FAMILY LIFE

Stanley Alfred James Cheers was born in Kempsey on 1^st November 1892, son of Walter Chapman & Isabella Euangeline (Taylor) Cheers. He was one of 10 children. Stanley had two brothers who also enlisted- Dick & Norman. Stanley’s parents arrived on the Tweed in 1903. They settled on a farm at Dungay Creek where Walter carried out mixed farming.  Walter spent his entire life on the land

AUSTRALIA AT WAR

Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914, and both Prime Minister Joseph Cook and Opposition Leader Andrew Fisher pledged full support for Britain. Britain was Australia’s closet ally, best trading partner and the source of most of Australia’s immigrants. The outbreak of war was greeted in Australia, as in many other places, with great enthusiasm.

There were many reasons why Australian men volunteered to join the forces- the pay was good (5shillings per day), they shared Britain’s values & culture, they thought it would be an adventure and family or friends had joined and they thought they should go as well.

ATTESTATION

Stanley was single farmer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Lismore just 3 weeks later, on 25^th August 1914, to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his Walter, of Murwillumbah. He had been serving with the 4^th Light Horse at home, for the last 6 months

His medical showed he was 21 years 9 months old, 6 ft inches tall (1.82m), weighed 10 stone 9lbs (64kgs), with a fair complexion, brown eyes & light brown hair.  His eyesight was good

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Stanley “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.”  On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Stanley Alfred James Cheers, 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.” 

He was Church of England and was enlisted as a private into the
2nd Light Horse Regiment, C Squadron with service No 487

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

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.

HMAS SYDNEY

However, Stanley’s journey was a little different from most. Stanley sailed from Brisbane on 24 September 1914 aboard HMAT Star of England (A15). This ship was part of the first Australian troop convoy, a historic and carefully planned operation. The convoy included 28 troopships carrying the 1st Australian Division (infantry and light horse regiments) and New Zealand forces. It was escorted by warships, including HMAS Sydney.

On 9 November 1914, Sydney detached from the convoy after receiving the distress signal from the Cocos Islands. The convoy would have witnessed Sydney speeding away to engage the German cruiser. Word of the battle, and later Sydney's victory over the feared raider SMS Emden, spread rapidly among the troops.  It was likely discussed excitedly on board: it was their first real brush with combat, even if indirect. Stanley may have understood, even at the time, that this was a moment of national and personal significance. Many soldiers kept diaries or wrote letters to families describing their journeys, and this incident would have been a highlight. A letter written by Stanley, describing his voyage from Australia to Egypt in a diary-like fashion, is preserved in the Australian War Memorial's collection. This letter provides personal insights into his experiences during the journey and mentions events such as the Sydney–Emden naval action.

EGYPT NOVEMBER 1914

When Stanley and the 2nd Light Horse Regiment reached Egypt in late 1914, they were part of a huge influx of Australian and New Zealand troops arriving for training, preparation, and ultimately, deployment to Gallipoli. They disembarked at Alexandria, Egypt, in early December 1914. From Alexandria, they travelled by train to Cairo and were stationed at Maadi Camp, located just south of the city near the Nile.

MAADI TRAINING CAMP

Maadi Camp was the main Australian Light Horse base in Egypt. Conditions were hot, sandy, and basic, but the men trained hard to prepare for active service. The aim was to take raw recruits — many with riding experience but no military discipline — and turn them into a cohesive, well-drilled regiment capable of modern warfare

Training was rigorous and structured, typically running from early morning until mid-afternoon:

·      Early morning parade (usually at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m.)

·      Mounted and dismounted drill

·      Rifle practice, both on the range and with mock trench scenarios

·      Bayonet training

·      Physical drills and route marches

·      Field engineering: digging trenches, constructing wire entanglements

·      Scouting and signalling

·      Horse care (equitation, grooming, watering, feeding)

A major focus for Light Horse regiments like Stanley’s was developing:

·      High levels of horsemanship

·      Control under fire

·      Coordinated movement across open terrain

·      They also practised dismounting under fire, since Light Horse troops often fought on foot, using their horses only for rapid movement.

