FAMILY LIFE

Roy Cavanaugh was born 1894 in Alectown, in the Parkes shire, son of George Arthur Cavanaugh & Mary Ross (Kemp) Cavanaugh. He was one of 4 children, with two of his siblings being fraternal twins

APPLICATION

Roy was a bookkeeper, living in Burringbar. He had travelled to Brisbane to complete his application which showed he was single, 24 years 1 month old when he enlisted on 17^th April 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Hurstville.   

He then signed a declaration confirming he had answered the questions correctly and was willing to voluntarily agree to service in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia

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CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTING OFFICER

On the second page of the attestation documents the attesting confirms the following; “The foregoing questions were read to the person enlisted in my presence. I have taken care that he understood each question, and his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to by him”

OATH

He also made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Roy Cavanaugh, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War, and a further four months thereafter unless sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed therefrom: and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and case His Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained; and I will in all matters appertaining to my services faithfully discharge my duty according to law

SO, HELP ME, GOD.” 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Roy was 5ft 6inches tall (1.68M) and weighed 137lbs (63kgs) with a medium complexion, blue eyes & dark brown hair. His eyesight was good and he had a scar on his left & right shins. He was Church of England

CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINER

The medical examiner certifies I have examined the abovenamed person, and find that he does not present any of the following conditions, viz: -

Scrofula; phthisis; syphilis; impaired constitution; defective intelligence; defects of vision, voice, or hearing; hernia’ haemorrhoids; varicose veins, beyond a limited extent; marked varicocele with unusually pendent testicle; inveterate cutaneous disease’ chronic ulcers; traces of corporal punishment or evidence of having been marked with the letters D. or B.C; contracted or deformed chest; abnormal curvature of spine; or any other disease or physical defect calculated to unfit him for the duties of a soldier.

He can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints and limbs; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service

CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDING OFFICER

The commanding officer certifies that this attestation of the abovenamed person is correct, and that the required forms have been complied with. He then states “I accordingly approve, and appoint him as a private in the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, 21^st reinforcement with service number 2931.

2^ND LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT

The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was a mounted infantry unit of the Australian Army during World War I. Raised in August 1914; it was part of the 1st Light Horse Brigade. The regiment fought exclusively against the Ottoman Empire. The regiment was composed of mounted infantry, known for their mobility and versatility, and played a significant role in campaigns across Gallipoli, Egypt, Sinai, and Palestine

LIVERPOOL TRAINING CAMP

His training began soon after enlistment. Liverpool Military Camp was the main centre in New South Wales to provide basic military training. Conditions at the camp were generally poor throughout the war. 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.

Firstly, 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.

INNOCULATIONS

All recruits were given a range of inoculations while in camp. The most important jab was to protect against smallpox and typhoid – indeed, having this was an essential precondition of enlisting.

THE UNIFORM

The recruits were issued with their uniform- service dress jacket was made of Australian wool and its loose fit gave the wearer more allowance for movement. The four large pockets were very useful. A unique feature designed for comfort was the pleated back, which provided a double thickness of cloth down the back that the pack rubbed against. Breeches were corduroy worn with wool wrap puttees. The famous khaki felt slouch hat or early service cap is probably the most distinctive part of the uniform. turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge.

SOLDIER’S KIT

Australia's World War I soldiers went to war weighed down by almost 30 kilograms of clothes, weapons, tools and kit.

·      Breeches: made from khaki woollen cord fabric, with side pockets and button flies. Soldiers were issued with two pairs of breeches, plus a pair of dungarees. The breeches ended above the ankles and the gap was filled with puttees.

·      Braces: worn with breeches.

·      Puttees: The men wound these strips of woollen cloth, almost three metres long, upwards from the ankle to just below the knee. Soldiers disliked the puttees, probably with good reason: the tight binding restricted circulation and might even have contributed to the high incidence of trench foot. Mounted troops wore leather leggings.

·      Shirt: Soldiers were given two grey, collarless, flannel shirt, plus a military shirt.

·      Ankle boots: brown and lace-up.

