What gonna do get in a lighthorse?
Got be 18. Fit. Jump aloft fix bareback. Nothing too much.
Hey, Dave, get off there.
If he wants to do it... we can't stop him now.
Keep well up, come on.
Go on.
Split up, men... keep your pace.
Hold up, men of regiment.
So the British thought they could take Gaza with tanks.
They thought they could terrify us.
Welcome to Palestine, Captain Reichert.
Thank you, sir.
The High Command has sent you to congratulate me
on my earlier victory in Gaza.
News of your triumph arrived after my departure,
but I'm sure they would wish me to do so, sir.
Of course, but all congratulations are due to the British General
Sir Archibald Murray.
For he had captured the town but he's succeed done ahead.
He didn't know... and withdrew his troops.
There's a little joy in the defeat of the unaware opponent.
I realized by a clever young intelligence officer being sent here from Berlin.
But a by you know it will.
In fact, I'll suggest the substance of your first report on me.
General von Kressenstein is supremely confident that the British will attack
Gaza again and again, and he will defeat them again and again.
Cavalry, sir.
They're not cavalry, Captain.
They're Australian Lighthorse Mounted Infantry.
You could tell them by the plumes in their hats.
They're formidable soldiers but the English don't know how to use them.
Wait to the lighthorse dismount, Colonel, then open fire.
On the men or the horses, sir?
Why, on the men.
You don't understand, do you?
You've so much to learn about war in the desert, you and General Murray both.
See there.
Halt, dismount...
Come on now, on the double.
Come on you, dabbled. Bugger off. You get us put in the hell.
These the men who went in to Gaza during the first battle.
Good troops, again wasted.
We're fighting in a desert.
Warfare in its purest form in with one inescapable rule.
Men and horses must drink.
A man can carries his water bottle travel short distances slowly
and fight while his water lasts.
A horse can fill it spelled with water travel long distances just quickly
go without water for one or two days.
But then must drink huge quantities enough for 30 men or die horribly.
And each time Gaza is attacked, we hold out for one or two days is most.
And the British are defeated... by the desert.
Charlie...
General Chauvel sends his compliments
to General Sir Archibald Murray and all the staffs.
Yes, sir.
We're running out of time, we're running out of water.
I'm running out of patience in with it my capacity to obey orders.
I can not believing.
Let me see it.
Leave it with me... Charlie.
Halt... not march.
- Okay to rest the horses? - No, mate, we keep going.
Gaza is only about 50 miles. Hear the artillery?
Orders didn't say anything is going to action.
Yeah, I know... but Khan Yunis will be on the side lines.
My British Chauvel gonna need every man he can get.
This regiment setup enough them battles.
Easy, easy, ginger.
He likes bloody guns. He getting excited.
Can't blame him.
You know I'll keeping us away from the Turks.
They're look terrified like bugges of death the whole bloody war.
You're bloody fiery, Tas. And I no mistake.
What's up with you? You drive bloody lump worries misery.
I'm just thinking.
Are you thinking, mate? What about?
About why they keeping us sorted?
Boring the Colonel?
Bullshit, Frank, Bourchier is a real gallant... more guts than bullet.
Yeah, but he's friends spanking new colonel... an easy young one.
And the old pommy brass then trust him.
So we're assign Charlie again.
Again the horses as well?
Listen.
Can't hear anything.
That's right.
Sergeant... what's the news from Gaza?
Another bloody disaster, sir.
They're reckoned 18,000 casualties.
Good one to be Arab, Bill.
They're good ones to be Arabs.
When the bugger away to spend the war.
This is place where heading for Khan Yunis.
You're thinking on their pub?
Oh, you look at that... English soldiers.
Now look, Scotty... I plan get this stripes back quick smile
so wanna I'm not get involve in any stupid bloody stuffs.
Frank, haven't you known me to start a fight?
I by God of seeing you finished a few.
Come on.
Nice to meet you, man.
Three cheers for the lighthorse.
- Hip hip. - Hooray.
Allright you boys got yourself not to bad even worse than us.
Would it be?
No thanks, mate. We're just looking for somebody.
- Ah... - Yeah, that's right.
- Be seeing you. - # Australia will be there. #
- Fellas, who looking for? - # Australia will be there. #
# Australia will be there. #
Bloody beautiful.
