The Lighthorsemen

In 1917, four World War I Australian cavalrymen—Frank, Scotty, Chiller, and Tas—serve in Palestine as part of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. When Frank dies, Dave replaces him and joins the unit.

Dave discovers he cannot fire a weapon in combat and is reassigned to the Medical Corps. He remains exposed to fighting while treating wounded.

British planners intend Beersheba as part of a larger campaign, but Major Meinertzhagen deliberately leaves documents showing the attack is a diversion. Reichert believes it is feint and advises limited reinforcements.

The Australian force departs for Beersheba with scarce water and supplies, trusting the plan despite the risks. They hope the bombardment will disrupt Turkish defenses.

British commanders consent to what they believe will be a suicide mission, underestimating the Australians' mobility and training. The plan relies on a fast, unexpected mounted charge.

On 31 October, the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments surge toward the Turkish defenses. Dave and the medical detachment move in behind the fighting lines.

The Turkish commander holds fire until the riders dismount, recognizing they face light horse rather than traditional cavalry. He realizes too late the danger they pose.

The Australian mounted attack closes the distance quickly, and Turkish artillery struggles to adjust for the rapid changes in range. Shots often overshoot the attackers.

During the fighting, Tas is killed by an artillery shell, marking a brutal moment in the rapidly advancing charge.

The Australians push through to capture the first line of Turkish defenses, and Scotty and others take control of the Turkish artillery pieces.

Chiller is wounded in the trench fight, and Dave is seriously wounded by a grenade while shielding him. Despite his injuries, he remains committed to aiding his comrades.

Reichert attempts to destroy the wells but is captured by Scotty, ensuring the water sources remain intact for the advancing troops.

The attack is judged a success, with 31 Australians dead and 36 wounded. The victory paves the way for allied advances into Palestine.

The Beersheba victory enables the subsequent capture of Jerusalem. General Allenby enters the Holy City as a liberator rather than a conqueror, honoring its sacred status.