·      Socks: Made from wool or cotton. Soldiers were issued with three pairs.

·      Greatcoat: the khaki woollen coat (which weighed about 3kg) often doubled as a soldier's bedding and was his chief protection against the cold and wet. The coat came into its own when snow hit Gallipoli in November 1915 and also on the Western Front.

·      Jersey

·      Singlets: Soldiers were issued with 2 woollen singlets.

·      Cotton "drawers" (underpants): Soldiers were issued with two pairs.

·      Abdominal belts: a sort of cummerbund that was issued to keep soldiers warm and supposedly ward off disease.

·      Backpacks and webbing: The main backpack was a rectangular sack measuring about 15 inches x 13 inches, closed at the top by a folding cover secured by two straps. The webbing included a web belt, cartridge pouches, small haversack, bayonet frog, an entrenching tool holder (plus another holder for its handle), and a water-bottle holder.

·      Identity disc: Soldiers were initially issued with one medal "dog tag" on a cord, but later in the war they were given two tags, made of compressed fibre.

·      Soldiers were also issued with a "housewife" - a sewing kit containing such items as needles, thimble, thread, wool and button so they could carry out running repairs.

·      Also in their kit were a short-magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, a rifle sling, a bayonet and scabbard, and an "entrenching tool" (they were "diggers" after all). This came in two parts, with the helve (handle) separate from the spade part.

·      Soldiers were issued with eating equipment (knife, fork, spoon, an enamel mug, water bottle (with two-point capacity), and a mess tin with carrier.

·      They also had a clasp knife (with marlin spike, tin-opener and lanyard), razor, shaving kit, soap, comb, two towels, field dressing (carried in the tunic's inside pocket), and a hold-all, in which they could pack their private possessions.

·      No item was probably looked after more carefully than their service pay book: privates were paid six shillings a day

VOYAGE OVERSEAS SYDNEY TO EGYPT AUGUST 1916

His unit embarked from Sydney on board RMS Mooltan on 19^th August, 1916. They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. 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. They disembarked on the Suez 21^st September 1916.

ASSIGNED TO 1^ST LIGHT HORSE INFANTRY

At this time Roy was assigned to the 1^st Light Horse Infantry.

THE 1^ST LIGHT HORSE INFANTRY

Raised in August 1914, the 1st Light Horse Regiment was part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). It primarily drew recruits from New South Wales. As a mounted infantry unit, the regiment used horses for mobility but fought on foot. It was part of the 1st Light Horse Brigade.

MOASCAR ISOLATION CAMP

The unit then went to the isolation camp in Moascar. During World War I, this camp provided the final preparation for entrainment to Alexandria and the Western Front. The isolation camps screened soldiers arriving in Egypt as reinforcements for two weeks, checking for any illnesses such as measles which can break out when people are crowded together for long periods. Ismailia is a city in north-eastern Egypt, situated on the west bank of the Suez Canal. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in a 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.  Later, as soldiers specialised in a particular area (for example, machine gunner or signaller) they would be trained in specific skills and would take part in practice manoeuvres and sham fights. They would spend many hours learning training in the use of bayonets, anti- gas training and guard duty along with lectures on camouflage or trench warfare and much more.

TRANSFERRED TO 2^ND LIGHT HORSE INFANTRY DECEMBER 1916

He was transferred to the 2^nd Light Horse Infantry and taken on strength at Bir el Arnussi on 1^st December 1916.

THE SECOND LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT

The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was a mounted infantry unit of the Australian Army during World War I. Raised in August 1914; it was part of the 1st Light Horse Brigade. The regiment fought exclusively against the Ottoman Empire in key campaigns such as Gallipoli, Sinai, and Palestine. Roy’s first battle was in January 1917

PALESTINE CAMPAIGN

BATTLE OF RAFA 9 JANUARY 1917

This battle occurred near the border of Sinai and Palestine. Ottoman forces had established a strong defensive position at Rafa. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was part of the assault that overcame the Ottoman defences after a day of fierce combat. The victory at Rafa marked the end of the Sinai Campaign and allowed the Allies to focus on advancing into Palestine. Both battles showcased the regiment's adaptability and effectiveness in desert warfare. Their success in these engagements contributed significantly to the Allied efforts in the Middle East.