Not a pattern at sunset in Gallipoli.
Every one better than the last.
Never knew if let he see the another one.
Is nearly two years ago.
Jesus... we've been away in three years.
Another kids when you get home, Tas?
Buddy kids... wonderful I was side so peaceful up here
and just now I bloody misses and kids drive me crazy.
Your misses was allright?
Yes, she's allright.
If I had a fiancée like Frank's three years is the same a hell a lot of time.
She's worth waiting for.
Worth waiting for?
I'll tell you when he gets back home the second thing he'll do is taking
his bloody boots off.
Three bloody years.
Well, Chauvel is been given command of the whole desert column.
The regiment will be moving out in 10 minutes.
You seek, mate... a real bloody thing. We shall I takes a thing to it?
These are our trenches... the end of Wadi Gaza.
Past here... Turkish cavalry from Beersheba.
- We're taking them on? - I'll give us our chance.
We get the best regiment in the brigade. Now we gonna prove.
"A" Squadron to advance column the bridge... full march.
Land of milk and honey.
Yeah, what a hell to take Moses and the Jews 40 years to get here from egypt?
I recommend you daring their info.
- What you think? - Lovely spot for reception committee.
Yeah.
We split up, take a look around.
Now, I get him.
Go, Ginger, go.
Forget, Frank... trap.
Bloody idiot.
Ginger.
Are you allright, Frank?
Get the saddle off, Tas.
There's a big group of Bedouin up the valley, Serge.
- Sid, cover us. - Come on, boys. Split up.
Jeez, the leg look bad... Frank.
Is the horse, Ted.
Okay, he's never make it back to the camp.
- I'm better put him down. - No. I'll do it... please.
Frank.
How's Frank?
Oh, not too bad... he's gone to hospital at El Arish.
I thought we can replace him at section with Vic Smith, he is from Gallipoli.
Got afford it.
You realize is only 60 men left with us from Gallipoli?
No, sir, I didn't.
You right, I should to split them up.
Oh, last be a pity.
Yes, I agree.
But I hope an reinforcement in Frank's section... you recruit.
Ooh, they won't like that.
Too bloody bad.
Lads... this is Dave Mitchell, Corporal Tas.
- Good day. - Scotty Bolton.
- Dave. - Chiller Davis.
- Chiller. - Ai.
I let the boys show you the road safe. Good dug into the squadron.
- Where're you from? - Melbourne.
- City boy? - I'm not really.
I'm from Preston you know, near suburb.
My Dad got a dairy farm.
I makes all the difference.
You'd better down that gears somewhere.
- You can put it in my billy. - Frank's is in there.
Well, he won't be need it for awhile.
Allright till he gets back.
Now suppose we better go fix you up with the horse.
Easy. Easy.
How long he been off the boat, Sergeant?
- About three weeks. - Oh, I gallop him?
Fine.
Not bad at all.
Any trouble is Turks don't stand still.
Neither do rabbits.
Scotty... you not Scotch, are you?
No.
Then why they call you Scotty?
Because I'm Irish.
What a work you in?
Engine driver, steam engine.
And Tas and Chiller, what about them?
We're all in sawmill... up in up west.
You're all good mates?
Well, I was only there for awhile.
What do you think the tucker?
Fine.
This's not would to used in the area suburbs.
We're not expect fancy food in the army.
All is fancy food, son.
Get out there a bully bacon biscuit rotten greasy bully biff.
Biscuit you can't break without a shovel smiley bloody water form the Arab wells.
Now with the boiled abilities. This is real fancy.
Why don't you go tell a cook, Tas, to make it stay?
It's not point letting anybody get the idea sober and skit to at here,
guy of gallop shoots the tag and expected a medal is not bloody picnic.
I know that, Tas.
What do you know, fresher up bloody school?
What the hell you know about war?
I know isn't going to be over in 6 months.
You say as what we're thought, are you?
It’s what my brother thought when he joined up.
We learned different, didn't he?
Yeah... he's dead.
I just gone ask the stable picket to keeping on my horse.
Might fun to be stranger in first night.
So help me, Tas, that big mouth with the death of you?
How'll I was warrant know his brother was killed?
So I don't want any kids thinking his step in Frank's boot in this section.
Children... piss off.
Keep your eyes open.
Floor rest, Scotty.
Can I get someone to hold this horses?