The climate was dry, hot in the day and cold at night — a shock to many men used to coastal Australian conditions.  The camp was dusty, with fine sand getting into everything — food, clothes, rifles. Flies and insects were everywhere. Water was rationed and sanitation was poor in the early months, leading to dysentery and other illnesses. Horses had to be watered and fed in difficult conditions, and suffered in the heat.

Most soldiers lived in bell tents, six to eight men per tent. There were few comforts — rough bedding, shared latrines, and meals of bully beef, biscuits, and tea. Occasional visits to Cairo gave them a break — some took in the pyramids, others visited the notorious nightlife of the Wazzir area.

GALIPOLLI MAY 1915

The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was eventually deployed as dismounted infantry to Gallipoli, since the rugged peninsula terrain was not suitable for horses. They landed at Gallipoli in May 1915, after months of training in Egypt. Stanley, as part of “C” Squadron, would have gone with the regiment to the front. The regiment landed at Anzac Cove during a tense period — the Turks had launched a massive attack on 19 May, trying to drive the Australians into the sea. When Stanley’s unit arrived, the beachhead was crowded, chaotic, and under constant threat from sniper fire and artillery.

TRENCH WARFARE AT GALLIPOLI

The 2nd Light Horse was thrown straight into the front line at Russell’s Top and Quinn’s Post, two of the most dangerous sectors.

Trenches were narrow, cut into hard rock, and often within shouting distance of Turkish positions. Constant sniper fire, grenades ("bombs"), and close-range skirmishes made the front deadly.

Duties and Routines

·      Rotating between front line, support, and rest positions — although "rest" was relative.

·      Digging and reinforcing trenches

·      Sniping and grenade exchanges

·      Night patrols and listening posts

·      Suffering through flies, disease, dysentery, and the constant stench of unburied bodies

MAJOR ACTIONS DEFENSIVE FIGHTING – MAY TO AUGUST 1915

The Light Horse played a defensive role, holding the line under almost daily Turkish attacks. The terrain was too confined and steep for large-scale advances.

HOSPITALISATION INFLUENZA JULY 1915

Stanley was admitted to the Floriana Hospital, Malta with influenza on 28th July 1915. This was a dangerous disease to have in an area with a lot of people who would continue to spread the infection. Many people died with this disease which could cause trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, seizures and/or severe weakness or muscle pain.

There was no effective medical treatment for Influenza. The Army Nurse Corps was critical for soldier’s care. Symptom management by skilled supportive nursing care was the best predictor of positive patient outcomes and decreases in mortality rates. This care consisted of duties such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, fever control, providing hydration, rest, dressing changes, open-air therapy, bed baths, clean bedding, feeding, back and chest rubs with camphorated sweet oil, and cleaning the ward

CHAIN TUFFIEHA CAMP

On 17^th July Stanley was transferred to the Chain Tuffieha Camp. This was a major Commonwealth military camp in Malta during World War I. It played an important role in the care and recovery of soldiers who were sick or wounded. It was a rest and recovery base for soldiers too sick or injured to return to active duty immediately. The camp had rows of tents and huts, often on terraced hillsides, with sea views. There were basic facilities: medical tents, latrines, mess areas, and bathing access at nearby beaches. Soldiers were often given light duties, allowed to rest, eat well, and recover strength.

REJOINED UNIT OCTOBER 1915

Stanley rejoined his unit on 25^th October 1915.  The regiment was engaged in routine trench warfare, under very difficult conditions — no major offensives, but constant risk. The regiment was holding part of the Anzac defensive line, most likely near Russell’s Top and Pope’s Hill, positions they had defended since May. These areas were close to Turkish trenches, meaning danger from sniper fire, bombs (grenades), and artillery was constant.

HOSPITALISATION NOVEMBER 1915 TO JANUARY 1916

PUO & FROSTBITE

Over the next few months Stanley was admitted to hospital in Malta with no detail on 26^th November then PUO on 4^th December.  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

FROST BITE JANUARY 1916

Around late November 1915, Gallipoli experienced a freezing storm followed by heavy snow and icy winds. This was completely unexpected for many soldiers who had just endured months of intense summer heat and flies. Within a few days, freezing rain turned to snow, and temperatures plummeted below zero at night.

