A late-WWI cavalry charge near Aleppo that struck retreating Ottoman Yildirim Army Group forces in the final days of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.
Key Facts
- Date
- 26 October 1918
- Brigade involved
- 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade
- Division
- 5th Cavalry Division
- Squadrons in rearguard charge
- Six squadrons
- Location
- North of Aleppo, Syria
- Campaign
- Sinai and Palestine Campaign, WWI
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the British Empire's victory at the Battle of Megiddo, remnants of the Ottoman Yildirim Army Group fled north through Damascus, Homs, and Hama toward Aleppo. Losses from sickness depleted the Desert Mounted Corps pursuit, which was carried forward by armored cars and the 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade as the Ottoman column retreated to concentrate near Aleppo.
On 26 October 1918, two regiments of the 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade charged into the retreating Ottoman Yildirim Army Group column near Haritan, north of Aleppo. Subsequently, six squadrons of the same brigade charged an Ottoman rearguard position but were counterattacked and compelled to withdraw.
The charge at Haritan marked the end of the Pursuit to Haritan in the closing stages of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. Prince Faisal's Sherifian Force had already attacked Aleppo on the night of 25 October, and these actions effectively brought organized Ottoman resistance in the region to a close as the armistice approached.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Side B
1 belligerent