No, I'm fine... thanks.
Don't want to go and seek Corporal Frank with your mates?
No, I don't willy. I not knowing him at well... thanks to assign.
Just a couple of minutes now?
Good day. where's the fruit and flowers?
I've got some better here, mate... letter from home.
- Must be from Joyce. - It's not her writing.
What is it, mate?
Read aloud.
Go on, Tas.
"It’s hard to write, somebody got to tell you."
"No anybody else same up to it."
"Joyce married of life from Warracknabeals 6 months ago."
"Shipped to Geelong. No one heard a word since."
Bloody awful.
How off... better off they there, right?
Let me think I crooked done she's... she's kept taking my payoff open.
Allright, boys... you'll have to go now.
Let us, sister.
- Allright, be seeing you, Frank. - Yeah, you will be back on me.
Yeah, you bet.
They're watch you... you're a free man.
Can I get you anything, Corporal?
No, sister... there's nothing I want.
You'd better give that letter a rest... you worry hard.
Missing home?
A bit.
Oh, you're lucky. Most be miss home hell of a lot.
Goodnight, Scotty.
I'll seeing you.
What's happening, Tas?
Turks got a railway up the east...
...rush reckoned crapped us saw all of bit and so we going to blow it up.
You saying the whole regiment to do that?
They sending two bloody divisions, son.
What'll we do?
What we're bloody told.
It's bloody Turkish cavalry.
What your reckon?
Watch your step, mate.
They've been the scape a hundreds of years, it's you're first strike.
Major Lawson, prepare "A" Troop for covering fire.
"B" Troop for dismounted frontal attack.
Execute when "C" and "D" Troops are ready for mounted advance the left flank.
When out a step, son, don't forget the safety catch.
Now, look just stick with me and Scotty, you sweetest than that.
Chiller is the best horse runner in the regiment, Dave.
You'll get them through hell and back if you need me.
"B" Troop, fix bayonets!
"A" Troop, rapid fire... fire!
"B" Troop, charge!
Lads... I have just a bad news.
Frank... died in Cairo yesterday.
Jesus, what happened?
The wound turn septic. They...
They had take the leg off, and... it just got worse and... they sent him to Cairo.
I know what you lays sorted about to the man.
I'm truly sorry.
Thanks, sir.
Well.
It could be a mistake, couldn't?
- I mean any made mistakes all the time. - No.
I sort in his eyes the day he read that letter.
The life just... went out of him.
Bullshit... you're talking bullshit.
Who're you looking at one?
What you criminal, bloody rifle for? Can shoot for some rabbits?
We lost the best bloody mate hardly to find and get some gutless little one.
Long time since without death in the regiment.
But I'm afraid we would mobilize soon.
- Not another attack on Gaza? - No, it's not yet.
We'll stepping up a patrol activity...
...is call getting the Turkish to show his teeth.
We're moving camp to Tel el Fara then towards Beersheba.
Padre, what do you know about Beersheba?
Oh, very ancient settlement.
Thousand years old when Christ was a child. Founded by Abraham.
He dug a well, still it today, Well of Abraham.
He swore a kind treaty ever run like rulers so called the Well of the Oath.
Beersheba.
What's up water are there now?
- Dave. - Sir.
Have Tas avoid returned from wood detail yet?
No, sir.
Pity be start... makes be change round around the wagon.
No. Somebody had to work the horses.
Settle in allright?
Yes. Yes, sir.
Tas can be tough to live with sometimes but he's a damn find soldier.
I know, sir... I'm learning.
Ai... good work.
Raid.
Get the horses.
In the lines found come up.
Dave, just get your own horse, terminate the other loose.
Come on, mate, come on.
You silly young fucking. You'll never make it with four horses. Piss off.
Look out, it's coming back.
You allright, son?
Yes, Serge... sorry about the horses, Serge.
Sorry? Now would be different if we're late about 10 minutes.
- They're alive. - Thank you, carry on you mate.
Good day.
Believe you fell of your horse.
Good on you, son.
The hand pretty crook?
- Yeah, doctor put some carbolic on it. - Uuh.
- It's really burning. - Still on good.
At last would be.
The horses back allright?
All you know... as soon the plane went tided
before them tared back to the line just stood there waiting to be hooked on.
No necessity guilty at that horses yours feeding real good.