FIRST BATTLE OF GAZA (MARCH 26, 1917)

Their next engagement was the First Battle of Gaza. The Allies attempted to capture Gaza but faced strong Ottoman defences. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was involved in the initial assault, but the attack was called off despite early successes, leading to a missed opportunity.

HOSPITALISATION- EPIDIDYMIS APRIL 1917

On 13^th April 1917 Roy was admitted to the 14^th Australian General Hospital, with Epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis is a tube located at the back of the testicles that stores and carries sperm. When this tube becomes swollen, it can cause pain and further swelling in the testicles.

TRANSFER TO 1^ST LIGHT HORSE and BACK AGAIN

He was discharged on 17^th April and taken on strength with the 1^st Light Horse Regiment on 21^st April 1917. The 2^nd Light Horse were engaged in the Second Battle of Gaza and Roy could not return to the front from hospital. He was retaken on strength with the 2^nd at Shellal on 12^th May 1917. In the next year the 2^nd was engaged in many battles

THIRD BATTLE OF GAZA 31^ST OCTOBER 31 TO 7^TH NOVEMBER 1917

This battle marked a turning point. The regiment was part of the wide outflanking move via Beersheba, which led to the fall of Gaza. The success of this operation opened the way for the Allied advance into Palestine. The regiment's involvement in these battles demonstrated their resilience and adaptability in challenging conditions.

THE BEERSHEBA MANOEUVRE

31^ST OCTOBER TO 7^TH NOVEMBER 1917

The regiment was part of the famous charge at Beersheba, which is considered one of the most iconic moments of the Sinai and Palestine campaigns. The wide outflanking move via Beersheba was a critical maneuverer during the Third Battle of Gaza in late 1917. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment, as part of the ANZAC Mounted Division, played a significant role in this operation.

The plan involved a surprise attack on the Ottoman stronghold at Beersheba, which was heavily fortified and considered a key to breaking the Gaza defensive line. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was part of the mounted forces that executed a daring charge. This charge is often referred to as the "Charge of the Light Horse at Beersheba", one of the most famous cavalry charges in history.

The regiment, along with other units, stormed the Ottoman trenches, capturing the town and its vital water wells. This victory was crucial as it provided the Allies with a foothold to outflank the Ottoman defences at Gaza.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 1917

Throughout November and December 1917, Roy and his comrades were engaged in the advance through southern Palestine. The regiment participated in operations that followed the capture of Gaza, helping maintain pressure on the withdrawing Turkish forces. Much of the work involved reconnaissance, screening the advance of infantry formations, protecting the flanks of the army and pursuing enemy rearguards. Water shortages and the care of horses remained constant concerns, often proving as challenging as enemy action itself.

As the advance continued, the Allied focus shifted towards Jerusalem. The mounted troops operated in increasingly rugged country as they moved from the coastal plains into the hills of Palestine. Conditions were very different from the open deserts of Sinai. Steep tracks, rocky terrain and winter weather made movement difficult, but the campaign ultimately resulted in the capture of Jerusalem in December 1917, a major political and military success for the Allies

JANUARY 1918

The opening months of 1918 were spent consolidating the gains made during the previous campaign. The regiment carried out patrols, reconnaissance work and security duties while preparations were made for further operations east of the Jordan River. Men cared for their horses, undertook training and remained ready to move at short notice. Although there were periods of relative quiet, the work of mounted troops was constant and demanding, involving long patrols and exposure to the extremes of the Palestinian climate.

FEBRUARY 1918 JORDAN VALLEY

By February 1918, the Allied command turned its attention to the Jordan Valley. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment became involved in operations connected with the capture of Jericho and the occupation of positions overlooking the Jordan River. These movements were designed to threaten Turkish communications and pave the way for raids across the river into Transjordan. The valley itself was notorious for its heat, dust and unhealthy conditions, even before the summer months arrived.