Even though Gallipoli is in the Mediterranean, the winters there can be brutal, especially for soldiers living in exposed trenches on steep, windblown ridges.

Stanley had a thin woollen uniform, no proper winter coats, or boots & often wet or rotting socks and puttees. There were no waterproof boots, and many had bare or damp feet in freezing trenches.

Once in hospital, treatment would have included:

·      Frostbitten areas were slowly rewarmed, often by soaking in warm (not hot) water.

·      Soldiers were kept in warm wards or tents and encouraged to move or exercise limbs once pain allowed.

·      Iodine or carbolic acid solutions were often applied.

·      Later, Vaseline and paraffin gauze dressings were used to keep wounds clean and moist.

·      If blisters had formed, they might be lanced or left intact depending on the doctor’s preference.

·      Morphine or aspirin was given for pain.

·      Sedatives were used occasionally, depending on the severity.

·      Frostbite often turned septic.

·      Nurses and doctors watched for gangrene, ulcers, or abscesses.

·      Infected limbs might require debridement (removal of dead tissue), and in severe cases, amputation — though most moderate cases healed with time.

HELOUAN CONVALESCENT CAMP JANUARY 1916

On 6th January 1916 was transferred to Helouan Camp. Soldiers who were not sick enough for full hospital care, but not yet fit for front-line duty, were sent there to rest and recover. Helouan was chosen for its:

·      Dry desert air, thought to be therapeutic

·      Hot springs and sulphur baths (Helouan camp was a health spa before the war)

·      Open, sunny conditions ideal for soldiers recovering from cold, damp trenches

It had sanatoria, large hotels, and temporary tent hospitals adapted for military use

REJOINED UNIT JANUARY 1916

On 20^th January 1916 Stanley rejoined his unit. The regiment was now based in the Canal Defences Zone, likely around Serapeum, Ismailia, or Maadi in Egypt. This was on the western side of the Suez Canal, which the British Empire was determined to defend against Ottoman attacks from the Sinai Peninsula. The 2nd Light Horse was involved in patrolling the Suez Canal and nearby desert outposts.

The Turks had attacked the Canal in 1915 and were expected to try again — these patrols helped detect any signs of movement across the Sinai.

HOSPITALISATON MUMPS FEBRUARY 1916

Stanley was admitted to the 4^th Auxiliary Hospital in Cairo with mumps on 5^th February 1916. Mumps was, and is, a contagious viral illness, easily spread among the soldiers. It can cause fever, swelling of the salivary glands and inflammation in other parts of the body.  Soldiers would have suffered fever, headaches, tiredness, body aches & poor appetite. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Instead, treatment focuses on symptom relief. Treatment would have included plenty of rest, lots of fluids, using a warm or cool compress to relieve facial pain and swelling & eating foods that do not need a lot of chewing

TAKEN ON STRENGTH 1^ST LIGHT HORSE INFANTRY MARCH 1916

HELIOPOLIS TRAINING DEPOT

While in hospital Stanley was taken on strength with the 1st Light Horse on 1st March 1916 and transferred to Heliopolis. At Heliopolis, Stanley would have reported to the Australian Overseas Base, where:

·      He was likely medically inspected

·      Issued new equipment or uniform items

·      Waited for orders to rejoin the 1st Light Horse Regiment, wherever they were stationed (likely in the Canal Defence Zone or near Serapeum)

TRANSFERRED BACK TO 2^ND LIGHT HORSE APRIL 1916

On 29th April he was transferred back to the 2nd Light Horse at Sehag.  In April 1916, the brigade began pushing eastward into the Sinai Desert. Troops were building outposts, escorting camel trains, and preparing to support a major base at Romani. By April 1916, preparations were under way for the Battle of Romani (which would occur in August), and Romani was being fortified.

The 2nd Light Horse was engaged in:

·      Reconnaissance patrols

·      Building wells and bivouacs

·      Liaising with Bedouin guides and camel corps units

HOSPITALISATION PUO & FLY FEVER MAY AND JUNE 1916

Stanley was admitted to the 31^st General Hospital, Xantara with a PUO again on 16^th May 1916 the to 15^th General Hospital, Port Said with fly fever. Which was a common soldiers’ term especially among the ANZACs at Gallipoli, for a type of enteric or diarrhoeal illness, typically dysentery or enteritis, caused by contaminated food and water — and the massive fly infestation that plagued the trenches.  Gallipoli in 1915 was infested with flies, especially the bluebottle and housefly.

