What I'm gonna do to ride a lighthorse?
You're gonna be 18... fit...
capable of somersaulting bareback...
Nothing too much
Hey, Dave, get off there
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
Of course, but all congratulations are due to the British General
Archbald Murray
For he had captured the town
but he's such a dumb heard
He didn't know and withdrew his troops
There's a little joy in the defeat of the unaware opponent
Cavalry, Sir
They're not cavalry, Captain
They're Australian Lighthorse Mounted Infantry...
you can tell them by the plumes in their hats
They're formidable soldiers
but the English just don't know how to use them
Wait until the lighthorses dismounted then we open fire
On the men or the horses, Sir?
Right on the men
Yon don't understand, do you?
You've so much to learn about war in the desert,
both you and General Murray
Halt, dismounted...
We're fighting in a desert... warfare falls
purely in one inescapable rule
Men and horses must drink
Each time Gaza is attacked
we held out for one or two days the most
And the British are defeated by the desert
Charlie...
General Chauvel sends his compliments
to General Sir Archibald Murray as usual...
Yes, Sir
We're running our of time we're running out of water
and I'm running out of patience in which my capacity to obey orders
I can't believe in
Let me see it...
Leave it with me, Charlie
Halt...
Shall we rest the horse?
No, we keep going...
There're only 50 miles to artillery
Orders didn't say we should go in rush
Yeah, I know... but they can't use us on the side lines
The British would need every man that they can get
This regiment's setup is enough for 10 battles
Hey, easy ginger
It doesn't like bloody guns... it gets excited
Then blind it...
This is the reason
why we're being separated from the Turks
The High Command worried that our horses be terrified
that would affect the whole bloody war
You did have a bloody armistice
Why not? But what I said is not misery
I'm just thinking...
What are you thinking? About what?
Why keep us off right of him?
Bothering the Colonel?
Bullshit... Frank is a real soldier...
he has guts doing things
Yeah... but Frank is just a newly promoted Colonel...
he's still a young guy
The old bureaucrats didn't trust him
Then we're just like Charlie again...
Shall we rest the horse now?
Listen...
I didn't hear anything
That's right
Sergeant, what's the news from Gaza?
Like a bloody disaster, Sir
They're rating 18,000 casualties
Luckily not one of them
They're good ones to be out there
There'd be other ways to stop the war
This is the price we're paying for
What else can we do?
Whoa... you look at that... British soldiers
Now look, Scotty... I take away this arm badge with smile...
What I don't want to get involved is any stupid bloody trouble...
Frank, have you ever known me to start any fight, uh?
No, but I seldom find you finish with your fuel
Come on...
In Arabic: Give me, May God bless us
Three cheers for the lighthorsemen
Without you guys here... situation would not be worse
What would it be?
We're just looking for somebody
That's it is
Goodbye
Australians will be there... hey, who else will be there?
Who we're looking for?
Australians will be there... hey, who else will be there?
Bloody beautiful...
But not as the pattern sunset in Calgary
Every one is better than the last
No one knows if he can see the other one
Nearly two years ago...
Jesus, we've already been away for three years
Have you made any contacts with your kids?
Bloody kids... wonderful I'm so peaceful here when I miss them
who always drove me crazy home
Your mistress is alright?
Yeah, she's okay...
If I had a fiancée like Frank's
three years is hell a lot of time
She's worth waiting for...
Worth waiting for?
I'll tell you when he gets back... the second thing he'll do
is taking his bloody boots off
Chauvel is giving command of the whole desert company
The regiment will be moving out within IO minutes
a real bloody thing
What shall we take out of that?
These are our trenches... the end with bodyguard gone
Past here is Turkish army at Beersheba
We're taking them on?
We'll give ourselves a chance...
We get the best regiment in the brigade
Now we get to prove it
Land of milk and honey...
What the hell it took Moses and the Jews to come here 40 years ago?
Well, they must have their reasons
What do you think?
