The Great War scarred many of the characters in A Distant Prospect. The father of one of the quartet members served in France in the 13th Regiment of the Australian Light Horse. Formed at Broadmeadows in Victoria in March 1915, its regimental number quickly led to it becoming known as the “Devil’s Own”.
Australian Light Horse in the snow, France 1917
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Copyright expired – public domain.
Of sixteen Australian Light Horse regiments which saw action in the Middle East, only the 4th and 13th Regiments were sent on to France and Belgium. According to the Australian War Memorial records, the 13th Light Horse carried out traffic control, rear area security and prisoner escort tasks, and, when the tactical situation permitted, the more traditional cavalry role of reconnaissance. It was most active during the more mobile phases of the war on the Western Front, which included the follow-up of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, the stemming of the German Spring Offensive of 1918, and the allied offensive of August and September 1918. The regiment’s largest engagement was during the operations to capture the Hindenburg “outpost line” between 5 and 9 September 1918 when it provided the advance guard, along a front of 13.5 kilometres, for the advance of the Australian Corps.
Annette’s research for her fictitious cavalryman’s war service included unearthing records of medal citations, such as this one deservedly awarded to 24-year-old farmer, Pvt. George Palmer:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near NAUROY during the operations of 29th and 30th September 1918. Palmer was attached to Brigade Headquarters as a galloper between Brigade and Battalion Headquarters. On the night of the 29th/30th September whilst carrying despatches to one of the forward Battalions he got caught in a very heavy barrage and had his horse killed under him, he himself being heavily thrown and badly shaken. He continued on foot, delivered his despatches and reported back to Brigade headquarters. By this time telephonic communication had been cut and all other runners who were acquainted with the locality had become casualties. Hearing that an important operation order had to go out, Palmer volunteered to carry it, although still suffering from shock. On reaching a point West of BELLICOURT he was informed that the forward routes were closed to traffic owing to the intense enemy artillery fire; he left his horse, a fresh one which he had obtained, with the traffic post and fearlessly pushed forward on foot. He safely delivered his despatches after going through one of the heaviest barrages that has been experienced on this front. His work was a fine example of courage and devotion to duty.’
Source: ‘Commonwealth Gazette’ No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919
Deep fondness for one beloved, wittily-named horse is poignantly captured in letters from the Front revealed in the later chapters of A Distant Prospect:
• Gregory Allegri, the hardy Australian war horse