NSWHRC CEO Bruce Christison, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor of New South Wales , HRNSW CEO John Dumesny and NSWHRC?s Steve Wisbey
More than 250 people attended Tabcorp Park Menangle this morning for the inaugural Beersheba Day Commemorative Breakfast.
Beersheba Day commemorates the history changing Australian Light Horse charge that occurred on this day in 1917.
His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor of New South Wales, was on hand at the laying of the reath ceremony in remembering the 800 ANZACS that defeated 4000 Turkish Soldiers against most fearful odds and liberated the wells of Beersheba. The remarkable and decisive victory unlocked the Turkish stranglehold on the Desert Campaign, turned the tide of WW1 in the Middle East and created the Legend of the Australian Light Horse.
Menangle Park was a training ground for the 12th Light Horse Infantry Regiment.
Harness Racing NSW CEO John Dumesny said that the Principal club should be congratulated.
“Under the leadership of Ray Sharman, the NSWHRC Board and CEO Bruce Christison must be congratulated with the continuation of the connection of equine heritage at Tabcorp Park Menangle,” he said.
“Steve Wisbey from the club should be especially commended for his role in the coordination of the event.
“It is extremely pleasing to note that the Federal, State and local politicians are supporting this initiative which will culminate in the unveiling of a commemorative statue at Menangle Park on the centenary of the last charge of the light brigade which will be in 2017.
“The fact The Governor, David Hurley, was in attendance and addressed the audience authenticated the importance of the occasion.
“The charge of Beersheba in 1917 was a pivotal point in WW1 which, like Gallipoli in 1915, validated the Australian contribution to world affairs.”
The Beersheba Day Breakfast included Special Guest Speaker Col Stringer, Author of 800 Horsemen. Stringer reflected on the battle and highlighted the importance of The Australian Light Horse Association preserving the history, tradition and customs of the Light Horse Regiments for the future generation.