Nobody can pass by exceptions
Yeah
We split by two...
Now, let me get him...
go Ginger go
Kill the one with the big hat
Son of a bitch
Mustafa... let him alone
Jesus Christ... thigh gets hit
Are you alright, Frank?
Get the saddle off, Tas
There's a group of Arabs up the peak valley, Serge
Hey, cover us
Come on, boys
Your leg looks bad, Frank
It horse, Tas
The horse can never make its way back to the camp
I'd better put it down here
No, let me do it, please
Frank...
How's Frank, Walter?
Oh, not too bad... he's gone to hospital
I thought we could replace him by Rick Smith, is it okay?
Can't afford, Walter
You realize there're only 60 men left with Calgary?
No, Sir
I would like to split them up
Oh, that'll be pathetic
Yes, I agree
I propose to put up reinforcement in Frank's section... you recruit
They won't like that
Too bloody bad...
Tas... this is Dave Michel, Corporal
scotty golton
Dave
Philip Davis
I let the boys show you the road safe
Where are you from?
Melbourne
City boy?
Not really... I'm from Preston near Southern
where my Dad gets a dairy farm
That makes all the difference
You'd better put down your kit somewhere
You can put in my place
Frank's kit is in there
Well, he won't need it for awhile
Alright... till he gets back
Suppose let's see how he rides with a horse
Easy
How long is it back, Sergeant?
Three weeks... with the regiment
Go on
Not bad at all
The trouble is the Turks don't stand still
Neither do rabbits
Scotty, you're Scotch, aren't you?
No
Then why they call you Scotty?
Because I'm Irish
What kind of work are you in?
Engineer driver, steam engine
And Tas and Chilla, what about them?
We're all in the wood company... up in the west
You're all good mates?
Well, I was only there for awhile
What do you think about the food?
Fine
Its not what you used to in other suffrage
Never expect fancy food in the army
This is fancy food, son
Get out there for bully bacon and biscuit
What you have here you can hardly break without a shovel
Nor can you boil the dirty Arab well water without wood
This is real fancy
Why don't you go and tell the cook Tas when we shall call it a day?
It's not the point of letting anybody get the idea of beer and mosquito
not for a gallop shoot a tire and expecting a medal is not a bloody picnic
I know that, Tas
What do you know, a boy fresh from bloody school?
What the hell do you know about war?
I know it's going to be over 6 months
You say as we thought?
It’s what my brother thought when he joined up
We learned different, didn't he?
Yeah, but he's dead
What cursed children!
Piss off!
Keep your eyes on the horse
I know, Sergeant
Just a couple of minutes, now?
Good day... where's fruit and flower?
I've got you something better... a letter
Must be from Joyce... but it's not her writing
Who is it?
Read it loud
Go on, Tas
It’s sad to write... someone gets to tell you
It’s better than somebody else afterwards
Joyce married 6 months ago... they moved to Jeron...
And nobody said a word...
Now well... better off without her, right?
But what upsets me is...
she still takes my pay-offs
Well, boys... you're to go now
Alright, sister...
Good luck, Frank... good to see you back soon
Yeah, it'll be...
They're watching you... you're a free man now
Can I get you anything, Corporal?
No, sister... there's nothing I want
You'd better give that letter a rest... don't worry that
Missing home?
A bit
You're already lucky...
most of us missed home hell of a lot long enough
That's great
I'll be missing you
What's happening, Tas?
The Turks got a railway up the east...
we saw to it and planned to blow it up
Are you saying the whole regiment to do that?
They've sent two bloody divisions, son
What'll we do?
What we're bloody told...
It's bloody Turkish cavalry
How would you reckon?
They've been up the scape hundreds of years,
but you're the first stride
Major Lawson, prepare A Troop for covering plan
B Troop for dismounted frontal attack
executed when C and D Troops
are ready for mounted advance from the left flank
After all, son... don't forget the safety catch
Now, you just stick with me as close as you can
Chilla is the best lighthorseman in the regiment, Dave
You'll get him through and backup if you need me
B Troop, fix blades...