Flies bred rapidly in:

·      Unburied corpses (both human and animal)

·      Overflowing latrines

·      Rotting food waste

They swarmed on soldiers’ rations, water supplies, and mess tins. Soldiers noticed a direct connection between fly exposure and falling ill, hence the nickname “fly fever.” Most fly fever cases were

Dysentery

Severe diarrhoea, often with blood and mucus

Caused by Shigella bacteria or amoebic infection

Symptoms: stomach cramps, fever, exhaustion, dehydration

Enteric Fever (Typhoid or Paratyphoid)

Caused by Salmonella bacteria spread via contaminated food/water

Symptoms: persistent high fever, abdominal pain, rash, delirium

Gastroenteritis

General gut infection caused by poor hygiene and contaminated sources. Often milder than dysentery but widespread

Treatment included:

·      Hydration (if available)

·      Rest and clean food

·      Opium-based tinctures to control diarrhoea

·      Later, emetics and quinine if malaria or typhoid were suspected

CONVALESCENT CAMP TEL LE KEBIR JUNE- JULY 1916

Stanley was discharged on 7th June 1916 to the convalescent camp at Tel el Kebir. He had recovered from "fly fever" or a related illness (likely dysentery, enteritis, or exhaustion). He was not yet fit for full field service The two-week stay was a period of gradual reintegration

He likely did:

·      Daily light parade work

·      Fatigue duties

·      Possibly mounted drill if deemed strong enough

At the end of those two weeks, Stanley would have been assessed as medically fit and sent back to his regiment — in this case, the 2nd Light Horse, who by then were moving toward operations in the Sinai Desert.

REJOINED UNIT JULY 1916

On 26^TH July 1916 Stanley rejoined his unit which was deeply involved in one of the most significant phases of the Sinai Campaign — the final preparations for the Battle of Romani, which began just days later 4 August 1916.

BATTLE OF ROMANI AUGUST 1916

The regiment was stationed at Romani, a vital Allied outpost and railhead in the northern Sinai Desert, about 35 km east of the Suez Canal, near Katib Gannit and Bir el Abd. Romani was the forward defensive position in the desert — the last major point before Ottoman forces could reach the Canal.

The 2nd Light Horse was part of the 1st Light Horse Brigade, under Anzac Mounted Division. Their job was to:

·      Man defensive posts and trenches around Romani

·      Patrol eastward into the dunes to monitor Turkish movements

·      Dig in among the sandhills north and east of the Romani camp

·      Prepare for an expected Ottoman attack coming across the desert from Palestine

The terrain was harsh: rolling sand dunes, extreme heat, dust storms, and very limited water.

Night of 3–4 August

Turkish forces launched a surprise night attack, advancing from the east toward Romani. The 1st Light Horse Brigade, including Stanley’s 2nd LHR, was deployed in forward outposts in the sand dunes to the east and north-east of the Romani camp. The Light Horse fought dismounted — rifles, bayonets, and digging in the sand.

Early Morning – 4 August

The 2nd LHR was heavily engaged near Mount Meredith and Wady Hamisah. Turkish infantry pushed hard against their positions at dawn. The Light Horsemen, firing from sand dune crests, stubbornly held ground, slowing the enemy advance but taking casualties. Horses were kept well back under cover; all fighting was on foot.

Midday – Ordered Withdrawal

By noon, the forward Light Horse units (including 2nd LHR) were ordered to withdraw slowly back toward Romani, to avoid encirclement. They conducted a fighting retreat, falling back through the dunes, still under fire, but maintaining order. Their delaying action was critical — it disrupted the Turkish timetable and allowed the British infantry in Romani’s defences to prepare.

Evening – Turkish Advance Halted

By nightfall on 4 August, the Turkish attack stalled, exhausted, and disoriented by the deep sand and heat. The ANZAC Mounted Division’s resistance had blunted their momentum.