FEBRUARY TO MARCH AMMAN RAID PREPARATION

Between late February and 22 March 1918, Roy would have been engaged in the preparations for the forthcoming First Trans-Jordan Raid against Amman. The regiment conducted reconnaissance, patrols and concentration marches while supplies and transport were assembled for the operation. On 22 March, the day you mention, the regiment was on the eve of crossing the Jordan River as part of the force that would advance toward Amman, one of the most ambitious mounted operations of the Palestine campaign.

THE FIRST AMMAN RAID 22^ND MARCH TO 30^TH MARCH 1918

The First Amman Raid took place between March 22 and March 30, 1918, during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War I. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was part of the raiding force, which included the ANZAC Mounted Division, the British 60th Infantry Division, and the Imperial Camel Brigade.

The raid aimed to disrupt Ottoman railway communications with Damascus and inflict casualties on their forces. The raiding force crossed the Jordan River on March 22 and advanced through challenging terrain to reach Es Salt by March 25. On March 27, the attack on Amman began, with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment and other units engaging in fierce fighting.

Despite initial successes, the raid faced strong Ottoman resistance and difficult weather conditions, including heavy rain that turned the terrain into mud. The raiding force managed to damage the railway but was unable to hold Amman due to the intensity of the counterattacks. By March 30, the decision was made to withdraw, and the force recrossed the Jordan River by April 2.

THE ES SALT RAID 30 APRIL TO 3 MAY 1918

They were involved in several Jordan Valley engagements. The Es Salt Raid took place between April 30 and May 3, 1918, during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War I. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was part of the raiding force under Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel, which included the Australian Mounted Division, ANZAC Mounted Division, British 60th Infantry Division, and the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade

APRIL RETURN TO ORDAN VALLEY

After the conclusion of the First Trans-Jordan Raid in late March and early April 1918, Roy Cavanaugh and the 2nd Light Horse Regiment returned to the Jordan Valley, where they spent much of the following months engaged in some of the most arduous service of the Palestine campaign.

During May 1918 the regiment was stationed in the Jordan Valley, a region that quickly earned a notorious reputation among Australian Light Horsemen. Situated far below sea level, the valley became oppressively hot as summer approached. Temperatures frequently exceeded 40°C, dust storms were common, and swarms of mosquitoes bred in the marshy ground along the Jordan River. Although large-scale battles were relatively infrequent, the environment itself became a formidable enemy

The regiment's primary duties consisted of patrolling the river crossings, maintaining observation posts, guarding against Turkish incursions from across the Jordan, and conducting reconnaissance missions. Mounted patrols often rode long distances over rough terrain, while outposts were required to maintain constant vigilance. The Turks periodically shelled Australian positions and launched raids against isolated posts, ensuring that the front remained active despite the absence of major offensives.

JUNE 1918

Throughout June the 2nd Light Horse continued these duties while participating in demonstrations and feints designed to convince the Ottoman command that the main Allied effort would again be directed across the Jordan. The regiment frequently shifted between forward outposts and reserve camps, but even periods out of the line offered little relief from the heat. Water discipline became essential, and men devoted considerable effort to caring for their horses, whose survival was critical to the regiment's effectiveness.

JULY 1918

In July the regiment took part in further operations connected with maintaining pressure on Turkish forces east of the Jordan. Patrol clashes and artillery exchanges were common. The soldiers spent countless hours digging and improving defensive positions, constructing shelters against both enemy fire and the relentless sun. The harsh conditions wore men down physically, and sickness rates increased steadily as the summer progressed.

AUGUST 1918

August brought no real respite. The Jordan Valley remained one of the least desirable postings in the entire Middle Eastern theatre. Many men later recalled that the heat and disease were worse than the enemy. Flies were everywhere, food spoiled quickly, and the combination of exhaustion and climate placed a constant strain on the troops. Despite this, the regiment maintained its patrols and observation duties while Allied commanders secretly prepared a major offensive elsewhere along the front.

