The Affair at HUJ.

The Charge of the Warwickshire Yeomanry and Queen’s Own Worcestershire Hussars at Huj 8th November 1917

In 1917 both Regiments were fighting the Turks in Palestine. On 8th November the 60th London Division was pinned down by heavy gun fire from a ridge near Huj, in Palestine.

The Divisional Commander asked Lieut.-Colonel H.A.GRAY-CHEAPE commanding the Warwickshire Yeomanry to charge the Turks on this ridge. Colonel GRAY-CHEAPE only had 1.5 Squadrons with him and Major W.H. WIGGIN, who commanded 1.5 Squadrons of the Worcestershire Yeomanry nearby agreed to join in.

In fact there were three ridges occupied by the enemy, the first by Infantry, the second by Howitzers and Field Guns and the third by Infantry with Machine Guns. The Charge was made through these three ridges in a hail of shells and bullets. The total distance was about 1000 yards and the Turks fired over open sights up to the last moment. The Yeomanry had heavy casualties, but the operation was completely successful, ninety of the enemy were killed and seventy captured together with 11 guns and 4 machine guns, breaking the resistance of this hostile rearguard. In addition an unknown number of the enemy were killed and wounded when their own machine guns were turned on them. Out of the 190 Yeoman who took part, 36 were killed, fifty seven were wounded and 110 horses were killed.

This famous Charge is generally considered to be the last classic unsupported Cavalry Charge (arme blanche) against guns in British Military History and is immortalised by the Lady BUTLER painting of ‘The Affair at Huj’ which can be seen in The Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum together with one of the captured Guns.

Lieutenant W.B. MERCER was the only Officer in ‘B’ Squadron Warwickshire Yeomanry to survive uninjured described the action. “Machine Guns and rifles opened up on us as we topped the rise behind which we had formed up. I remember thinking that the sound of cracking bullets was just like a hail storm on an iron-roofed building, so you may guess what the fusillade was ... A whole heap of men and horses went down twenty of thirty yards from the guns and then seemed to melt away completely. For a time I, at any rate had the impression that I was the only man alive. I was amazed to discover we were the victors.”

Major Oscar TEICHMAN, the Medical Officer for the Worcestershire Yeomanry, writing in the Cavalry Journal in 1936 said: The Charge at Huj had it occurred in a minor war would have gone down to history like the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. In the Great War when gallant deeds were being enacted on all fronts almost daily it was merely an episode, but as the Official Historian remarks “for sheer bravery, the episode remains unmatched.”

This action is a splendid example of the power of the mounted attack to gain a rapid decision proving that in pursuit “time” is the one thing to be denied to the enemy. The eyewitness accounts remain as fresh as the day they were written down and provide vivid fragmentary clues as to what it was like to be involved in this action.

Over the past 103 years much has been written about ‘The Affair at Huj ‘ and as we approach Armistice Day 2020 – details of some the personalities involved including eye witness accounts of this ‘episode’ will follow.

Major Oscar TEICHMAN, the Medical Officer for the Worcestershire Yeomanry, writing in the Cavalry Journal in 1936 said: The Charge at Huj had it occurred in a minor war would have gone down to history like the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. In the Great War when gallant deeds were being enacted on all fronts almost daily it was merely an episode, but as the Official Historian remarks “for sheer bravery, the episode remains unmatched.”

This action is a splendid example of the power of the mounted attack to gain a rapid decision proving that in pursuit “time” is the one thing to be denied to the enemy. The eyewitness accounts remain as fresh as the day they were written down and provide vivid fragmentary clues as to what it was like to be involved in this action.

Over the past 103 years much has been written about ‘The Affair at Huj ‘ and as we approach Armistice Day 2020 – details of some the personalities involved including eye witness accounts of this ‘episode’ will follow.

'A Ford car was seen bumping over the downs from our left. It contained Major-General SHEA, CB, DSO, G.O.C. 60th Division. He had seen a long straggling column of the enemy moving West to East some three miles ahead and a flank guard with artillery taking up position to the right.' (i) see map.

