Deployment of 1 Div Train

The transport elements left out of the Gallipoli campaign became Western Frontier Force's train for the Senussi campaign from December 1915 to February 1916.

This involved first a four-day march across the western desert to rendzvous with Western Desert Force.

Some travelled in beter style - including Lt .C.B. Grieve and others of 4 Coy.

Australian War Memorial A00499, C04972

 

 

Driving Conditons

Along the coast road in the dry, road conditions were normal for the horsed-transport era. Off road supporting the force it became progressively more difficult

Australian War Memorial P02282.047, C04954

 

 

1st Division Train wagons evacuating wounded
to the base at Mersa Matruh January 1916.

In supporting columns in the desert, the companies had to protect themselves from a mobile enemy, requiring protective laagers when not on the move. 4 Coy fought an infantry action early in the deployment.

Heavy rains in the first half of the month turned the desert into mud, temporarily halting operations of Western Frontier Force. The normal team of four mules has been augmented to free the empty General Service wagon. Loaded wagons needed up to 16 mules or horses to clear them through bad patches of mud or sand.

Australian War Memorial C00497, CO4963

 

Train with horse wagon
Railhead El Dabaa

Initialy communications forward were across the desert until a forward base coul be stabished and protected. 1 Div Train was initially deployed through there.

Port shipping
Mersa Matruh 1916

Opening of the port enabled a direct supply line from which 1 Div Train operated inland in support of Western Desert Force.

Australian War Memorial P02282.049, H03355

 

Suport of the Senussi Campaign