5 August – The Counterattack

At dawn, the Light Horse regiments mounted a sweeping counterattack around the Turkish flank. The 2nd LHR joined a wide push eastward, forcing the enemy to retreat toward Katia. The terrain was open desert, so once the horses were brought forward, the Light Horse could manoeuvre rapidly. Over 1,000 prisoners were taken, and Turkish forces began a long retreat across the Sinai.

The 2nd Light Horse Regiment’s Role

·      Held key forward posts during the initial Turkish attack.

·      Engaged in heavy dismounted combat through the sand dunes.

·      Carried out a disciplined fighting withdrawal under pressure.

·      Took part in the pursuit and clearing action on 5 August.

·      Played a key role in the first decisive Allied victory in the Sinai.

SINAI PURSUIT PHASE AUGUST 1916

After their pivotal role in the Battle of Romani, the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, with Stanley back in the ranks, immediately transitioned from defence to rapid pursuit operations across the Sinai Desert in August 1916. This phase was gruelling, fast-moving, and strategically important as the ANZAC Mounted Division chased the retreating Ottoman forces.

KATIA – 6 AUGUST 1916

The 2nd Light Horse joined the 1st Brigade’s pursuit of Turkish forces retreating from Romani. On 6 August, they reached Katia, a key oasis the Turks had used as a forward base. There was light fighting around Katia’s palm groves and wells. The Turks had already withdrawn, but the 2nd LHR:

·      Cleared the area

·      Secured water supplies

·      Assisted wounded and gathered supplies

Stanley would have ridden long hours, endured extreme heat (often above 45°C), and dealt with scarce water and blowing sand.

OGHRATINA – 7 AUGUST 1916

The 2nd LHR pushed on to Oghratina, another Turkish position east of Katia. There were skirmishes with Ottoman rearguards, but resistance was light. The regiment halted briefly to rest horses and water men before the next push

BIR EL ABD – 9–12 AUGUST 1916

The last major battle of the pursuit

9 August – the assault begins

At Bir el Abd, the Ottoman force made a final stand, with infantry, machine guns, and German officers in command. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment, as part of the 1st Brigade, was ordered to attack from the south-east. Fighting was intense and at close quarters — the Turks had dug in with good fields of fire.

10 August – Heavy Fire & Withdrawal

The Light Horse, including the 2nd LHR, held their position under artillery and rifle fire. The terrain was bare, open desert — very few places to take cover. After a day of fierce fighting and rising casualties, the ANZACs withdrew in good order on 12 August. Though the Turkish force escaped across the Sinai, their fighting power was shattered

After Bir el Abd – Mid to Late August

Stanley’s unit moved slowly eastward, reaching Salmana and later Mazar. Duties included:

·      Repairing wells

·      Building desert outposts

·      Patrolling the long, dusty supply lines

They camped in extreme heat, sleeping in bivvy tents, with constant watch for Turkish raiding parties.

SEPTEMBER 1916

After the successful Allied victory at the Battle of Romani in early August 1916, the Ottoman forces had been pushed back eastwards across the Sinai. The 2nd Light Horse, along with the rest of the mounted troops, played a crucial role in this pursuit and continued operations against the retreating Turkish forces. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was engaged in mobile operations and reconnaissance duties in the eastern Sinai, advancing toward El Arish and maintaining pressure on withdrawing Ottoman forces after Romani. It was a period of preparation, patrolling, and consolidation rather than major engagements.

PROMOTION SEPTEMBER 1916

On 9^th September Stanley was promoted to Lance Corporal

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 1916: ADVANCING ACROSS THE SINAI

The 2nd Light Horse was pushing eastward from Romani as part of the British Desert Column, driving Ottoman forces back toward Palestine. They conducted:

·      Reconnaissance patrols Securing and defending advanced outposts Assisting engineers with water supply and road development

They helped establish the railhead and water pipeline that supported the march across the desert. By December, the ANZAC Mounted Division (including 2nd LHR) reached El Arish (captured Dec 21) and shortly after Magdhaba.

