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Avir-16116 (2185) -Avir at the Australia Light Horse Memorial in Beersheva

            Here Avir is visiting the Australian Light Horse Memorial Soldier Park which is in Beersheva and well appointed with picnic areas, gardens, waterfalls and many areas for children to play in. This Memorial Park, established in 2008, is dedicated to the memory of the Australian Light Horse regiments that captured the town from the Ottoman Empire during World War 1, a very courageous battle which is portrayed in the Australian 1987 feature movie The Light Horseman.

            The memorial statue featured here gives a vivid portrayal of the energy and dedication of the Australian Light Horseman, and their story is well documented on plaques within the Park. The actions of these brave horsemen completed the first step of an offensive that would see the liberation of Jerusalem six weeks later. The battle of Beersheva was fought on 31 October, 1917.  It was part of a wider British offensive known as the third battle of Gaza.

            This was a proud and pensive moment for Avir, as one of his close relatives had been part of the offensive. He took many photos of the memorial and the stories which had been passed down from family to family. Next year will mark the 100th Anniversary where it is estimated there will be many thousands of visitors, including hundreds from Australia. A re-enactment of the Charge is planned on the centenary.