FAMILY LIFE

Jonathan (known as Jonathon) Charles Partridge was born 14th July 1897 in Wyrallah, near Lismore, son of Colin & Bertha Christina (Herman) Partridge.

APPLICATION

He was single farmer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 15^th February 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his father, Colin, of Murwillumbah.  He had done 16 months compulsory training in Area 12a and returned the equipment.

His medical showed he was 18 years 9 months old, 5ft 9 ½ inches tall (1.73m), weighed 145 lbs (66kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes & brown hair.  The Examining Medical Officer stated that Jonathon “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.” 

He was Methodist and had a scar on his right foot.  He was enlisted as a private into the 11th Light Horse Regiment with service No 1900.

On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Jonathon Charles Partridge swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.” 

RIFLE RANGE, ENOGGERA TRAINING CAMP

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months

The recruits were issued with their uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 22^ND July 1916, the recruits left Sydney sailing upon the HMAT Malwa. The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores

Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. Troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant. 

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

ISOLATION CAMP MOASCAR

On 28^th August 1916 the recruits marched into the Isolation Camp at Moascar, Egypt. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the Egyptian training camp, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began their training with physical fitness exercises, they were taught individual and unit discipline, how to follow commands, how to march, some basic field skills and how to safely handle his weapons. 

Training would be for eight hours a day six days a week. All day long, in every valley of the Sahara for miles around the Pyramids of Giza were groups or lines of men advancing, retiring, drilling or squatted near their piled arms listening to their officer. For many of the battalions many miles of desert had to be covered in the morning and evening to and from their allotted training areas. At first, to harden the troops, they wore full kit with heavy packs. Their backs became drenched with perspiration, and the bitter desert wind blew on them as they camped for their midday meal and many deaths from pneumonia were attributed to this cause.

TAKEN ON STRENGTH OCTOBER 1916

On 12^th October Jonathon was taken on strength with the 11^th Light Horse at Serapeum. The 11th Light Horse Regiment was a mounted infantry unit of the Australian Army, best known for its service during World War I as part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).

HOSPITALISATION TONSILITIS OCTOBER 1916

On 17^th October 1916 Jonathon was admitted to hospital with tonsilitis. He was discharged to light duties on 1^st November 1916 and rejoined his unit

BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1916 TO MARCH 1918

Between November 1916 and March 1918, the 11th Light Horse Regiment served as part of the Australian Mounted Division in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, undertaking a mixture of desert patrols, reconnaissance, garrison duties, and participating in key battles as part of the British-led Egyptian Expeditionary Force.

NOVEMBER- DECEMBER 1916: SINAI DESERT

The regiment was based near El Arish, after months of operations advancing across the Sinai Desert. They undertook reconnaissance patrols, maintained defensive lines, and provided protection for the construction of the railway and water pipeline advancing across the desert toward Palestine. They did not play a front-line role in the Battle of Magdhaba (December 23, 1916), but supported the overall advance by holding rear areas

JANUARY–FEBRUARY 1917: BATTLE OF RAFA AND ADVANCE INTO PALESTINE

The 11th Light Horse took part in the Battle of Rafa (January 9, 1917), the final action in clearing the Sinai Peninsula of Ottoman forces. At the time of the battle, the 11th Light Horse was part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, which was under the command of the Anzac Mounted Division (later the Desert Mounted Corps). The brigade’s role was to participate in a swift cavalry-style approach and encircle the Ottoman position.

The 11th Light Horse rode out from El Arish late on 8 January as part of a surprise night march to Rafa — around 45 kilometres. At dawn on 9 January, the brigade, including the 11th LHR, took up positions to the south and east of the Ottoman redoubt at El Magruntein, helping to form an encircling line.

The terrain was flat and open, which made concealment difficult, but the Light Horse used their mobility to threaten the flanks and rear of the Turkish positions. The regiment did not make a frontal assault on the strongly defended main redoubt, which was being attacked by New Zealand and British Imperial Camel Corps troops. Instead, the 11th Light Horse was tasked with cutting off retreating Ottoman troops, applying pressure from the rear, and engaging in fire support where necessary.

Late in the afternoon, after hours of heavy fighting, the Ottoman defences began to crumble. The 11th LHR helped to round up prisoners and secure the battlefield. Approximately 1,600 Ottoman soldiers were captured, and the strongpoint at Rafa was destroyed.