SHEA asked Lieut-Colonel H.A.GRAY-CHEAPE, to make a turning attack on the artillery position in front in order to clear the way for the advance of the 60th Division. GRAY-CHEAPE only had 1.5 Squadrons of the Warwickshire Yeomanry with him, the remainder of the Regiment was watering several miles back. Major W.H. WIGGIN, commanding 1.5 Squadrons of the Worcestershire Yeomanry nearby agreed to join in.

The following were their respective strengths:-

Warwickshire 9 Officers 79 ORS Total 85

Worcestershire 9 Officers 96 ORS Total 105Total Force 18 Officers 172 ORS Total 190 (ii)

This was not a formidable force to attack Batteries in action supported by Infantry and Machine-guns, especially as no fire support could be expected from the 5th Mounted Brigade’s R.H.A. Battery, Machine-gun Squadron or Hotchkis Rifles’ as they were still watering their horses. (ii)

Major Oscar TEICHMAN, the Medical Officer for the Worcestershire Yeomanry, writing in the Cavalry Journal in 1936 said: The Charge at Huj had it occurred in a minor war would have gone down to history like the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. In the Great War when gallant deeds were being enacted on all fronts almost daily it was merely an episode, but as the Official Historian remarks “for sheer bravery, the episode remains unmatched.”

Sadly Lieut–Colonel H.A. GRAY-CHEAPE drowned when the Leasowe Castle was torpedoed on 27 May 1918.

(i) the above is an extract from ‘The Cavalry Journal Volume XXV1 No.102 October 1936 - The Yeomanry at Huj by Major Oscar TEICHMAN, DSO, MC,TD, Late MO; Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars.’

(ii) The above strengths are taken from Major E.G PEMBERTON’s pamphlet on the Charge and differ from those given in the “Official History“ and in the Warwickshire and Worcestershire Yeomanry War Histories – see page 503 The Yeomanry at Huj published in the Cavalry Journal October 1936.

The canvas is large, the heat almost unbearable, the land shimmers in the sunlight, the canine sound of a hunting horn doubling in the middle distance is heard by those manning Batteries of Austrian and German Artillery on a ridge near Huj. The guns have been pounding the advance of the 60th Infantry Division in the valley below with high explosive and shrapnel, the time shortly before 1pm.

Great clouds of dust swirl behind the ridge running parallel to that held by the Central Powers forces which includes German Advisors with a Turkish Infantry Brigade positioned along the first ridge in support of the guns.

The gunners initially attempt to lay on the dust but to little avail. Now the sound of pounding hooves can be heard as mounted horsemen crest the second ridge and break up into attacking formations. Again the canine horn can be heard over the din of battle. As the guns continue to boom, machine guns clatter and rifles rattle, one group of mounted yeoman head for some 200+ Turkish Infantry, whilst a second group race across a short valley and crest the first ridge into the very face of the guns, slaying all in their path with drawn swords, closely followed by a third group of mounted yeoman..

Then out of the swirling dust the first group of mounted yeoman with drawn swords, closely followed by others arrive at the guns, slaying all before them and head for the machine guns which are quickly captured. The Turkish Infantry in close proximity to the machine guns scatter, causing a ripple effect throughout the Turkish Infantry Brigade estimated at some 2000+, who now flee in panic fearing more cavalry will appear. Meanwhile a fourth group of mounted yeoman capture yet more guns on the left flank of the Central Powers positions. ©

190 men drawn from both the Warwickshire Yeomanry and the Worcestershire Yeomanry were involved in what is generally considered to be the last unsupported Cavalry Charge (arme blanche) against guns of the Great War. In this the 103rd Anniversary of this famous charge immortalized in Lady Butler’s painting we pause to remember with sadness those that did not come back and recall those of our friends who did, who sadly are no longer with us.

