Battle of Haifa (1918)
Source: Indian express
GS I: History
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Battle of Haifa (1918)
Why in the News?
The 23rd of September is designated as Haifa Day in commemoration of the city’s capture following a daring cavalry action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade during World War I.
News in Brief
- Every year on September 23, diplomats from India’s Embassy in Israel and Israeli government officials representing the municipality of the northern port city of Haifa gather at the Haifa War Cemetery.
- To pay respects to the Indian soldiers who were killed and wounded in battle, on foreign soil.
- This year, as part of a commemoration that has been followed for over a decade now, the Indian Embassy in Israel issued a statement saying India’s Ambassador and the Mayor of Haifa have paid tributes to the valiant Indian soldiers who liberated Haifa on Sep 23, 1918”, to mark the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Haifa.
About Battle of Haifa (1918)
- It took place on September 23, 1918.
- It was a major aspect of the First World War’s Sinai and Palestine Campaign.
- Rajput, Sikh, and other Indian soldiers that made up the Indian 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade played a crucial part in the Ottoman Empire’s surrender of Haifa and Acre.
- The division was part of the Desert Mounted Corps and was crucial for the Egyptian Expeditionary Force’s advances.
- Indian soldiers played a major part in the Battle of Haifa, which was fought between the allied forces and the Ottoman Empire.
- Strategic attacks by the Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers resulted in the capture of 1,350 German and Ottoman prisoners as well as several artillery and machine guns.
- The regiments suffered casualties, including eight fatalities and 34 injuries, as well as the death or injury of numerous horses.
Importance of the war
- The valor of Indian warriors, notably Sikhs and Rajputs, in international battles is attested to by the Battle of Haifa.
- The First World War contributions made by India are highlighted.
- Capture of Acre solidified the success of the allied forces in the region.
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