The Battle of Rafa marked the end of the Sinai Campaign, pushing Ottoman forces completely out of the Sinai Peninsula and opening the door for the advance into Palestine. The 11th Light Horse’s role was crucial in maintaining the encirclement, applying pressure, and providing mobility and flexibility to support infantry-style attacks from other units.

Afterwards, the regiment moved into southern Palestine and took part in operations around Khan Yunis and Deir el Belah.

KHAN YUNIS (JANUARY–FEBRUARY 1917)

Khan Yunis was a strategic Ottoman outpost about 25 km northeast of Rafa. It was garrisoned and used as a supply point. On 23 January 1917, the 11th Light Horse Regiment took part in a mounted reconnaissance-in-force toward Khan Yunis.

As part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, they advanced rapidly, engaged in skirmishes with Ottoman patrols, and helped clear the enemy from the area. The Ottomans offered only light resistance, and the town was occupied temporarily without major battle. The regiment’s role was to secure the area, look for enemy positions, and ensure Khan Yunis could not be used to launch a Turkish counterattack.

DEIR EL BELAH (FEBRUARY–MARCH 1917)

Deir el Belah, located between Khan Yunis and Gaza, was selected as a major forward base and staging area for the coming attacks on Gaza. The 11th Light Horse was stationed in the area and undertook:

·      Patrols and picket duties in the surrounding countryside.

·      Defensive positioning in case of Ottoman advances.

·      Routine training, equipment maintenance, and resting after months of operations.

The regiment was also involved in overseeing labour parties, especially in preparing the area for the arrival of other units. Their horses were well cared for in the fertile wadi area, and camps were set up along the Wadi Ghazzeh.

These operations helped to secure the southern Palestinian front, giving the British forces freedom to mass troops near Gaza without threat to their southern flank. The 11th Light Horse’s mobility allowed them to dominate the wide-open ground, deter Ottoman movements, and prepare for the First Battle of Gaza, which would take place in March 1917

MARCH–JULY 1917: GAZA FRONT – 1ST AND 2ND BATTLES OF GAZA

The regiment was engaged in the First Battle of Gaza (26 March 1917), though primarily in a supporting and holding role on the flanks.

During the Second Battle of Gaza (April 17–19, 1917), they again supported the infantry, but the attack failed and trench warfare followed.

For the next few months, the 11th Light Horse operated on the Gaza–Beersheba line, digging trenches, conducting patrols, and fending off Ottoman probes

FIRST BATTLE OF GAZA – 26 MARCH 1917

Setting: Southern Palestine, just inland from the Mediterranean coast.
Objective: To seize the strategically important town of Gaza, which controlled access to central Palestine. In the weeks before the attack, the 11th Light Horse had been stationed at Deir el Belah, conducting mounted patrols and reconnaissance in preparation for the advance on Gaza. On 25 March, orders came for the mounted troops to push forward in force.

On 26 March 1917, the First Battle of Gaza began. The Anzac Mounted Division, including the 3rd Light Horse Brigade (to which the 11th LHR belonged), was ordered to approach from the east and north-east, encircle the town, and cut off any retreat or reinforcement by the Ottoman defenders.

March to the Battlefield:

The 11th Light Horse and other mounted units made a night march across the Wadi Ghazzeh, beginning in the early hours. The advance was slowed by thick early morning fog, which made navigation difficult and obscured key terrain.

Encirclement and Action:

As the fog lifted late in the morning, the 11th LHR moved into position northeast of Gaza, forming part of the cordon to trap the defenders.

They took up dismounted fighting positions, exchanging rifle fire with Ottoman troops who were withdrawing or repositioning. The terrain was rough and open, with little cover, and the Light Horse units had to dig in under fire, supporting the infantry’s attempt to take the town

Lack of Coordination:

Though the Light Horse and other mounted brigades had largely completed the encirclement, the infantry assault from the south (by the 53rd and 54th Divisions) became bogged down and delayed. Confused orders, a delayed start, and mounting casualties affected the progress of the main assault.

Withdrawal:

Late in the day, with night approaching and a strong Ottoman counterattack feared, British high command ordered a general withdrawal—even though the outer Ottoman defences were close to collapse. The 11th Light Horse withdrew in good order under darkness, having held their ground and fulfilled their objective of cutting the enemy's line of retreat.

Aftermath and Legacy

The First Battle of Gaza was a tactical failure: the British commanders chose to withdraw just when victory was within reach. The Ottomans reinforced the town, and Gaza would have to be attacked again—this time in much harder circumstances—during the Second Battle of Gaza in April.

