like ships in the desert haze. We often had the sense that we were seeing through our eyes many of the same sights our forefathers would have seen.
A highlight was a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We rose spontaneously as the skipper ran up the Australian flag. Our hearty rendition of the National Anthem followed by Waltzing Matilda rang out across the water; it was a proud moment we will not forget.
The Desert Ride.
Our aim was to ride through the desert “as they did it, where they did it, how they did it”. We were in full uniform including our slouch hats with emu plumes. We rode in our WW1 saddles and carried our bayonets together with Lee Enfield rifles supplied by the Israeli Defence Force. In sweltering thirty five degree Celsius heat we rode through the desert wadis. At night we slept on our ground sheets and had two army blankets, it was a struggle to keep warm through the freezing nights. At times the desert was hard packed sand, often quite stony, other times deep drifting sand. It gave us a fresh appreciation of what work the army farriers had to do to keep everyone on the move. In the middle of the ride we stopped at Bir Asluj a famous resting place for Allied soldiers of both world wars, the warm springs here are most refreshing.
We interacted with about three hundred school children at Bir Asluj and together with their teachers conducted a treasure hunt in collaboration with the local WW1 Historical Society. Every successful answer given on Australia`s general history and their involvement in the region in WW1, brought them closer to the cache of koala bears that were hidden. It was a truly delightful morning of good will between Arab and Israeli children, together with the Australian contingent.
Beersheba.
We rode through the streets of Beersheba to a tumultuous welcome as thousands of Israelis young and old lined the streets behind the barricades six or seven deep. We were worried that our horses might not handle the shouting, clapping and flag waving, especially as their shod feet were skating badly on the bitumen. Perhaps it was our horsemanship, or it was by now that the horses trusted us, or perhaps they were just too tired to react. Perhaps it was something else, but were we amazed and somewhat relieved that we passed through the streets without any drama.
The service at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery was attended by thousands, including Heads of State, and Military attaches from Australia, Turkey and the United Kingdom to name a few. It was a solemn and significant service, with an Australian Light Horse drill squad forming part of the catafalque party.
Following the services at both the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and the Turkish Memorial, we rode out to our staging point at Beit Eschel in readiness for a re-enactment of the charge.
We started at a walk, two sections of four abreast and then moved into a trot, before cantering in formation up to the gathered crowd. Here we received a medallion and certificate from the Mayor of Beer Sheva, Yacob Terner and the Australian Ambassador James Larsen.
Barry Rodgers (from Toowoomba, Queensland) our tour leader, gave an address, pointing out that “ninety years ago our forefathers rode out from here into battle, but today we have not come at a ferocious charge with bayonets drawn. Today we have ridden with bayonets and swords sheathed and rifles slung, for us this time it is a ride for peace. It is our longing and our prayers that this part of the world will find peace.”
The Horses; the Often Forgotten Heroes.
We became very attached to our horses after just five days. It gave us a little insight as to how attached the men would have been to these faithful animals after years of service, and how hard it would be to part with them. With the exception of General Bridges horse they were not allowed back home.
We gained a fresh appreciation for that noble animal the Australian Stockhorse, known overseas as the Waler. The horses we were given in Israel, mainly Quarter Horses, and Appaloosa which was unfortunate as far as authenticity goes.
Nevertheless they did a sterling job, and as already stated we became quite attached to them, however after four days of desert riding they were pretty knocked up. They would not have coped with those conditions much longer. Those horses bred for the tough Australian environment proved vastly superior to other breeds in the harsh desert environment. The owner of the horses supplied to us was amazed that the old type Australian Stockhorse, known affectionately by many as Walers, had to endure weeks on end of those conditions. He is planning to come to Australia in 2008 and is interested in getting some of these horses for his purposes. It is pleasing to note that there are still many breeders in Australia sticking to the old heritage bloodlines enabling this part of our rich equestrian and Anzac history to be kept alive. It is worth noting that a number of breeders in Israel, including the supplier of our horses for the 90th Anniversary ride, have expressed interest in obtaining some of these horses, having learnt something of their exploits, but that’s another story.
The Australian Light Horse Association.
If you love horses and our Anzac heritage and would like to be part of keeping this important part of our heritage alive, then visit our website
www.lighthorse.org.au
Official Australian Light Horse Association trip to Israel to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba (13 Oct - 2nd Nov 2007)
The purpose of the trip will be to commemorate the exploits and remember the sacrifice of the Australian Light Horse who played such a pivotal role in the Middle East Campaign; in particular the charge of Beersheba.
It is hoped through media coverage and the documentary that is planned to be made, the trip will give greater profile to the work of the Anzacs in the Middle East. Most Australians are aware of Gallipoli and the Western Front, but not so much is known about the Geopolitical significance of the Palestinian Campaign. This trip will also give Israelis a great appreciation for the huge “Gentile” sacrifice that was made to procure their homeland.
We are planing a 3 day ride through the desert following the route the Light Horse took to Beersheba prior to the charge. We have hired a large number of horses that will be available for this ride, and we will be camping in the desert with the horses in as authentic manner as possible.
The Society for the Heritage of WW1 in Israel, together with noted Australian historian and author, Kelvin Crombie, will provide in-depth historical insights into the exploits of the Australian Light Horse in Palestine.
The route is being researched by the Society for the Heritage of WW1 in Israel. Permission for the ride has been obtained by the Nature and Parks Authority in Israel. The project also has the support of the Mayor of Beersheba, and the Australian Ambassador in Israel.
Camping in an Oasis 1917.
The desert experience will culminate with the Beersheba day Commemorations. This includes a presentation by the Israeli WW1 Heritage Society, followed by a march with mounted Troopers through Allenby`s Square to the Beersheba War Cemetery for the main service. Then the party moves on to a service at the Turkish Memorial, before attending the unofficial opening of the impressive Memorial Park ‘to the Australian Soldier’. A re-enactment of the charge will take place on the actual plain the charge took place on, later in the day on 31st October. At this stage approximately 60 people are booked on the trip with 48 riders.
For more information on this trip, please contact the trip organiser, Barry Rodgers of Emu Gully Heritage Stockhorse Stud,
emugully@adventureed.com.au