23 DECEMBER 1916: BATTLE OF MAGDHABA

The 2nd Light Horse took part in the attack on Magdhaba, an Ottoman stronghold 40 km southeast of El Arish. This was a fast-moving, coordinated mounted action, ending in a complete Ottoman surrender. The 2nd LHR participated in the encirclement and assault, demonstrating the mobility of mounted troops in desert warfare.

9 JANUARY 1917: BATTLE OF RAFA

Another mounted attack on the border near Gaza, just inside Palestine. The regiment helped cut off retreating Turkish forces and again contributed to a major victory. After Rafa, the 2nd LHR moved deeper into southern Palestine.

FEBRUARY – MARCH 1917: PATROLS & PREPARATION

The regiment was part of the force preparing for an assault on Gaza.

They patrolled the Wadi Ghazzeh area, conducted reconnaissance, and helped protect work parties building roads and pipelines.

PROMOTION FEBRUARY 1917

Stanley was promoted to Temporary Corporal on 21 February 1917. A Temporary Corporal was a soldier who was promoted to the rank of Corporal for a limited period or under specific circumstances. It was not a permanent promotion: The soldier was given the rank and responsibilities of a Corporal, but the promotion was not confirmed as substantive (permanent). It often used when filling in: Temporary ranks were often given when:

·      A Corporal was absent due to illness, injury, or leave

·      There was a vacancy that needed to be filled quickly
A soldier was on trial for the role before being made substantive

26–27 MARCH 1917: FIRST BATTLE OF GAZA

The 2nd LHR was engaged in the unsuccessful Allied attempt to take Gaza. The Light Horse mounted a feint and diversion, and elements attacked from the east. Despite initial success, orders to withdraw led to missed opportunity and heavy casualties

17–19 APRIL 1917: SECOND BATTLE OF GAZA

Another major attempt, this time a frontal assault. The 2nd LHR supported the offensive, but the operation failed, with high casualties and heavy defensive fire from entrenched Ottoman positions. This led to a strategic pause in Allied operations while command was restructured under General Allenby.

CONFIRMATION OF PROMOTION MAY 1917

On 21 May 1917 his promotion was confirmed

MAY – SEPTEMBER 1917: HOLDING THE LINE & RAIDS

The 2nd Light Horse remained stationed east of Gaza, conducting:

·      Outpost duties

·      Reconnaissance patrols

·      Small raids and skirmishes

They operated in areas like Shellal, Tel el Jemmi, and Beersheba approaches. During this time, the troops endured harsh summer heat, disease (particularly malarial areas), and limited action.

IMPERIAL SCHOOL OF INSITUTION FUKHARI SEPTEMBER 1917

On 22nd September Stanley was sent to the Imperial School of Institution for training in leadership skills. The training included Leadership Training:

How to command a section or troop

Use of voice and whistle commands

Discipline and field administration

Drill and Musketry:

Advanced weapon handling (rifle and bayonet)

Training in light horse tactics—scouting, patrolling, dismounting under fire

Field Engineering & Entrenching:

Building fieldworks, trenches, or temporary shelters

Use of tools and organisation of fatigue parties

Signalling or Communications (if relevant):

Use of heliographs, signal flags, lamps, or early wireless

Map reading and sending reports

REJOINED UNIT OCTOBER

Stanley rejoined his unit on 4^th October

OCTOBER 1917 – PREPARING FOR THE ASSAULT

The 2nd Light Horse was part of the Anzac Mounted Division, under Desert Mounted Corps led by General Chauvel. In October, they were stationed near Beersheba, as part of preparations for a major offensive to break the Ottoman Gaza-Beersheba line. They were engaged in:

·      Reconnaissance and patrols east of Beersheba

·      Dismounted training in preparation for attack

·      Night movements to conceal positions from the enemy

·      Water convoy and camel train protection

31 OCTOBER 1917 – BATTLE OF BEERSHEBA

The 2nd Light Horse played a crucial role in the flanking assault on Beersheba. They attacked from the east, advancing dismounted to seize Turkish trenches and key ridges (e.g. Tel el Saba). While the famous 4th Light Horse Brigade made the dramatic mounted charge into the town, the 2nd LHR’s dismounted assault helped clear the eastern defences and allowed for the final success. This battle broke the Ottoman defensive line.