Tell you what... when we arrive Beersheba come up have a smoke
kind good some late back on your bentle
away have to do then is find you some scripple on it.
Sick brave for you?
I'm allright, Scotty... it's just the heavy saddle.
You can't even lift it sick brave. Where you're going?
You're in hospital... at El Arish.
- El Arish? - He-eh.
The horses... they're allright?
That's good.
Dave...
So wonderful to see you up.
Yeah, it's good.
Will back to the regiment no time.
Suppose so.
You're anxious to get back?
Not anxious now... I miss you very much.
Thank you.
That's the way seems here...
...once get back among your mates so is seem so important.
Yes, she'll... especially then.
What's it, Dave?
Out there.
It's nothing.
You know... I'm a good tucker.
And... past... that's all.
- Same old army life. - Past more that... it's much more.
- Missing home. - Don't you trust me to try understand?
You understand.
I had a Turk in my sight... and I didn't shoot.
Keep telling myself it's just because I didn't say mean it.
I didn't want to shoot a man in the back.
And what's wrong with that?
I'm worried I'm just making excuses... I won't be able to kill.
I saw a lot of soldiers feel like that.
I wanna how many them mated the courage to confront their feelings.
Courage... funny sort of courage?
I don't even have the nerves to ask you out.
Wish you would.
Really?
Of course.
- You know that... it's marvelous. - You'd get better first.
I'm better already.
Dave, you're really sick, you're delirious for two days.
- Maybe still a laugh. - No.
I know what I'm say.
Hey... bugger off.
I'll write.
I will, too.
I'll... get back as soon as I can.
Dave.
Scotty.
I thought bring a friend to meet you.
- It's looking great. - I give him a bit exercise.
I tried to ride like another suburban bloke
- so you would think not anything wrong. - Thanks, Scotty.
- Good to have you back. - Let's go.
I wanna make a personal reconnaissance toward Beersheba.
I need a horse hold up. Stan a couple days leave.
Well, about the young Mitchell,
- easy about duty camouflage duties. - Mitchell good.
Ask him to collect my horse from the line and report for next rifle... 0900.
Wondering about the rifle, son?
Yes, sir.
Well, if we get close enough to the Turks, my revolver won't be of any use.
We both be in a lot trouble.
Bedouins, sir.
A British officer with them.
Or perhaps someone wearing a British uniform.
He's coming this way.
Get back down the well and tie your horse up and back here quick smart.
Yes, sir.
Right son, now, you listen to me... you cover that bloke.
If he makes one suspicious move... you shoot him, right?
Yes, sir.
Colonel.
Major.
Friends of yours?
Friends of ours, Colonel.
I didn't expected find a British officer alone in this sector.
Well, I could say the same time.
But you see, Major, I'm not quite alone.
- Where're you from? - Headquarters.
- Which headquarters? - Cairo.
Of course, take a long time to check.
Yes, I suppose it would.
Colonel, I would feel a good deal happier if that man
wouldn't point that bloody things at me.
You hand me your revolver... must see what we can do about it.
Very slowly.
By the lanyard, Major.
After you, Major.
Are you going to be in the firing squad?
A joke, private... not a very good one I admit.
Ah, Colonel.
Thank you.
You found what you're looking for?
Possibly, a brand new tunic made by Egyptian tailor
and a brand new papers made up to Major Meinertzhagen.
The name is Danish... not German as you so all suspect.
If I was German, would I use such an un-English name?
Everything is new because I was torpedoed to my way to Palestine.
I lost all my kit.
Very possible story, Major. But I'll check with headquarters in Cairo.
- I'd rather you didn't. - I believe you.
For a very good reason... which I can't really discuss in front unlisted man.
Thanks, Mitchell, good work, son.
- Well? - This’s very embarrassing.
I'm in charge of the intelligence for new Commander-in-Chief,
the man who is to replace Sir Archibald Murray.
Only at the moment Sir Archibald does not know he's being replaced.
And who is the new Commander-in-Chief?
General Sir Edmund Allenby.
Lieutenant Colonel Bourchier.
Colonel.
My Second-in-Command, sir, Major Rankin.
- Sir. - Major.
I believe you've met Major Meinertzhagen.
We have, sir.
Colonel.
Look at the bastard.
Typical bloody idiot pommy brass... who know horse for bloody camel.