A Troop, repeat fire... fire...
B Troop, charge...
Lads, I just received a bad news
Frank... died in Cairo yesterday
Jesus, what happened?
Well, the wound has turned septic
they have to Take a leg off, it got worse... so they sent him to Cairo
I know what you guys thought about it
I'm truly sorry
Thanks, Sir
It could be a mistake, couldn't it?
They made mistakes all the time
I saw his eyes red when he read the letter
My eyes just went out of it
Bullshit... you're talking bullshit
Why are you looking at me?
What are you cleaning the rifle for?
Shooting for rabbits?
We lost a bloody best mate
but find to get some gutless stupid
It’s been a long time with no death in the regiment
I'm afraid we can't mobilize soon
No another attack on Gaza?
No, it's just not yet
We'll step up patrol activities so as
to make the Turks aware of our presence
We're moving camp to Tel el Fara...
then towards Beersheba
Padre, what do you know about Beersheba?
Oh, a very ancient settlement... thousand years old...
when Christ first traveled but actually found by Abraham
He dug a well there...
it still exists today, Well of Abraham
He swore some kind of a treaty with the rulers there...
And so they called it Well of The Oath... Beersheba
There's a lot of water, isn't it?
Dave
Yes, Sir
Has Tas and the boys returned from scouting yet?
No, Sir
It’s a pity... looking for a change to see around the area by the wagon
Somebody has to work on the horse
Settle in right?
Yes, Sir
Tas is tough to live with sometimes...
but he's a damn find soldier
I know, Sir... I'm learning
Fine... good work
Air attack
Get the horses... get the horses away...
step up protecting the horses
Dave, get the horses away first... come on, leave the rest aside
you still a young to lead four horses
Look out, it's coming back again
Are you alright, son?
I'm alright, Serge... sorry about the horses
Sorry? Things would be different...
if we're late about 10 minutes
They're alive, thank you
Dave, I believe you fell off your horse...
good on you, son
Your elbow broke?
Yeah, doctor has put some carbon on it... pretty burning
Still looks good
Hope it'll be
Horses back alright?
You know what?
As soon as the plane left, Tas found the horses back to the line...
stood there waiting to be hooked on
No need to feel guilty... you've trained the horses really good
Tell you what... when we arrive Beersheba let's have a smoke...
something for entertainment
or you'll become cripple someday
It's too heavy for you?
I'm okay, Scotty... it's only the saddle too heavy
You can't even lift your saddle?
What you think you're going?
You're in the hospital, Al Arish
Al Arish?
The horses... they're alright?
That's good
Dave
... it's wonderful to see you up
Yeah, it's good
You'll be back to the regiment soon
I hope so
You're not anxious to get back?
No, I'm not anxious now... I'll miss you very much
Thank you
That's the way it seems to be here...
but your going back is what's so important
Yes, you'll... especially there...
What's it, Dave?
Out there... it's nothing
Well, you know... I'm a wood cutter
All past now... that's all...
Same old life...
Should be more than that... much more
I miss home...
Don't you trust me try to understand?
You must understand... the Turks still in my sight,
but I couldn't shoot
I keep telling myself... just because I didn't mean it
I didn't want to shoot a man in the back
What's wrong with that?
I wonder if I was making excuses...
actually I won't be able to kill
I saw a lot of soldiers feeling like that
I don't know how many of them have the courage to confront their feelings
Courage... funny sort of courage?
I don't even have the nerves to ask you about that
You should
Really?
Of course
You know that... it's marvelous
You'd get better first
I'm better already
You're still sick... you been delirious for two days
Maybe it's only a laugh
No, I know what I'm saying
I'll write
I'll write too
I'll get back as soon as I can
Dave
Scotty
I thought to bring a friend to meet you
Thank you, you maybe right
I gave it a bit of exercise
I tried to ride as an urban boy so it couldn't think anything wrong
Thanks, Scotty
So give it back to you
Padre, I want to make a personal reconnaissance towards Beersheba
I need a horse leader a couple of days later
Okay, I give you Dave Michel... he's just from hospital, duty free
Michel? Good
Ask him to collect my horse from the line... and report for a rifle
Meet me at 0900 hours
Wondering about the rifle, son?
