The First Battle of Gaza

The First Battle of Gaza on March 26, 1917, was a critical juncture in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, a theatre of World War I. Following significant victories at Romani (August 1916) and Magdhaba (December 1916), which secured the Suez Canal and advanced British control across the Sinai Peninsula, the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) under Lieutenant-General Sir Archibald Murray was poised to push into Ottoman Palestine.

The capture of Gaza was deemed essential for several reasons: it was a major administrative and communications hub, controlling access to the coastal plain and inland routes; its capture would provide a strategic base for further advances towards Jerusalem and Damascus; and it would bolster British prestige after earlier setbacks. The EEF had successfully established a railway and water pipeline across the Sinai, facilitating logistical support for an offensive into Ottoman territory.

The momentum gained from earlier successes created an expectation of further advances, making Gaza the logical next objective.

The attack on Gaza was primarily executed by the Eastern Force, comprising the 52nd (Lowland) Division and an attached infantry brigade. The plan involved a multi-pronged assault, with infantry attacking from the south and southeast. Crucially, the Desert Column's advance had brought the EEF to the doorstep of Gaza.

To counter the threat of Ottoman reinforcements, the Anzac Mounted Division and the Imperial Mounted Division were deployed to screen the flanks and engage any enemy relief forces. The infantry attack achieved considerable success, pushing into the outskirts of Gaza and capturing key defensive positions like Ali Muntar. By late afternoon, the troops were on the verge of entering the town itself, suggesting a tactical victory was within reach.

The Anzac Mounted Division also played a role by attacking from the north, further stretching Ottoman defenses and creating confusion.

Despite the tactical gains made by the attacking forces, the battle took a decisive turn due to a confluence of factors that led to a British withdrawal. As dusk approached, the commanding officer of the Eastern Force, Lieutenant-General Charles Dobell (acting under Murray's overall command), became increasingly concerned about the deteriorating light conditions. Fighting in the dark in unfamiliar terrain against a determined enemy posed significant risks of disorganization and heavy casualties.

Simultaneously, intelligence indicated the imminent arrival of substantial Ottoman reinforcements from the north and northeast. Fearing that his forward troops would be cut off and overwhelmed by these fresh enemy units, Dobell made the critical decision to order a general retreat. This decision has been widely criticized by historians as a classic case of 'snatching defeat from the jaws of victory,' as the attacking forces were so close to achieving their objective.

The First Battle of Gaza was a significant setback for the British. It not only failed to achieve its strategic objective but also resulted in considerable casualties and a blow to morale. The Ottoman defenders, bolstered by their successful defense and the timely arrival of reinforcements, were able to hold Gaza.

This outcome had profound implications for the campaign. It demonstrated the resilience of the Ottoman forces and the formidable defenses they could establish. The failure at Gaza directly led to the Second Battle of Gaza in April 1917, which proved to be an even more disastrous defeat for the British, characterized by heavy losses and a complete failure to advance.

The repeated failures to capture Gaza significantly prolonged the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, forcing a strategic reassessment and contributing to a more cautious approach in subsequent operations. The battle serves as a case study in the challenges of offensive operations in arid environments, the importance of timely intelligence, and the critical impact of command decisions made under pressure.

The First Battle of Gaza was orchestrated by the leadership of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF), primarily Lieutenant-General Sir Archibald Murray, who held overall command. The direct command of the attacking Eastern Force fell to Lieutenant-General Charles Dobell, who made the crucial decision to withdraw. The fighting formations included the 52nd (Lowland) Division and an attached infantry brigade, representing the core of the infantry assault.

The vital role of screening and preventing enemy reinforcements was entrusted to the Anzac Mounted Division and the Imperial Mounted Division, showcasing the combined arms approach. On the opposing side, the battle was fought against the Ottoman Empire's garrison in Gaza, supported by the threat of significant reinforcements that ultimately influenced the British tactical withdrawal. The effectiveness of these Ottoman forces, coupled with the terrain and logistical challenges, contributed to the battle's outcome.