Cameron of Beersheba

The 31 October 2017 marked the centenary of the famous cavalry charge of Beersheba in Palestine during World War 1 by the 4th and 12th Regiments of the Australian Light Horse, part of the 4th ALH Brigade of the Australian Mounted Division.

The 12th Regiment was led by Lieutenant Colonel Donald Cameron DSO & Bar of Rouchel in New South Wales, whose grandmother was Mary McMullin nee Gardner of Rose Vale and Bingeberry, Rouchel, a family closely related to the Spencer family through her sister Eliza, who married 1) John Morrison and 2) William Walker. Eliza and William's daughter Emma Walker, married Matthew Spencer. (For those of you who have read May's Diary, Jack Cameron the cricketer and friend of May, was the brother of Donald Cameron of Beersheeba.

The importance of this extraordinary military operation in Australia’s WW1 history, and the defining part played by Don Cameron, was demonstrated recently at Rouchel and Muswellbrook on the actual day of the centenary. A moving memorial service was held at Don’s graveside at Rouchel and a large horse and trooper statue was dedicated in Muswellbrook. A church service was held in Muswellbrook at 4.30 pm to mark the actual time of the charge. All of these events were very well attended.

To mark the centenary celebrations, Geoff Harrison, grand nephew of Don Cameron, has produced a book titled “Cameron of Beersheba”. The book tells of Don’s distinguished military career spanning almost seven years including the Boer War and WW1.

If you are interested in the history of the Australian Light Horse it is definitely a very interesting and worthwhile read.

The book is available at Hunt a Book, Kelly Street, Scone tel 02 65 459 716 for $35 plus postage.