**Gaza (Battle Honour)**
**Definition:**
Gaza is a battle honour awarded to units of the British and Imperial Armies that participated in the series of engagements fought around Gaza in Palestine during the First World War, notably in 1917. These battles were part of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign against the Ottoman Empire.
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# Gaza (Battle Honour)
The battle honour „Gaza” commemorates the participation of British and Imperial military units in the three major battles fought near the town of Gaza, in southern Palestine, during the First World War. These engagements, occurring between March and November 1917, were pivotal in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, marking the struggle for control over the strategically significant Gaza region. The award of this battle honour recognizes the bravery, sacrifice, and operational achievements of the units involved in these operations against the Ottoman forces.
## Historical Context
### The Sinai and Palestine Campaign
The Sinai and Palestine Campaign was a theatre of the First World War that involved British Empire forces, including troops from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, India, and other dominions, fighting against the Ottoman Empire, which was allied with the Central Powers. The campaign aimed to secure the Suez Canal, a vital maritime route, and to push Ottoman forces out of the Sinai Peninsula and Palestine.
By early 1917, the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF), commanded by General Sir Archibald Murray, had advanced across the Sinai Peninsula and was poised to attack Ottoman positions in southern Palestine. The town of Gaza, located on the Mediterranean coast, was a key defensive position for the Ottomans, serving as a gateway to the interior of Palestine.
### Strategic Importance of Gaza
Gaza was heavily fortified and defended by well-entrenched Ottoman troops, supported by German officers and artillery. Its capture was essential for the British to advance northwards towards Jerusalem and ultimately to defeat the Ottoman forces in the region. The town’s location on the coastal plain made it a natural defensive stronghold, controlling the main road and railway lines.
## The Battles of Gaza
The battle honour „Gaza” encompasses three distinct battles fought in 1917:
### First Battle of Gaza (26 March 1917)
The First Battle of Gaza was the initial British attempt to capture the town. The Egyptian Expeditionary Force, under the command of Lieutenant General Sir Philip Chetwode, launched an assault involving infantry and mounted troops. Despite initial successes and the breaching of Ottoman defensive lines, the attack was called off prematurely due to concerns about overextended supply lines and the arrival of Ottoman reinforcements.
The battle ended inconclusively, with the British forces withdrawing, allowing the Ottomans to retain control of Gaza. The failure was attributed to cautious command decisions and logistical difficulties, but it provided valuable lessons for subsequent operations.
### Second Battle of Gaza (17–19 April 1917)
The Second Battle of Gaza was a larger and more heavily planned offensive, involving a frontal assault on the well-fortified Ottoman positions. The British forces, reinforced and better prepared, launched attacks on multiple fronts, including infantry assaults supported by artillery.
Despite intense fighting and heavy casualties, the British were unable to break through the Ottoman defenses. The defenders, well entrenched and supported by effective artillery fire, repelled the attacks. The failure of the second battle led to criticism of British command and a reassessment of tactics in the campaign.
### Third Battle of Gaza (27 October – 7 November 1917)
The Third Battle of Gaza marked a turning point in the campaign. Under the new command of General Sir Edmund Allenby, the British forces adopted a more innovative and coordinated approach. The battle began with a feint attack on Gaza itself, drawing Ottoman attention, while the main assault targeted the weaker Ottoman positions at Beersheba to the east.
The capture of Beersheba on 31 October 1917, including the famous charge of the Australian Light Horse, outflanked the Ottoman defenses. Subsequently, British and Imperial forces broke through the Gaza line, forcing the Ottomans to retreat northwards. The fall of Gaza opened the way for the British advance into Palestine, culminating in the capture of Jerusalem in December 1917.
## Awarding of the Battle Honour
### Criteria and Eligibility
The battle honour „Gaza” was awarded to units of the British and Imperial Armies that took part in any of the three battles fought in the Gaza region during 1917. This included infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineers, and support units engaged in the operations.
The honour was officially recognized and emblazoned on regimental colours, standards, and guidons, serving as a symbol of distinguished service and sacrifice. It remains a significant part of the heritage of many British and Commonwealth regiments.
### Units Awarded the Honour
Numerous units from across the British Empire received the Gaza battle honour. These included British infantry regiments, Indian Army units, Australian and New Zealand mounted troops, and artillery formations. The award acknowledged the diverse contributions of these forces in a challenging and strategically vital campaign.
## Legacy and Significance
### Military Impact
The battles of Gaza demonstrated the challenges of desert warfare, including logistics, coordination, and the need for combined arms tactics. The initial failures underscored the importance of intelligence, reconnaissance, and flexible command structures.
The eventual success in the Third Battle of Gaza showcased the effectiveness of innovative tactics, including the use of mounted troops for rapid flanking maneuvers and the integration of infantry and artillery. The victory was a morale boost for the British Empire forces and a significant blow to Ottoman control in the region.
### Commemoration
The battle honour „Gaza” is commemorated by regiments that carry the distinction on their colours and in regimental histories. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in harsh conditions and the strategic importance of the campaign in the broader context of the First World War.
The battles also hold historical significance in the context of the Middle East, influencing the post-war political landscape and the eventual establishment of British mandates in Palestine.
## Conclusion
The battle honour „Gaza” represents a series of critical engagements during the First World War that shaped the course of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. Awarded to units that demonstrated courage and resilience in the face of formidable Ottoman defenses, the honour reflects both the hardships and the eventual triumphs of British and Imperial forces in the region. The legacy of Gaza continues to be remembered in military traditions and historical scholarship as a key episode in the First World War’s Middle Eastern theatre.
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**Meta Description:**
Gaza is a battle honour awarded to British and Imperial units for their participation in the 1917 battles near Gaza during the First World War. These engagements were crucial in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign against Ottoman forces.