Whilst going through the late Bryan JOHNSON’s research notes this morning I came across the enclosed ‘Recollections of No 1816 ‘The Warwickshire Yeomanry’ published in the Warwickshire Yeomanry Regimental Journal (circa 1951/52).

These recollections were provided by 1816 Cpl Anthony G. HANSON, 1/1st Warwickshire Yeomanry who had his horse shot from under him during the charge although he is not listed on the roll as having charged. His account is well worth reading. Enclosed is a photo of Anthony G. HANSON from a selection of photographs kindly provided by his family, they include images of the ‘Aftermath of Huj,

THE WARWICKSHIRE YEOMANRY JOURNAL 21 

The Charge of the Yeomanry at Huj

Recollections of 

No. 1816 A G Hanson/Rowington

The Warwickshire Yeomanry 

The place called  Huj is roughly ten miles N.E. of Gaza behind that hill named Ali Muntaz which a fortress to the Turks in the first two battles of Gaza, standing as it does like a sentinel at the end of the Sharta ridge. 

The Regiment had been on the move constantly for nearly a week. No sooner were your horses unsaddled and yourself rolled in a blanket than the order was "Get saddled up", "stand to your horses" and off you went once more. 

The chief need of men and horses, however, even more than rest, was WATER. It was during this period that I had it proved to me that horses really can smell water; and often enough it was a tussle to persuade them to leave a spot where they knew it could be found. When it was found, however, it was nothing but mud, green and unwholesome looking, where Turks had watered their horses before us and where many worse things had happened too. But necessity knew no law ; and many a cup of this green, slimy liquid did drink, only to bring it all back again. Possibly it is the memory of this time that makes the old Yeoman such a good drinker.

The whole Regiment- even the horses- had been without a good drink of water for two days, made more trying by a blazing sun, when, on the morning of the 8th November 1917, we found ourselves in the neighbourhood of Sheria on the railway line from Beersheba to Jerusalem. News come through that the Turks were in full retreat after the third battle of Gaza and that the whole of the British line was moving forward. The enemy positions at Gaza were gradually yielding to the desperate attacks of our Infantry under Major General O'Shea and the cavalry were moving up ready to break through the Turkish left flank and harass their retreat from Gaza. At this point, however, the advance was held up by two batteries of Turkish artillery from a ridge near Huj, supported by infantry and machine-guns. General O’Shea, in the course of a personal reconnaissance, met Lieut. Colonel Cheape, commanding the Warwickshire Yeomanry the 60th Division he ordered to charge the Turks on the. ridge and clear the way for the 60th Division

Now the Regiment at that moment was very much split up. One half was absent trying to find water so that only "B" Squadron and half of "C" were available, though odd members of "D" Squadron were mixed up with us and actually took part in the charge. 

Fortunately Major Wiggin of the Q. O. Worcestershire Hussars was near by, also with one and a half squadrons. As the official history inadequately puts it, he "Agreed to co-operate" but I should be more inclined to say, jumped at the chance. Anyhow, after trotting as close as we could in line of troop column, we came under heavy fire from the Turkish guns whereupon the order was : "Form Squadron- From the Centre Extend!” Then the order "Canter" was given …… "Draw Swords——Charge ! “I thinks it was Tptr. Strutt who blew the “Charge." Captain Valintine, of Snitterfield Bushes, went off with a fine "View Hulloa" and never before or since have I seen or felt such a surge of fierce excitement. The "Hunt" was on with avengeance ; a "burst" such with as may never be seen again.Everyone was shouting and cheering and the weird hunting cries that were screeched must have astonished and, probably, no little flurried the enemy ………and the horses were as  wild and excited as the men. We galloped across that open plain clean into the teeth of the Turkish guns which were firing over open sights and with shells fused at zero. (We found that several of the horses had been killed by shells that passed clean through without exploding). Then my horse was hit fatally and went down under me. While I was picking myself up the line reached the guns and the gunners, who had fought to the last minute, were killed almost to a man.