For the 11th Light Horse, the battle was frustrating. They had marched hard, held key ground under fire, and watched the town slip away due to higher-level command decisions. Nevertheless, their performance showed the value of mobility, discipline, and marksmanship—traits that would be crucial later in the war

Second Battle of Gaza – 17–19 April 1917

Location: Gaza, southern Palestine
Objective: A renewed attempt by British and Dominion forces to capture Gaza, now heavily reinforced by Ottoman troops after the failure of the first assault.

Background

After the First Battle of Gaza in March 1917, Ottoman forces had rapidly reinforced the town, turning it into a fortress defended by trenches, barbed wire, and artillery. British high command, under General Murray, determined to make a full-scale frontal assault—one of the last “Western Front-style” set-piece battles fought by the Australians in the Middle East.

The 11th Light Horse Regiment, part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, remained in the area after the first battle. In the lead-up to the second attack, they were stationed between Deir el Belah and Tel el Fara, performing reconnaissance, patrols, and preparing for the offensive

The Assault: 17 April – Opening Moves

The battle began on 17 April with preliminary artillery bombardments targeting Ottoman positions. The 11th Light Horse was not involved in the direct initial assault but played a support and screening role, ready to exploit any breakthrough or cover a retreat. They remained mounted and mobile, stationed on the flanks of the battlefield, especially around the eastern approaches to Gaza, where they could cut off any Ottoman attempt to outflank British forces or escape the town.

18 April – Heavy Fighting, No Progress

As the infantry advanced, particularly the British 54th Division and the Imperial Camel Corps, they ran into deep, well-fortified trenches. The Light Horse, including the 11th, were ordered to provide support fire from long range, and at times dismounted to hold ridges and observation points east of the town.

The 11th Light Horse was exposed to occasional artillery fire and sniper activity, despite not being in the main assault.

Dust, heat, and the lack of water made conditions difficult.

Their primary role during this period was to act as mobile reserves and hold high ground east of Gaza to secure the line of communication and prevent enemy breakout.

19 APRIL – STALEMATE AND WITHDRAWAL

By the third day, the attack had failed to penetrate the Ottoman defences. The British and Dominion forces had suffered heavy casualties, and no decisive ground had been gained.

The 11th Light Horse, though not deeply engaged in hand-to-hand fighting, were ordered to cover the withdrawal of some exhausted infantry units and support a rearguard action as the main force pulled back. They withdrew to their staging area near Tel el Fara, frustrated and weary.

Casualties and Reflection

Although the 11th LHR escaped major losses in the battle, the British-led force suffered over 6,000 casualties. Morale dipped. The men began to question the wisdom of the British command, especially as they had seen a promising position squandered in the First Battle and now witnessed a costly and unsuccessful frontal assault in the Second. For the 11th, it was a period of waiting, watching, and enduring the strain of war without the satisfaction of a clear fight

Reflection

After the Second Battle of Gaza, a complete reorganisation of the British command structure followed. General Allenby would soon replace General Murray. The Light Horsemen would not have to wait long for redemption — the Battle of Beersheba in October 1917 would give the mounted troops, including the 11th, a chance to return to their fast-moving, shock-action roots.

APRIL TO OCTOBER 1917: THE GAZA–BEERSHEBA LINE

After the costly failure of the Second Battle of Gaza, the British and Dominion forces dug in along a defensive line stretching from the Mediterranean coast at Gaza inland to Beersheba, held by the Ottomans. The Anzac Mounted Division, including the 3rd Light Horse Brigade (and the 11th LHR), was positioned along the eastern sector, near Beersheba and the desert flank.

Trench Holding & Static Defence

·      The regiment was involved in trench warfare, a very different type of fighting from their usual mobile role.

·      They relieved infantry units in sections of the line for set periods, often holding dismounted outpost lines under difficult and exposed conditions.

·      Trenches were typically shallow, dug into rocky ground, and water was scarce.

Reconnaissance & Patrols

·      The 11th Light Horse conducted mounted reconnaissance patrols to monitor Turkish movements, especially in the open desert east of Beersheba.

·      These patrols were often conducted at night or early morning to avoid Ottoman artillery fire and aerial observation.

·      Their work helped build up intelligence that would be used months later in planning the Battle of Beersheba.

Raids & Skirmishes

·      The Light Horse occasionally engaged in small raids or aggressive patrolling, pushing up against Turkish outposts or ambushing supply columns.

·      These actions were intended to probe defences, seize prisoners, and keep pressure on the enemy.