Yes, Sir
If we get close to the Turks the revolver won't be of any use
We both will be in hell of trouble
They're there, Sir
There's a British officer with them...
or someone wearing British uniform
He's coming this way
Get your horse to the well and come back here quickly
Yes, Sir
Now son, you listen to me... you cover that guy...
If he makes any suspicious move... you shoot him, alright?
Yes, Sir
Colonel
Major
Friends of yours?
Friends of ours, Colonel
I didn't expect a British officer alone in this sector
I would say the same, Sir
But you see, Major, I'm not quite alone
Where are you from?
Headquarters
Which headquarters?
Cairo
Of course, it would take a long time to check
Yeah, I suppose it would
Colonel, I would feel a good deal happier if that man wouldn't point
that bloody thing at me
You hand me your revolver
and I'll see what to do about it
Very slowly... and the lanyard, Major
After you, Major
Are you going to be in the firing squad aren't you? A Joke, private
not a very good one I admit
Ah, Colonel
Thank you
You've found what you're looking for?
Possibly, the uniform is made by Egyptian tailor and the brand new papers
are made up for a Major Meinerzhagen
The name is Dutch, not German... as you so suspect
If I was a German, would I use an non-English name?
Everything is new because I was torpedoed in my way to Palestine
I lost all my kit
Very possible story, Major...
but I'll check with headquarters in Cairo
I'd rather hope you didn't mind for a very good reason
which I can't discuss in front of unlisted man
Thanks, Michel... good work, son
Well?
It’s very embarrassing... I'm in charge of the intelligence
for the new Commander-in-Chief, the man who is to replace Sir Bourchier Murray
only at the moment when Sir Bourchier doesn't know he's being replaced
So there's a new Commander-in-Chief?
General Sir Edmund Allemby
Lieutenant Colonel Burton
Colonel
My Second-in-Command Major Rankin, Sir
Sir
Major
I believe you've already met Major Meinertzhagen
We have, Sir
Colonel
Look at that bastard... typical bloody idiot English brass
who only knows bloody camel
Well kept, Colonel
Our horses are in very good condition...
perhaps what you said a fashion too good?
Normally I would, Sir
But the next day or so I'll take the whole regiment out of the country
to Beersheba, so as to make sure the condition they've got
Any garrisons?
The Turkish cavalry lay ambush
where our lighthorsemen patrol
I'll take them on their own game
Do you? What you have in mind?
Road from Beersheba runs through here
Each morning a large Turkish patrol passes the way to the border
We hide out a troop by the road... and three troops on the ridge ass base
Come on
Cease fire
Get him bastard
drop him
Sergeant, six men to kill the wounded horses
and bring in any still alive
The rest of you cover the ridge
Come on, Mitchel
This one... check it
I may help you
I'll kill you
What the hell happened?
That I... Serge
Help me get this one out of here
He could hardly stand
Let him lie down
Poor bastard... he's down on the line
Anything we can do?
He has drained his own blood
Ah, Colonel
Major
I must make the point, Sir
This is a rest camp, but same military standard must be maintained
Shorts mustn't be worn
I'll make sure with my men... no shorts
Morning, Major
Come on
We get to do something about it
before it's too late for the kid
The Turks come in anytime in the sideway easily getting himself killed
Are you worried about Dave or yourself?
Alright, yeah, I want to get back home
So as Chilla
So as you
Why this kid gets linked with the section?
He's a nice kid
He gets guts all that, Jesus...
but he's supposed to be a soldier
He's gonna to kill a man
If he can't do, it's pretty bad
Piss off, Dave
So, you're going to tell him?
