Pursuit to Haritan

The Pursuit to Haritan, spanning from September 29 to October 26, 1918, represented the final, aggressive phase of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. Emerging from the decisive victory at the Battle of Megiddo on September 25th, the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF), under General Edmund Allenby, was presented with a unique opportunity to shatter the Yildirim Army Group and bring the campaign to a swift conclusion. Allenby's directive to Lieutenant General Henry Chauvel's Desert Mounted Corps was clear: relentlessly pursue the disintegrating Ottoman forces northward.

This pursuit was not merely about occupying territory but about preventing the enemy from establishing new defensive lines and ensuring their complete collapse. The strategic objective was to capitalize on the battlefield momentum, sever enemy lines of communication, and secure vital logistical hubs before the onset of winter or any potential armistice could halt operations. The pursuit involved multiple corps, including the XXI Corps and the Desert Mounted Corps, coordinating advances along coastal and inland routes to maximize pressure on the retreating enemy.

The success of the pursuit was intrinsically linked to the EEF's ability to maintain its logistical chain as it advanced deep into enemy territory. The Yildirim Army Group, while retreating, had the advantage of shorter lines of communication. Conversely, the Desert Mounted Corps, pushing north from Damascus, faced rapidly extending supply routes.

To mitigate this, the XXI Corps was tasked with securing the Mediterranean coast. Their operations from September 29th to October 9th focused on capturing the vital ports of Beirut and Tripoli. This secured a crucial sea-based supply route, enabling the forward movement of the Desert Mounted Corps.

The capture of these ports was a critical enabler for the subsequent inland pursuit, allowing divisions like the 5th Cavalry Division to advance rapidly through key locations such as Rayak, Homs, and Hama, supported by supplies transported via the newly secured coastal infrastructure.

The Pursuit to Haritan exemplified the effective use of combined arms and inter-allied cooperation. While the Desert Mounted Corps, comprising divisions like the 5th Cavalry and Australian Mounted Divisions, formed the spearhead of the pursuit, they were supported by other elements. The XXI Corps secured the flanks and logistical bases.

Crucially, Prince Feisal's Sherifial Force operated on the right flank, engaging enemy forces and contributing significantly to the capture of major urban centers. Their successful assault and capture of Aleppo during the night of October 25th-26th was a pivotal moment, disrupting enemy cohesion. The pursuit also saw the integration of armored cars, providing mobile firepower and reconnaissance capabilities that complemented the traditional cavalry charges.

The iconic Charge at Haritan, executed by the 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade on October 26th, demonstrated the continued relevance of cavalry tactics even in the face of modern warfare, though it was ultimately repulsed by a strong Ottoman rearguard before reinforcements arrived.

As the pursuit pressed northward, the EEF faced increasingly determined rearguards from the Yildirim Army Group, who sought to delay the Allied advance and protect their withdrawal. The Desert Mounted Corps engaged and overcame numerous such obstacles, including actions at Irbid, Jisr Benat Yakub, and the Barda Gorge. The advance along the Mediterranean coast by the XXI Corps and the inland push by the cavalry divisions continued with urgency.

By October 22nd, armored cars were reportedly 30 miles south of Aleppo. The capture of Aleppo by the Sherifial Force on October 25th marked a significant blow to Ottoman morale and capability. The final major engagement occurred near Haritan on October 26th.

However, as the pursuit continued and the Australian Mounted Division advanced towards Aleppo, the war itself concluded. The announcement of the Armistice of Mudros on October 27, 1918, brought an end to hostilities in the theatre, halting the pursuit and marking the effective conclusion of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.