Honouring the ultimate sacrifice forever

On Saturday, 31st October the Veterans' Affairs Minister Stuart Robert MP dedicated a life sized monument to commemorate one of the last successful mounted charges in history, the Charge of Beersheba. Spectators from all over the Sunshine Coast gathered in the Hinterland town of Woombye to watch the street parade before the monument was unveiled. Light Horse troops from Maleny, Gympie and Woombye as well as former service men and women, light  armoured vehicles (LAVs) from Enoggera’s Gallipoli Barracks and a brass band took part in the street parade.The Buderim Men's Shed constructed the 'Waler' horse memorial as part of the Federal Government 100-year Centenary of Anzac Grant. It is fitting the monument is located in the Woombye CWA park, home of the 2nd Light Horse Regt – Woombye Troop.Speaking at the service Mr Robert said he dedicates memorials across Australia and rarely does he see so many people turn out,  “A key aim of the Anzac Centenary national program is to improve understanding and awareness of Australia’s war time history," Mr Robert said. The Buderim Men’s Shed Light Horse Memorial project is a wonderful example of a community leading this education process for future generations.British General Sir Edmund Allenby tricked the Turks into thinking they would attack Gazza in force. His Chief of Intelligence 'dropped' a saddle bag between the lines packed with information detailing an attack on Beersheba is impossible due to water and transport issues.Beersheba's German Commander, General Kress von Kressenstein sent a division of reinforcements away. There were 19 water wells in Beersheba. Allenby had to secure Beersheba before nightfall or his troops would have to retreat for water supplies and the capture would be far more difficult. The battle began at first light and continued for hours.At 4.30pm the sun was starting to fade when Lt. General Harry Chauvel, commander of the ANZAC troops ordered 800 mounted infantry to go 'straight at em' - the 'em' being 4000 Turkish troops! Incredibly Beersheba was secured at 7pm, 31st October, 1917.The Beersheba monument stands in the CWA park located in the heart of Woombye.PHOTOA life sized monument to commemorate the last mounted charge in history, the Battle of Beersheba was dedicated by Veterans' Affairs Minister Stuart Robert MP on Saturday, 31st October 2015.