I know what you mean, Tas
Sorry I let you down
Oh, look, son... you didn't let anybody down
But it's just... I don't know what to say
You're not cut out to be a soldier
You know that, don't you?
I suppose I do... so important to me...
my family... my brother... really want to be proud of me
You get to believe one thing, Dave
It isn't a matter of cowardness of being a real man
I don't believe I could kill
Nobody expects you to, Sir
That's true...
but if you transfer to the field
ambulance that may suit you better
Then nobody would expect you to kill would they?
No
You'll be unarmed... medical corps doesn't allow to carry weapons
Often in the thick of battle
To do a better job takes a lot of guts
If you like the idea, I can talk to Major Lawson
First I've take this back to the armorer
I can help do that
Thanks, Tas
If you need, just give us a yell
I'll do that, Scotty
You guys drop by in the field ambulance anytime
Sure
Alright
Yeah
Well, I'll be seeing you
Take care of yourself, will you?
Take care, Dave
Dave
I feel like getting piss
Every time you get piss you hit somebody
Alright, I'd already hit somebody
It’s a good thing, isn't it?
I think it is
Especially good for the kid practically we've saved his life
Yeah, I suppose so
Jesus, I'm sick of this bloody war
What I want basically is very simple
I want the Turks to think we're taking Gaza again
Actually we'll strike the other end of the line - Beersheba
We'll try to break the lock so as to take off the inch
But it must be a complete surprise
and the town must fall in one day
Otherwise my army will run out of water
As you say sir... basically it's simple
I can arrange a certain document to fall into the hands of the Turks
indicating the attack on Beersheba will be affected,
a decoy by a small force
designed to draw away the attention of the attack on Gaza
not much is easy... making them believe the document is genuine
that could be a trick
I didn't write about this
You're not sorry?
Probably... that's great
There're a lot of things to do in the regiment to be shared by others
You know... I'm now very happy
But you still think you've failed somehow
I don't know, Anne
I wonder what my family might be thinking...
My friends back home... I wonder...
Morning, Major
Morning
Well, I think there'll be no more firing squad for you?
Right, Sir
I'm looking for the matron
Yeah... 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's he? Just an English officer
If you want to ask more about bloody... I'm sorry
You're still talking like a lighthorseman
I'm still a lighthorseman
Of course
You see... even you do it
So I thought like somebody 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... spelling B... a... I... h... a... m Gardens, London S.W.
dated August 21, 1917
Now, begin...
Dearest, I have wonderful news...
No, you write the letter...
Imagine you just had a baby
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 may 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 would 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 the doctor says the baby couldn't be better
I would have sent you a telegram
Of course... you did
Then I... no, that's he would have replied it would take about 3 days
If it'd been you arriving here instead of the telegram
how wonderful it 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 tie myself by writing so 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 his kiss to Daddy
Charming... everything could be possible
Anybody home?
Nobody told you're coming
No, you won't... all those harsh jobs you know... real paper stuff
Sorts of things make lighthorsemen think the English intelligence officer
like bunch of school boys playing wizard jakes on the enemies
But this one is different
It could open its way to Jerusalem
What can I do?
I need an escort out to Beersheba
I'll be delighted
No... not quite simple as that
I need an unlisted man... a good man... a man who knows the country
and could look after himself and me, of course
But above all... a man who thinks English officers a bunch of idiots
and can be relied on... to gossips
I think we can manage that
We now get in enemy territory, Sir
Yeah, I thought we would be
You see... I don't have to get as far east as I can
May I ask why, Sir?
Of course, you see... migratory birds a hobby of mine...
I don't know much about migration habits of the stork in Palestine
We see them fly north in the spring...
but we don't see them fly south in the autumn
Now, my theory is... there's a southerly route is further to the east
Are we right now to see the stork fly in the south?
Hopefully
Look, Major... it's a bloody miracle
We're running into a Turkish patrol area
we'd better turn back, Sir
It’s really hostile territory, then
Aren't you aware of that?