Fortification and Infrastructure Work

·      Units, including the 11th LHR, assisted in constructing defensive positions, communication trenches, and improving supply routes.

·      They also worked on camouflaging camps and water points, essential in the open terrain to avoid detection by Ottoman aircraft.

Harsh Conditions

·      The regiment faced extreme heat, dust, and very limited water — typical of the Sinai and southern Palestine terrain.

·      Diseases such as malaria and dysentery were common, especially along the Wadi Ghazzeh and low-lying swampy areas.

·      Horses suffered as well — fodder was limited, and many men spent much of their day tending to their mounts.

Morale and Readiness

Although not engaged in major battles during this time, the regiment was always on alert, knowing that larger operations were being planned.

The men trained continuously, both in dismounted infantry tactics and mounted manoeuvres, to stay sharp.

This was also the period when General Allenby arrived and began reorganising the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, leading to more coordinated and aggressive plans that would soon include the attack on Beersheba.

OCTOBER 31, 1917: BATTLE OF BEERSHEBA

The 11th Light Horse played a minor role compared to the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments (which made the famous charge). They acted in reserve and held ground captured by other units during the day. Their participation helped exploit Ottoman withdrawals.

BATTLE OF BEERSHEBA – 31 OCTOBER 1917

Location: Beersheba, Palestine (modern-day Israel)
Objective: Capture the fortified town of Beersheba and its precious water wells, to break the Gaza–Beersheba defensive line held by the Ottoman Turks.

Background: Why Beersheba Mattered

After the failed frontal assaults on Gaza earlier in 1917, the new British commander, General Edmund Allenby, planned to outflank the Gaza line by seizing Beersheba, which guarded the eastern end of the Ottoman defences. Beersheba was crucial not only strategically, but also because of its abundant wells—essential for the success of the Desert Mounted Corps and its thousands of horses.

The plan involved:

·      A British infantry attack from the south-west, early on 31 October.

·      A mounted assault from the east and north-east, by the Anzac and Australian Mounted Divisions, including the 11th Light Horse, aiming to capture the town by day’s end.

Role of the 11th Light Horse Regiment

The 11th Light Horse, part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, played a vital supporting role during the day’s operations. While the now-famous charge of the 4th and 12th Regiments captured the town in the late afternoon, the 11th was actively engaged in the surrounding operations:

Pre-Dawn Approach

The regiment set out before dawn from bivouac near Asluj, riding through dusty and rock-strewn wadis for hours under strict silence.

They were tasked with covering the eastern flank of the advance, moving north of Khashim Zanna, east of Beersheba, to block any Ottoman retreat or reinforcement.

Dismounted Actions

Around midday, elements of the 11th were dismounted and deployed as infantry to probe Ottoman trenches east of Tel el Saba, a key strongpoint.

They encountered stiff resistance, with machine gun and rifle fire from well-dug Turkish positions. Fighting was intense and progress was slow—many horses were held back in cover while small parties crept forward across dry, open ground.

Supporting the Final Assault

Late in the afternoon, as the 4th and 12th Regiments prepared for their legendary mounted charge, the 11th Light Horse continued to pressure the flanks of Ottoman positions, helping keep defenders pinned. Once the charge succeeded and Beersheba fell, the 11th moved in to assist with rounding up prisoners, securing key positions, and protecting the vital water wells.

Aftermath and Significance

The victory at Beersheba was a turning point in the Palestine Campaign.

It marked the beginning of the collapse of the Ottoman defensive line, leading to the fall of Gaza and the eventual capture of Jerusalem in December. The success of the mounted troops, including the support and flanking work of the 11th Light Horse, proved that cavalry could still play a decisive role, even in modern war

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 1917: ADVANCE THROUGH PALESTINE

Following Beersheba, the 11th Light Horse took part in the advance northward, through Sheria, Huj, and Jerusalem. They engaged in pursuit actions against retreating Ottoman forces. In December, Jerusalem was captured

CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM

After the stunning victory at Beersheba and the subsequent fall of Gaza, the Ottoman defensive line in southern Palestine began to collapse. General Allenby’s plan was now to pursue the retreating Turkish forces northward through the Judean Hills toward Jerusalem. The push to Jerusalem was not just about military advantage: Jerusalem had enormous religious, political, and symbolic value.

Terrain and Conditions

The advance into the Judean Hills posed serious challenges:

·      Steep, rocky, and narrow tracks unsuitable for vehicles.

·      Bitter cold, rain, and mud — a stark contrast to the deserts the Light Horse were used to.