Well kept plan, Colonel.
The horses are in good condition.
Or perhaps would do you say fraction too good?
A normally I would, sir.
But the next day so I'm taking the whole regiment out of the country
near Beersheba, tell me derby answer condition they got.
Oh, reconnaissance?
No sir, the Turkish cavalry ambush some lighthorse patrol.
We gonna take them on their own game.
Do you? What do you have in mind?
Road from Beersheba runs pass ruins here, the Khasif.
Each morning a large Turkish patrol passes run way to the water.
We'll hide one troop in ruins under Major Rankin.
And three troops in this ridge as bait.
Come on.
Cease fire.
You gutsy bastard, Abdul.
Drop him.
Sergeant, six men to kill that horses, bring in any wounded.
Rest of you... cover that ridge.
Come on, Mitchel.
Rest one of it... you check it.
It's all over, mate.
What the hell happen?
Don't know, Serge.
Well, help me get this bloke in.
Poor bastard... he's goes to the line, son.
Is anything we can do?
He's just drained his own blood.
Halt... dismount... action front.
Move on. Let's go.
Ah, Colonel.
Major.
I must to make a point, sir.
This is a rest camp, but some military standard must be maintained.
Shorts must not be worn.
I'll pass to all my men, sir, no shorts.
Morning, Major.
Come on.
We get do something about it Bluey Hampton make the kid
just froze while Turk came in with the saber hell is getting himself killed.
Are you worried about Dave or yourself?
Allright, yeah, I want to get back home. So as Chiller... and so as you.
And why he is that kid the weak bloody linking us the section?
He's a nice kid. He got guts so all bad.
Jesus... he's supposed to be a soldier.
He's should be able kill a man. If he can't do, bloody bad. Piss off, Dave.
So... you're gonna tell him?
I know what you mean, Tas.
I'm sorry I let you down.
Oh, look, son... you haven't let anybody down. It's just...
Hell bloody all your said.
You not carry out to be a soldier. You know that, don't you?
Suppose we do, yeah.
So important to me... my family...
you know my brother... I really want them to be proud of me.
You have believe one thing, Dave.
It isn't a matter cowardness, or not being a real man what ever there is.
I don't believe I could kill.
Nobody expects you too, sir.
That's true... but you transfered to the field ambulance
same output stretcher bearer.
Nobody would expect you to kill, would they?
No.
You'll be unarmed... medical call un-allowed to carry weapons.
Off line a think a battle doing a battle job takes a lot guts.
If you like the idea, I can talk to Major Lawson.
First I've take this back the armorer.
You know I look after that.
- Thanks, Tas. - You come with us now again.
I'll do that, Scotty.
You need back stop in the field ambulance... anytime.
Sure.
Allright.
Yeah.
Well, I'll be seeing you.
Look after so.
Take care, mate.
Dave.
Ha-ah, I feel like getting piss.
Every time you get piss you hit somebody.
Allright, I'd feel hitting somebody.
The best thing, Chiller, isn't it?
The best it is.
Oh, I minus peacefully the kid... and practically saved his life.
Yeah, I suppose so. Yeah.
Jesus, I'm sick in this bloody war.
Why I want this basically very simple.
I want the Turks to think we going to attack Gaza again.
Actually we straighted the other end of the line, at Beersheba.
We stop to under break the lock... we take off the hints.
But it must to be a complete surprise and the town must fall in one day.
Otherwise my army has run out of water.
As you say, sir... basically simple.
I can arrange a certain documents to fall in the hands of the Turks
indicating the any attack on Beersheba will be a faint, a decoy by a small force
designed to draw the attention away from the attack on Gaza.
Not much is easy.
Making them believe the documents such genuine.
Not could be the trick.
I... didn't write... about this.
You not sorry?
Not a bit... a lot greater.
Be punch blokes... telling things to do.
I'm... you know... really happy.
But you still think you've failed... somehow.
I don't know, Anne.
I wonder what my family will think... my friend back home... I wonder...
- Morning, Major. - Morning.
Well, I see there'll be no more firing squad for you?
No, sir.
I'm looking for the matron. Oh, yes.
Perhaps you could help me, nurse.
If I can, sir.
Would you write your name for me?
- I don't understand, sir. - No, of course, you don't.
Please.
Charming... thank you, nurse.