SEPTEMBER 1918

During September 1918 the strategic situation changed dramatically. While the 2nd Light Horse remained involved in supporting operations designed to distract the enemy, General Allenby launched the Battle of Megiddo on 19 September. The offensive shattered the Ottoman armies in Palestine. Once the breakthrough occurred, the mounted divisions swept north in a rapid pursuit, advancing through territory that had been contested for years. The Light Horse covered remarkable distances, capturing prisoners, transport and supplies as the Turkish forces retreated.

The pace of operations during this pursuit was exhausting. Long rides, limited rest and difficult conditions placed enormous demands on both men and horses. Yet the campaign was proving highly successful, with the Ottoman defence collapsing across much of Palestine and Syria.

OCTOBER 1918

By the time Roy was hospitalised with malaria on 8 October 1918, he had endured nearly five months of service in the Jordan Valley and the subsequent advance following the victory at Megiddo. The period had been characterised by extreme heat, constant patrol work, arduous mounted operations and prolonged exposure to one of the most disease-ridden environments encountered by Australian troops during the war. It is hardly surprising that many Light Horsemen succumbed to malaria and other tropical illnesses after spending so long in the mosquito-infested Jordan Valley, where disease often proved as dangerous as the enemy itself.

HOSPITALISATION & REST CAMP- MALARIA OCTOBER 1918

On 8^th October 1918 he was admitted to the 14^th Australian General Hospital with malaria. Malaria is a disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes. The parasites invade red blood cells, leading to symptoms like fever, chills, sweating, and anaemia. Severe cases can result in complications such as cerebral malaria, which affects the brain

During World War I, malaria posed a significant challenge, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where soldiers were stationed. The primary treatment at the time was quinine, derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. Quinine was used both as a treatment and a preventive measure, though its effectiveness was limited against certain strains of malaria

Roy was initially treated in the Field Ambulance. A Field Ambulance was a mobile front line medical unit (it was not a vehicle), manned by troops of the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was transferred to the 1^st Australian General Hospital in Port Said on 16^th October and on 5^th December, transferred to a rest camp for convalescing.

WAR ENDED & GOING HOME

He rejoined his unit on 14^th December but at 11 am on 11 November, 1918, the guns fell silent. The November armistice was followed by the peace treaty of Versailles signed on 28 June 1919. Between November 1918 and May 1919, the men of the 2nd Battalion returned to Australia for demobilisation and discharge. Roy was to embark on the HR Ulimaroa on 29^th April 1919 for home but was again admitted to hospital on 9^th April, no details. However, he was well enough to board the ship and returned home.

CLOTHING AND NECESSITIES GIVEN TO SOLDIERS FOR SOLDIERS PROCEEDING TO AUSTRALIA FOR DEMOBILISATION

Badges Hat                    Badges Collar (2)                    Bags kit universal

Bags kit sea                   Braces (pair)                            Brush, shaving

Brush, tooth                  Breeches M.S (Military service)

Cap comforter (warm cap)                                           Comb, hair

Disc identity with cord                                                  Drawers (2 pairs)

Great Coat                     Hat, Khaki fur                          Hat, white

Holdall                           Housewife (compact sewing kit)

Jackets Cardigan           Jackets S.D (service dress)

Leggings 1 pair             Laces, leather 1 pair

Puggarees, small (a traditional Indian head wrap, worn in warm conditions

Puttees, 1 pair (cloth bandages worn by soldiers, to provide support and protection for the lower leg)

Razor                              Shirts, flannel (2)                   Socks, 3 pairs

Singlets (2)

Strap chin                      Soap piece                               Suit, working

Towels, hand (2)

Titles “Australia” (4)-
Australian soldiers and non-commissioned officers wore an “Australia” title at the base of their shoulder straps. Each serving soldier also wore unit titles above this which indicated the units to which they belonged

FOR HIS SERVICE

He was discharged 6^th May 1919. For his service, Roy was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. He is listed on the Burringbar War Memorial and St Clement's Church of England of Billinudgel Great War Honour Roll Mullumbimby

AFTER THE WAR

Roy married Eglatine Amy Benson in 1927. He died on 22 June 1980 and is buried at Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, North Ryde, PQ Wall, Niche 315

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