Ewen McLean led the Indi Horse regiment into the cemetery, re-enacting the storm of Beersheba.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
At the sound of the bugle, nine light horses stormed around the corner of the Kyabram Cemetery, charging towards the 250-strong crowd waiting in front of the Lone Pine monument.
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The dramatic display commenced an immersive commemorative service held on Friday, October 31 and was unlike any of the other Anzac events held throughout the year.
The service has been held annually since 2016, organised jointly by the Kyabram Historical Society, Kyabram RSL and Kyabram Legacy.
The event aims to preserve and share the vital story of the light horsemen — specifically the Charge of Beersheba — which organiser Clive Toms believes is a critically important yet often-overlooked chapter of Australian military history.
The narration of the charge serves as the centrepiece of the event, faithfully retelling Paul Stringer’s acclaimed book The 800 Horsemen enhanced with authentic sound effects.
The thundering clops of hooves, the menacing whirr of bullets whistling past, and the thunderous explosions — all resonate powerfully as Chris Hunter’s compelling narration draws the audience into the pivotal events of October 31, 1917.
Chris Hunter performed a compelling narration of the Light Horsemen storming Bathsheeba. Photos: Jemma Jones.
“One man’s horse was shot through the head, sending horse and rider crashing to the ground in a confusion of arms and legs … but it had no effect on the galloping horsemen,” Mr Hunter said.
“Seemingly nothing could stop them as they swept on in magnificent order.
“God had used one of the smallest and youngest nations in the world as his spearhead to open the gateway to his chosen city, Jerusalem, and Australia was only 16 years old as a nation.”
The experience proved so powerfully authentic that the nine light horses responded instinctively from their positions, stirring visibly to the realistic sounds of battle and the calls of their fellow horses.
Mr Toms said he was “blown away” with the attendance of the event, especially with the threat of a looming storm throughout the evening.
He thanked the speakers, Mr Hunter, Greg O’Donnell and Ewen McLean, who was a guest speaker, musicians Claire Roberts and Glenn Bowker for playing during the service, and bugler Geoff Bray who played Last Post and Reveille.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Kyabram and Stanhope RSLs, Kyabram P-12 College, and the Indi Light Horse branch, while the majority of attendees participated in the tradition of laying poppies.
Clive Toms welcomed everyone to the service.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of community organisations.
Nine light horses lined up down the lane, and stirred at the realistic sound effects.
Ewen McLean read a poem about honouring veterans.
Greg O’Connell read Ode, followed by Last Post played by bugler Geoff Bray.
Claire Roberts and Glenn Bowker performed a few songs throughout the service.
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