Thank you very much... I might see you later, then.
Trooper.
Strange man.
Who is he?
Just the pommy officer.
He ask me the all a bit bloody weird... I'm sorry.
While still talk like a lighthorseman.
I still a lighthorseman.
Of course.
You see... even you do it.
So... I miss thought is everybody else.
Dave... what other people say or even think doesn't matter.
You know what you want to do and why you want to do it.
The address... is 36
Balham... that's B... a... l... h... a... m
Gardens... London SW.
Dated the 21st August 1917.
Now... begin.
Dearest... I have wonderful news.
No, you write the letter.
Imagine... you just had a baby.
And you're writing to his father.
Don't think of me.
Think of someone... someone you love.
- I can't. - You can... I know you can.
You haven't seen him for many months.
You may never see him again.
He might never see his child.
Now, imagine that... and... write what you feel.
How I wish you're here now.
I'm longing for you as I have since you left me.
And I'll love to show you our little baby son.
He's so good.
You mustn't worry about either of us.
I'm getting stronger everyday.
And doctor says that the baby couldn't be better.
I would have sent you a telegram.
Of course... you did.
Then I... that's he... would have replied, it would take about 3 days.
If it'd been you arriving here and instead the telegram,
how lovely that would have been.
I look forward so very much to the day
when we can hold our little son
and be together for the rest of our lives... in peace.
Goodbye, my darling.
Nurse said I mustn't time myself by writing too much
but I'll write a longer letter very soon.
Take care of yourself and please... please come back to us.
Your loving wife... Anne.
Baby sends the kiss to Daddy.
Charming... everything I could wanted.
Thank you.
Anybody home?
- I wasn't told you're coming. - No, you won't.
All those harsh harsh jobs
you know real boys and paper stuff.
Sort of thing it makes lighthorsemen think the pommy intelligence officer
a bunch school boys playing wizard jakes on the enemy.
Eh, but this one is different.
It could open a way to Jerusalem.
What can I do?
Need escort... for sortie out to town Beersheba.
- I'll be delighted. - No, no, not quite simple as that.
Now I need an unlisted man... a good man.
A man knows the country and could look after himself.
And me, counted that.
But above all... a man who thinks pommy officers a bunch of idiots
and can be relied on... to gossip.
I think we can manage to that.
We get into enemy territory, sir.
Yes, I thought we would be.
You see... I do have to get as far east as I can.
Can I ask why, sir?
Of course, you see old boy... migratory birds a hobby of mine.
I don't know very much about migration habits of the stork in Palestine.
Now we see them fly north in the spring
but we don't see them fly south in the autumn.
Now, my theory is... the best southerly route is further to the east.
We are right now here to see the stork fly in south?
Hopefully.
Look, Major... it's a bloody miracle.
We're running into Turkish patrol now it, we'd better turn back, sir.
It’s really hostile territory, then.
Are you take my word worth?
I'll just rest my horse here for a moment and then we'll turn back.
You care for a sandwich?
No, thanks, sir, I just sit up here keep eye open, you know.
Good boy.
That's good boy.
Good boy.
Major, mare up. Turks.
Major...
Coming, Corporal, coming.
They've given up.
Major...
Major, for Christ sake.
Oh, dear.
Leave it.
Come on, lad...
You're right to get to... his papers make it clear.
Two brigades will make a limited attack on Beersheba
to divert the attention for a major offence against Gaza.
But... this could be a trick.
Planted information.
That's possible, Colonel Ismet.
But this letter is from the officer's wife, speaking the new baby.
It's from the heart... not something deliberately part with.
Now... General von Kressenstein has made me responsible
for all intelligence operations in this sector
and I stake my military career on it, Colonel.
The lost that letter is accidental... therefore, the information is genuine.
We'll assume... that any attack on Beersheba is a mere decoy.
But I'll also plant explosives in all wells,
ammunition dumps and railway stations.
If they capture Beersheba, they'll winner broken burning ruin.
Their army will be stranded here without water.
If this is a trick, they've set a gigantic trap for themselves.
Set date is 31st October.
British infantry will make night marches against Beersheba
and attack at dawn from the south and the west.
The desert mounted corps will circle around Beersheba
and attack from the east... from the desert.
It's our responsibility to capture the town wells intact.
How will we carry enough water, sir?