·      Supplies had to be moved by camels, horses, and human porters.

The 11th Light Horse Regiment, as part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade in the Anzac Mounted Division, played a supporting and reconnaissance role in the operations leading up to the fall of Jerusalem.

November 1917: Pushing North

After Gaza, the regiment advanced through Hebron and Bethlehem, helping screen the flank of the main infantry columns. They conducted reconnaissance patrols, clearing Ottoman outposts, gathering intelligence, and securing water supplies. The Light Horse were often the first Allied troops into small villages, greeted by local populations who had suffered under Turkish occupation.

Defending the Flank and Rear

As the infantry advanced through the hills, the 11th LHR guarded against counterattacks from Ottoman units attempting to strike at the long and vulnerable British supply lines.

December 1917: Protecting the Holy City

Heavy fighting took place at Nebi Samwil, a strategic high point north-west of Jerusalem, where the British infantry suffered heavy casualties. The 11th LHR was tasked with holding positions on the eastern and southern flanks and preparing for any Turkish withdrawal or breakout.

Surrender of Jerusalem – 9 December 1917

On the morning of 9 December, with Ottoman troops retreating and no longer able to defend the city, the Mayor of Jerusalem attempted to surrender the city to advancing British forces. After several failed attempts to find a suitable officer to accept the surrender (famously, two sergeants were offered the keys first), General Allenby formally entered the city on 11 December 1917, on foot as a sign of respect.

The Anzac Mounted Division, including the 11th Light Horse, did not ride into Jerusalem itself, but remained just outside the city, helping to secure the perimeter and patrol the hinterland

Significance

Jerusalem’s capture was a major propaganda victory and a strategic milestone in the Palestine Campaign. It was the first time in centuries the city had been under Christian control, but Allenby was careful to respect all faiths and declared martial law to prevent looting or unrest. For Australian Light Horsemen, including the 11th LHR, it was a moment of pride — part of a hard campaign that had taken them from the Suez Canal to the gates of Jerusalem in less than two years.

JANUARY–MARCH 1918: JORDAN VALLEY PATROLS

The regiment was assigned to Jordan Valley duties, especially near Jericho, after the capture of the area in February. These were difficult months, as they faced heat, disease (especially malaria), and occasional enemy skirmishes. Their presence helped consolidate the British hold east of Jerusalem in preparation for the push across the Jordan River. They were engaged in a physically punishing and strategically difficult period of defensive and holding operations in the Jordan Valley, east of Jerusalem. Life here was incredibly harsh and miserable for the men and horses:

·      Extreme climate shifts: hot, dusty days and cold nights.

·      Diseases like malaria, dysentery, and sandfly fever were rampant due to the marshy, mosquito-infested terrain.

·      The area was nicknamed "the Valley of Death" by troops.

·      Constant dust storms and lack of clean water made every-day life exhausting.

While there was no major battle during this period, the 11th Light Horse was frequently under sniper fire, small-scale Turkish attacks, and aerial bombing from German and Ottoman aircraft. These months were defined by grinding endurance and constant vigilance, with soldiers facing more danger from disease and environment than bullets.

REST CAMP MARCH 1918

There is little information about why Jonathon was marched into the rest camp on 10^th March but the past year would have pushed many men to their limit. He rejoined his unit on 24^th March

APRIL TO MAY 1918

Between April and May 1918, the 11th Light Horse Regiment was heavily involved in a major operation known as the First Es Salt Raid (30 April – 4 May 1918), part of the British effort to cut Ottoman communications and possibly push toward Amman and the Hejaz Railway. This period was marked by intense fighting, rapid manoeuvres, and ultimately a difficult withdrawal under pressure.

Lead-Up to the Raid (early–mid April)

The 11th Light Horse remained based in the Jordan Valley, near Ghoraniyeh, continuing patrols and river crossing reconnaissance. They were preparing for a major push eastward across the Jordan River toward Es Salt and Amman, as part of General Allenby’s plan to:

·      Disrupt Turkish forces and sever the Hejaz Railway.

·      Support the Arab Revolt and apply pressure on the Ottoman 4th Army.

THE FIRST RAID ON ES SALT 30 APRIL – 4 MAY 1918

30 April – 1 May:

The 11th LHR crossed the Jordan River at Ghoraniyeh and advanced into the hills east of the river, climbing steep terrain to reach Es Salt. They were among the lead elements in taking Es Salt, which was captured with little resistance on 1 May. They quickly pushed out patrols and outposts to the north and northeast to block expected Turkish reinforcements.