To the cavalryman, the loss of his horse was the loss of a close friend and those whose horses had been shot were not in the mood to take prisoners. One can laugh today, though not at the time, at the sight of a Yeoman, whose horse had been killed, and who in consequence was seeing red. He kept thrusting with his sword at one of the gunners who was sheltering under a gun carriage, a (luckily) empty mauser pistol in each hand. The enraged Trooper could just prick his ribs with the point of his sword, first through one wheel and then round and through the other, as the Turk jumped from side to side like a monkey. Meanwhile, the Englishman's language was the finest piece of vituperation I have ever heard.

I suppose the actual charge only lasted minutes, but it was hot while it was on! After it was over, the 60th Division marched into Huj without meeting resistance. I think this little affair proved the scope and value of quick cavalry action by determined men well directed and well led.

On this day 103 years ago Captain Rudolph VALINTINE died of wounds received four days earlier when commanding ‘B’ Squadron, 1/1st Warwickshire Yeomanry during “The Affair at Huj.”

One participant said “It was a thrilling twenty minutes but VALINTINE’s lot where in the hottest place of all.”

The Warwickshire Yeomanry’s Commanding Officer Lt.Colonel H.A.GRAY-CHEAPE wrote in his journal.[1] “Captain VALINTINE (who was dangerously wounded) led his men and captured the Field Battery. No award could be too high for his gallantry.”

He was originally buried at Imara and was later buried in the Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel – see enclosed picture of his headstone taken in 2016.

Captain Rudolph VALINTINE, MC was 39 years of age, an excellent horseman and a keen polo player having served with the Warwickshire Imperial Yeomanry during the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa. He was awarded a Military Cross for Huj – see London Gazettes 30530/18 Feb 1918 and 30801/18 July 1918 for citation.

[1] Sadly Lt Colonel H.A. GRAY-CHEAPE drowned when the Leasowe Caste was torpedoed on 27 May 1918. No trace of him was found other than his waterlogged haversack containing his Journal, which was recovered from a raft by 310145 Pte Harry GOULD, Warwickshire Yeomanry. The journal was written in indelible ink and although smudged in places is fairly readable and can be viewed in the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum upon request when open.

The Aftermath

The Charge at Huj is generally regarded as the last classic Cavalry Charge (arme blanche) by the British Army against Guns. It was all the more heroic because such a small body of horsemen were so successful against a battery of field guns plus 2000 Turkish Infantry with machine guns, and also for good measure, a detachment of mountain howitzers.

2274 Pte Phillip CAMPION, 1/1st Warwickshire Yeomanry comment’s in his letter ‘that it had been a busy day at the office and when the afternoon charge was ordered at least half of the Warwicks’ and Worcesters’ were still at the rear, clearing up after an earlier morning action.’

CAMPION writes – ‘One day 1.5 Squadrons of Warwickshire and 1.5 Squadrons of Worcestershire Yeomanry, charged eleven Austrian Guns firing at point blank range and captured the lot, the gunners getting under the guns were poked out with swords.’ [1]

CAMPION is brief in his description of the charge because he arrived after the guns had been captured, having been several miles back with those watering the horses when the charge occurred.

CAMPION’s photograph album which is in the Museum contains pictures of the aftermath of the charge as do others in our Archives – see enclosure. Until 2014 I had often wondered who was fortunate enough to have had a camera at Huj, especially as the use of a camera for private purposes had been prohibited on the Western Front by early 1915.

Well in 2014 I received an enquiry from a relative of 3174 Pte Clinton D. PHELPS 1/1st Warwickshire Yeomanry informing me that PHELPS was a keen photographer and that PHELPS had taken the enclosed images, which were identical to those which can be found within the Museum Archives. [2]

[1] Extract from ‘CAMPION’s WAR – Being the Experiences of a Warwickshire Yeoman1914-18,’ published by the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum Trust in 2008.

[2] PHELPS survived the sinking of the Leasowe Castle in May 1918. He had his camera with him and is credited with taking some of the well known photos of men in boats following the loss of the ship.