Brigadier Grant asked the key question of the entire operation.
The answer simple, gentlemen, we won't,
'cause every man has his water bottle one quart.
There'll be nothing for the horses until we capture the wells of Beersheba.
We'll have get 24 perhaps 30 hours without a drink.
And... if we fail to take Beersheba in one day.
We can not fail.
I know... whole bloody bunch order again.
That's right... and 3 days rations per man and horse.
Keep drinking Monty, for Christ sake.
And I wish I can explanation you, mate.
I think now are you ready, Scotty?
Dave... you moving out, too?
Everybody is... something really big this time.
Yeah... Beersheba... Tas found out.
- What the whole regiment will be doing? - What we're told.
- Good luck, Scotty. - Oh, never wish Irishman good luck.
Comes natural. Good luck yourself.
We'll have a beer when we get back.
What are you doing, Tas?
- Just a letter. - A letter?
- To the wife you know? - Kat?
Yeah... I haven't written for some time.
Jesus... a man can't write a bloody letter, can he?
Of course... yeah.
Any word what we'll be doing?
We'll be in bloody reserve, don't you know?
Hey, Nobby, Nobby, go to post this letter.
What the bloody how can I do about it?
Will you the post orderly?
Look Tas, just saved in your kit until the stand over, okay.
I'll take it, Tas.
Good idea, Chiller, thanks mate.
It should be a silent march... not talking once we moving.
Settle up, boys. Settle up.
Hey, we haven't any water yet.
We can't wait, Scotty.
- British artillery arrive on time. - Well, I just about worry the wells.
We move to cover the Wadi down there.
How many cavalry?
Are you certain of that?
Allright, keep me advise.
There's at least a division of cavalry on eastern flank
as well as a large infantry force to the south.
Your men been deceived, Colonel.
The clever illusion, men and horses in constant movement making dust.
They nothing more than large patrols.
The main attack will fall in Gaza and we must not be tricking thinking otherwise.
- Sergeant Major. - Yes, sir.
Dismount off saddle for 20 minutes.
The remainder in readiness for immediate movement.
The infantry gaining control the southern front, sir.
Yes, they've done well.
Tel el Saba is been in defensive position for ten of thousand years
and now we have to take it in one day crossing open plant.
They're the New Zealanders, sir.
Wait till they dismount... and then fire by order.
Another message from von Kressenstein, sir.
Refusing reinforcements or permission to evacuate
and insisting that only two brigades of cavalry are involved in the attack.
Ha, holy bought it... they bought it.
Well done, Meiner.
Well, now it's up to Chauvel.
The Anzacs to taking a hell of the place.
I'd rather be shot than just grueling this bloody Wadi.
You easy on smoking, Chiller... and dry the air too much.
When we'll get water, Tas?
Beersheba, mate.
That's I thought.
He want we pretty bloody thirsty?
What?
We thirsty?
- Is too get feeling bad this one? - I don't know.
I get feeling said too long. The bloody slap.
How long we'll takes get water enough for the whole corps?
About 12 hours.
Is nearly 2 days since the horses got a drink.
Ah, buggy this?
Here, come on.
Both in same boat now. Yeah.
Up seek crude without a paddle.
Less than 2 hours to sunset.
I want to see General Hodgson and his commanding officers.
Sir.
Colonel... hello.
Well, Captain.
Areal reconnaissance confirms that we are under attack
by 2 to 3 divisions of cavalry and an infantry corp.
50,000 men and I'm holding Beersheba with 4,000.
I respected General von Kressenstein sitting Gaza denying me reinforcements.
Yes.
The enemy has taking Tel el Saba, sir.
Hold remaining reserves to the eastern trenches.
All division engineers to destroy the wells and water storages.
With respect, Colonel, that is against the orders of General von Kressenstein.
That is true, Captain.
A general who still believes we're being attacked by patrols.
Allright, the wells are responsibility of your esteem countrymen and you.
As you're well aware, our advance on Beersheba is been seriously delayed.
Fortification of unknown strength still face us across the plain of some 3 miles
and sunset in one hour,
by which time some of our horses will be without water for 48 hours.
Unless we take the wells of Beersheba intact,
we'll known live face defeat by military disaster.
What you views?
- Sir. - Yes, Grant?
I believe my brigade can take the town and give a free hand.