I'll just rest my horse here for a moment and then we'll turn back
You care for a sandwich?
No, Sir... I just sit up here and keep an eye on you okay
Easy boy...
Good boy...
Major, there're men up, Arabs
Enemies out there
Major...
Coming, Corporal, coming...
They're going too far... stop chasing
They've given up
Major...
They're firing at us...
Major... for Christ sake
Oh, dear...
Let's get them... come on... let's go
Leave them there
Come on... let's go
You're right... his papers make it clear
Two brigades will make a limited attack on our defenses at Beersheba to divert our attention
of major offence against Gaza
But this could be a trick
Plenty information
That's possible, Colonel Ismet...
But this letter is from the officer's wife...
it's speaking about the newborn baby...
it's from the heart... not something deliberately part with
Now General Kressenstein has made me responsible for all military operations
in this sector and I take my military career on it, Colonel
I accept that letter as accidental...
therefore, the information is genuine
Well, assume any attack on Beersheba is a mere decoy
But I'll plant explosives at all the wells, ammunition dumps
and railway stations
If they capture Beersheba...
they'll be in a broken burning ruin
Their army will end up here without water
If this is a trick, they've set a gigantic trap for themselves
The set date is October 31
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's wells intact
How can we carry enough water, Sir?
You've asked the key question of the entire operation
The answer is simple, gentlemen... we won't because every man
has his water bottle... one quart
There'll be nothing for the horses until we capture the wells of Beersheba
They'll be 24 perhaps 30 hours without a drink
and, if we fail to take Beersheba in one day...
We can't fail
What are you doing, Tas?
Just a letter
A letter?
To the wife
Yeah... haven't written for some time
Jesus... a man can't write a bloody letter can he?
Of course, yes
Dave, you're moving out, too?
Everybody is... something really big this time
Yeah... Beersheba... Tas found out
What the regiment will be doing?
What we're told...
Good luck, Scotty
Oh, never wish Irishman good luck... comes natural
Good luck to yourself
We'll have a beer when we get back
Any word what we'll be doing?
We'll be in bloody reserve, don't you know?
I really had a feeling about this one
I suppose I still do
this one is different bro... Not just bigger. Ah.. come on
Nobby, help me post this letter
What can I do about it?
Isn't it your duty, Nobby?
Just keep it in your kit until it's sent over, ok
I'll take it, Tas
Good luck, Chilla, thanks
It'll be a silent march...
no talking once we're moving
British Artillaries right on time
I just worry about the wells
We move to cover down there
Take your positions... hurry up
How many cavalry?
Are you certain of that?
Alright, keep me advised
There's at least a division of cavalry on eastern flank
as well as a large infantry force to the south
Your men have been deceived, Colonel
a clever illusion, men and horses in constant movement are making dust
They're nothing more than large patrols
Their main attack will fall in Gaza
We mustn't be tricked thinking otherwise
Sergeant Major
Yes, Sir
Dismount your men to rest and smoke for 20 minutes
The remainder in readiness for immediate movement
Another message from Von Kressenstein
refusing reinforcements or permission to evacuate
and insisting that only two brigades of cavalry are involved in the attack
Ha, they've bought it... they bought it
Well done
Now it's up to Chauvel
The infantry are gaining control of southern front, Sir
Yeah, they've done well
the ANZAC yet to take hell of the place
I'd rather get shot than being kept in this bloody valley
now easy on the smoking
When we'll get the water Tas?
Beersheba, mate
That's what I thought
Don't you feel bloody thirsty?
What, guys?
Thirsty?
Do you still feel bad this one?
I don't know
I do feel they moved too slow
Bloody sad
How long we'll get the water enough for the whole corps?
About 12 hours
Already 2 days the horses haven't got a drink
You want this?
We share it... come on
So now we both don't have any water
Less than 2 hours to sunset...