The Ottomans quickly counterattacked, with strong columns converging from the north (from Jisr ed Damieh) and west. The infantry holding the Jordan River bridges faltered, especially at the Jisr ed Damieh bridge, which was overrun — cutting the mounted units off from retreat. The 11th LHR found themselves encircled, forced into holding defensive positions on the hills above Es Salt.

Withdrawal under Fire (3–4 May)

With supply lines severed and Turkish strength increasing, Allenby ordered a withdrawal. The 11th LHR conducted a fighting retreat, protecting the flanks as other Light Horse units disengaged and re-crossed the river.

Casualties were significant across the division, both in men and horses.

The regiment was exhausted and depleted, but avoided destruction

After the raid’s failure, the 11th Light Horse returned to the Jordan Valley, again facing:

·      Oppressive heat and worsening malaria outbreaks.

·      Constant enemy artillery and air harassment.

The failure at Es Salt convinced British commanders to pause further eastward offensives until conditions improved. Throughout May, the regiment focused on reorganising, training, and patrolling, while contending with illness and attrition.

HOSPITALISATION PUO MAY to NOVEMBER 1918

Jonathon was admitted to hospital on 26^th May with PUO.  

PUO

Trench fever, often classed as “PUO- pyrexia of unknown origin,” is a condition that was first reported from troops in Flanders in 1915, when individuals suffered from a febrile illness that relapsed in five-day cycles.

Human louse was rife in the trenches. It was the cause of much discomfort to the troops who found it almost impossible to get rid of them. But the body louse did cause another disease that became to be known as 'Trench Fever'. 

The body louse was infected by biting a soldier suffering from Trench Fever. The infected soldier did not show any signs, or symptoms, for anything from a week to a month, when a severe head-ache developed with debilitating muscle pains; characteristically of the shins - hence the commonly used alternative name 'Shin-bone Fever'. With a duration of around five days, the fever went into remission and often reoccurred (relapsed) one or more times. There was no effective treatment for Trench Fever other than bed-rest. Jonathon was in and out of hospital till November with this disease.

COMMAND DEPOTS

A Command Depot was a military rehabilitation and re-training centre for soldiers who were no longer sick or wounded enough to stay in hospital, but not yet fit enough to return to active duty. Between his hospital stays Jonathon was marched into these centres.

REJOINED UNIT NOVEMBER 1918

On 4^th November Jonathon rejoined his unit

END OF THE WAR

The end of the war was in sight and on 11^th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home and many had to wait many months before they were headed back to Australia.

FRANCE AFTER THE WAR ENDED

After the Armistice on 11 November 1918, Australian soldiers in France did not immediately return home. Instead, they remained in France and Belgium for weeks or even months performing a wide range of duties. These duties included

·      Many soldiers helped repair roads, railways, and bridges damaged during the war.

·      They cleared battlefields of debris, barbed wire, and unexploded ordnance.

·      Some worked on reinterring bodies in formal war cemeteries under the Imperial War Graves Commission.

·      Units still followed military discipline: parades, inspections, drills.

·      Continued training exercises, including physical training and military education.

·      Participated in victory parades and ceremonies.

GOING HOME

On 20^th July 1919 embarked for home on the Morvada, disembarking on 30^th August. He was discharged 14^th October 1919

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service Jonathon was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour  in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial among almost 62,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

HOME LIFE

Jonathon married Ella Brown in 1922 in Murwillumbah.  Jonathon enlisted again on 21^st September 1942 at Brisbane. He was a corporal in the RAN with the 1 Recruit depot Shepparton (staff). A few hours after he had returned home on Saturday night, 26^TH March 1944, after 18 months' duty in Victoria as a ground instructor with the R.A.A.F., Cpl J. C. Partridge, 48, of Flagstaff Hill, Tweed Heads, suffered a heart seizure and died within a few minutes.

OBITUARY

“Mr. Partridge was a son of Mr. Colin Partridge. He was born at Wyrallah, and his early years were spent at Burringbar.

He served, four years with the 11th Light Horse in the Great War and for 17 years had been on the Tick Board staff. He was in recent years one of the gatekeepers at the Border, Tweed Heads.

He is survived by his father, his widow, three daughters - Daisy, who is employed in a bank in Coolangatta; Myrtle, of the Teachers' Training College, Armidale, and Marjorie, at school, also, a son, John, at school. The interment was made in the Presbyterian cemetery Tweed Heads yesterday afternoon”

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.