I must know what you propose.
To mounted charge against the eastern defenses, sir.
I have two regiments, 4th and 12th classified.
General Chauvel.
Is to be charge and surely must be make with my cavalry, the rubber swords.
Grant's men are infantry.
Fitzgerald, we constantly remind about that fact.
Hodgson.
60,000 men have failed to take this town in 12 hours.
How can 800 horsemen possibly succeed in less than one hour?
You don't believe they can do it?
No one is ever tempted the cavalry charge against trenched infantry
supported by machine guns and the artillery.
It's unheard of, sir.
You see any alternative in time available?
- Oh no, sir, we're... - Very well.
Put Grant's straight start it.
I want you to commander reserves quadrons and bring up the machine guns as support.
Bill... you lead both regiments in charge.
Yes, sir.
Oh finally, reform up the charge and with approach under cover.
In column approach...
Form up in column approach...
- Form up. In column approach... - Hello.
Form up in column approach...
- Form up in column approach... - What's going on?
Negative find out, mate.
20 minutes to sunset.
It's Grant, sir.
Charge and get form up that ground behind that ridge.
Sir.
Ready to form by the flag.
Form squadron line in standard.
Form squadron line in standard...
We'll go for a beer, Tas?
- Hey Frank, what's going on? - Go charge Beersheba, mate.
Jesus.
Sir Harry... I must reiterate my opposition to this maneuver.
You have.
Good luck, gentlemen.
British cavalry advance in the eastern flank.
They're not cavalry, they're Australian Lighthorse.
Load... wait until they dismount... and fire by order.
2,800 meters.
Australian Lighthorse advancing on the eastern deffences.
They seem to be deployed to charge.
They won't to charge.
2,600 meters.
Charge...
2,500 meters.
Fire...
Shit...
2,400 meters.
Hey... who do you recognize shooting at us?
The Turks sold us selling bloody bombs.
Tas...
2,300 meters.
- 2,100 meters. - We can't do it.
Fire...
They're under the guns.
Cease fire... withdraw the guns... withdraw the guns...
Set your sight... 1,600 meters.
Here, mate. I'll check in.
Easy, Dave... what's the matter with you? Easy, Dave.
Mitchell...
- 1,600 meters. - Fire...
Is shit.
400 meters.
Hold... hold your position.
100 meters.
Dismount...
Look out, Scotty, behind you!
Colonel... what is happening?
Your clever little illusion has reached Beersheba.
- But what are you doing? - The only sane thing, I'm surviving.
Damn you to hell.
Blow up the wells.
The demolition officer isn't here, sir.
- He has the number coding. - Then blow up everything you idiot.
What's happened?
The artillery fire, it must have broken the wires.
Get out and repair them.
Yes, sir.
Give me a hand!
Kill him!
He's dead, sir.
Put them down.
Look out... grenade.
Chiller...
Bastard...
- Over there. - Stop it.
Stop that down.
Stretcher bearers...
Whoose... get me back to Australia?
Reckon it will, mate.
Fair enough... it is bugger off game.
Dave... no...
Dave...
I don't think I can move.
I'm try to...
Stretcher bearer...
- Can you look after for me, sir? - Good work, trooper.
Hands up there.
Get the gun away. Thrown away.
Come on.
I don't know if you can understand me.
But I'll very much appreciated...
...if you give me the chance to blow your bloody head apart.
Easy, mate.
Get him out of here.
What are you trying to say?
The British demonstration against Gaza.
- They stop... - They're not demonstration, they're an attack.
They stopped... when Beersheba was captured.
Take gun, mate. Up there, go on.
Now we'll fed, well treat.
Since you finish there,
- take these blokes over the corner. - Yes, sir.
Is there we only lost about 30 blokes... so much miracles.
No if you're one of them, isn't!
Hey, Arch... haven't you seen the field ambulance blokes?
Whole them in the Wadi.
- You looking your mate? - Yeah.
He got wounded.
How bad?
Pretty bad.
Excuse me, sir.
Is trooper Mitchell on this convoy?
I remember the name but... lost some lads in the line.
Anne...
What is it say?
They wouldn't tell me.
It says not going to lose you.
Six... G.O.C., W.F.G.O.C. desert many call.
A super victory accomplish with a marvelous decision.
It open the way to Gaza and Jerusalem... Allenby.