Re-enactment captures moment troops charge in World War I

By Jemma Jones

Nov 4, 2024

The annual Tribute to the Light Horsemen took place on Thursday, October 31 in the gardens of the Kyabram Cemetery, with over 200 audience members packing out the park for a memorable and special ceremony to remember. Photo by Jemma Jones

As the sun set on Thursday, October 31, and children cheerfully wandered the streets in pursuit of Halloween sweets, a very different scene had begun to take place at Kyabram Cemetery.

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The annual Tribute to the Light Horsemen ceremony was conducted at the cemetery to pay tribute to those who fought valiantly in the Charge of Beersheba in 1917.

Taking place every year on October 31, the significance of the date relates back to the 800 Light Horsemen who charged onto key Turkish battleground trying to achieve what 50,000 British troops had failed to do: secure water.

One hundred and seven years after the battle, audiences of over 200 people in Kyabram were greeted by a re-enactment of three Light Horses and their riders, led by Staff Sergeant Ewen McLean, as they charged through the gardens.

**A reenactment of the Charge of Beersheba lead by Staff Sergeant Ewen McLean.** Photo by Jemma Jones

Kyabram Historical Society’s Clive Toms read out the story of the Charge of Beersheba in vivid detail, capturing the moment that the 800 soldiers set out to break through some 4600 Turkish troops who were anticipating an attack in trenches.

“With the sun about to set and with no water for many miles, they faced disaster... (The battle) had to be won before nightfall at all costs,” Mr Toms said.

“They thundered on; horses snorting, lungs bursting, veins popping, wild eyed men shouting ... but not for one moment did the line falter.”

The vivid narration was enhanced by meticulously timed sound effects, transporting the audience back to that fateful day and evoking the intensity of the charge.

**Kyabram Historical Society’s Clive Toms hosted the evening and captivated the over 200 person audience with the story of 800 Australians charging into battle.** Photo by Jemma Jones

Each gun shot, clop of a gallop, whistle of a bomb, or cheer of triumph were heard over the top of the narrative read by Mr Toms, creating an emotional and captivating retold experience.

“What 11 bloody crusades, the military genius of Napoleon, and the might of the British Army had been unable to achieve, had been accomplished by 800 young, fresh-faced Australians,” Mr Toms said.

“God had used one of the smallest and youngest nations in the world as his spearhead to open the gateway to his chosen city: Jerusalem.”

**Staff Sergeant Ewen McLean recited his poem ‘Hardest Shot Fired’ atop his Light Horse.** Photo by Jemma Jones

Following the retelling, Sgt McLean, a member of the 18th Victorian Mounted Rifles Light Horse Troop, recited his emotional poem Hardest Shot Fired from atop his Light Horse.

The poem is written from the perspective of one of the 800 Light Horses who charged into battle in Beersheba that day.

Audiences were also treated to songs by Stanhope musician Claire Roberts accompanied by husband and guitarist Glenn Bowker.

The ceremony concluded with a poignant tribute as representatives from regional RSL branches laid wreaths at the Anzac/Lone Pine memorial, followed by community members placing poppies on the commemorative stone.