I would like to see General Hodgson and his commanding officers
Yes, Sir
Colonel, hello
Well, Captain
Area reconnaissance confirmed we've been under attack by 2 to 3 divisions
of cavalry and an infantry corps...
50 thousand of men and I'm holding Beersheba with 4,000
with our respect to General sits in Gaza deny me reinforcements
Yes...
the enemy has taken Tallosapa, Sir
Hold the remaining reserves to eastern trenches...
order the divisional engineers to destroy the wells and water storages
With due respect, Colonel, this is against the orders of General Kressenstein...
That's true, Captain... a General who still believes we're being attacked by patrols
Alright, the wells are responsibility of your esteemed countrymen and you
As you're well aware, our advance to Beersheba
has been seriously delayed
Qualifications of unknown strength still face us across the plain of
some 3 miles and the sun set 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 face a military disaster
Any views?
Sir...
Yes, Grant?
I believe my brigade can take the town and give a free hand
I must know what you propose
Make a mounted charge against the eastern defenses...
I have two regiments, No.4 and No.12...
General Chauvel... to take charge command surely must be my cavalry with
mounted swords...
Grant's are mounted infantry
I'll discuss this with General Hodgson...
obviously in mind to that effect
Shall we?
60 thousand men have failed to take this town in 12 hours...
How can 800 lighthorsemen possibly succeed in less than one hour?
You don't believe they can do it?
No one ever attempted to cavalry charge against trenched infantry
supported by machine guns and artillery
It's unheard of, Sir
Do you see any alternative in the time available?
Unless we're...
Very well, let Grant go ahead with it
Form up in column approach...
Hello...
Form up in column approach... What's going on?
Better to find out, mate
Ready to march by the flag...
Form squad in line extended...
What we're supposed to do, pal?
Clay, what's going on?
We gonna charge Beersheba, mate
Jesus
Sir Henry... I must re-iterate
my opposition to this maneuver...
You have...
Good luck, gentlemen
British cavalry advance by the eastern flank...
They're not cavalry... they're Australian Lighthorse
Load... wait until they dismount... and fire by order
2900 meters...
Set your target...
Australian Lighthorses advance eastern defenses...
they seem to be deployed to charge
They won't charge
2,600 meters...
Charge...
2,500 meters...
Fire...
Shit...
2,400 meters...
Hey, how can they shoot at us?
The Turks are selling their 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...
Put on defense... wait for orders
Set your sights at 1,600 meters...
Hold it, mate... let me check
Come on, Dave... what's the matter with you?
michael
1,600 meters...
Fire...
400 meters...
Hold... hold your position
100 meters...
Dismount...
Colonel, what's happening?
Your clever illusion has breached Beersheba...
but What are you doing?
the Only the same thing... I'm surviving...
Damn you to hell...
Blow up the wells...
The demolition officer isn't here, Sir
...only he has the demolition coding
Then blow up everything you idiot...
What has happened?
The artillery fire... it must have broken the wires...
Get out and repair them
Yes, Sir
Give him a hand
kill him
He is dead, sir
Put them down...
look out... a grenade...
Chilla...
On your knees...
yes turks
stop it, stop that gun...
listen, will it get me back to Australia?
I reckon it will, mate
It's a fair... and animal game
Dave... no...
Dave... I'll try to...
Stretcher here... stretcher, help...
Can you hold them for me?
Yeah... all hands up, men... put the guns away
I don't know if you can understand me...
I'll be very appreciated if you give me the chance to blow your head apart
easy, it's me
Get him out of here
Leave them at the stable for water
Sir, we only lost 39 boys...
so much miraculous
You should be one of those
Hey, Arch... have you seen the field ambulance guys?
They're all in the valley
Have any in mind?
Yeah
They've got a lot
How bad?
Pretty bad
Excuse me, Sir
Is trooper Michel on this convoy?
I remember the name...
but we lost the list, sorry
Anne...
What does it say?
Please tell me
It says we're not going to lose you