PROMOTED TO TEMPORARY SERGEANT NOVEMBER 1917

Stanley was promoted to Temporary Sergeant 1st November 1917 as Sgt Taylor was wounded in action

NOVEMBER 1917 – PURSUIT & THE FALL OF GAZA

After Beersheba, the 2nd LHR took part in the rapid follow-up operations: They pursued retreating Ottoman forces across the Judean Plain

·      Engaged in the battles of Tel el Khuweilfe and Sheria

·      Advanced through Huj, Esdud (Ashdod), and up toward Jaffa

On 7 November, Gaza was evacuated by the Ottomans. The Light Horse helped push toward Junction Station, cutting off Turkish supply lines.

CONFIRMED AS SERGEANT NOVEMBER 1917

Stanley was confirmed as sergeant on 10^th November 1917

DECEMBER 1917 – BATTLE OF JERUSALEM

The regiment moved into the Judean Hills, operating in very difficult conditions—cold, rain, rocky terrain. Although Jerusalem was captured by infantry on 9 December, the 2nd LHR:

·      Protected the flanks and approaches from counter-attacks

·      Engaged in patrolling and securing supply routes

·      Fought in the Battle of Jaffa (late December), helping push Turkish forces across the Auja River

They were also dealing with harsh winter weather, disease (especially malaria and dysentery) & exhaustion after months of continuous action

CADRE TO 1^ST LIGHT HORSE BATTALION JANUARY 1918

On 10th January Stanley was cadred to the 1st Light Horse Battalion. He was likely engaged in non-frontline duties, such as training reinforcements, managing unit affairs, or supporting operations from behind the lines — helping maintain the regiment’s structure and readiness.

Likely Duties:

·      Training and instruction – Stanley may have been involved in helping train new reinforcements arriving in the Middle East.

·      Administrative or support work – Cadre staff often handled logistics, supplies, record-keeping, and coordination for the unit.

·      Unit maintenance during reorganization or rest – If a unit was not at full strength or had recently seen action, cadre staff kept the unit running while others were recovering or being replaced.

APRIL 1918 REJOINED UNIT

He rejoined the  2^ND Light Horse on 5^th April 1918

APRIL 1918

The regiment was involved in patrols, reconnaissance, and maintaining security along the front lines in the Jordan Valley and surrounding areas. They were part of the ongoing effort to hold the line against Ottoman forces and prepare for upcoming offensives. Conditions were tough with harsh climate, malaria, and limited supplies, so a lot of effort went into rest, reorganization, and training when not actively engaged.

MAY 1918

Continued defensive duties and training in preparation for the later summer offensive. The regiment would have been involved in harassing enemy lines, raids, and maintaining communication and supply routes.

SCHOOL OF INSTITUTE BEIT JALA JUNE 1918

Stanley attended the School of Institute on 9^th June to 26^th June for further training

MALARIA JULY 1918

Stanley was firstly admitted to the Anzac Receiving Station on 5^th July 1918 with malaria. This was the first point of care where soldiers were examined, diagnosed, and given initial treatment or stabilization. On 8^th July he was sent to the Clearing Station where he was provided emergency medical treatment, and stabilised. These treatments were all “in the field,” i.e.  behind lines

HOSPITALISATION MALARIA JULY 1918

On 13^th July 1918 he was admitted to the Australia General Hospital in Port Said.

DISCHARGED & GIVEN LEAVE AUGUST 1918

Stanley was discharged on 29^th August and given 14 days leave in Cairo

REJOINED UNIT -PROMOTED TO WARRANT OFFICER 2 OCTOBER 1918

Stanley rejoined his unit on 8^th October and was promoted to Warrant Officer 2 on 14^th October due to SSM Walker being sick

MOASCAR NOVEMBER 1918

Stanley was marched out to Moascar on 9^th November 1918. Moascar was another training camp.

WAR ENDED

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.

GOING HOME

Stanley returned to Australia 15 November 1918 on the MT Port Darwin
FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service Stanley was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal

HOME LIFE

Stanley died on 26 February 1970 (aged 77) at Chinderah, and is buried at Tweed Heads Lawn Cemetery

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