The failed British assault on Amman in 1918 demonstrated the limits of EEF offensive reach east of the Jordan River during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.
Key Facts
- Date range
- 21 March – 2 April 1918
- Amman distance from Jericho
- 30 miles (48 km)
- Ottoman HQ location
- Fourth Army headquarters at Amman
- Key supply line targeted
- Hejaz Railway, including Ten Arches Bridge
- Outcome
- British Empire force withdrew to Jordan Valley
- Jordan Valley held until
- Mid-September 1918 (Battle of Megiddo)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following victories at the Battle of Mughar Ridge, the Battle of Jerusalem, and the Capture of Jericho, the Egyptian Expeditionary Force consolidated gains and sought to extend its right flank eastward across the Jordan River. The successful Battle of Tell 'Asur and occupation of the Jordan Valley provided the operational basis for a push into Transjordan to threaten Ottoman communications at Amman.
Between 21 March and 2 April 1918, British Empire forces crossed the Jordan River under fire, established a bridgehead, captured Es Salt, and advanced on Amman with the Anzac Mounted Division, Imperial Camel Corps Brigade, and infantry from the 60th London Division. A determined assault on Amman's Ottoman garrison failed when railway-delivered reinforcements strengthened the defenders beyond what the attacking force could overcome.
General Shea's force was compelled to retire from both Amman and Es Salt back to the Jordan Valley by 2 April 1918. The EEF continued to hold the Jordan Valley through summer 1918, but the failure to take Amman left Ottoman control of the Hejaz Railway intact until the broader Battle of Megiddo offensive in September 1918.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
John Shea.
Side B
1 belligerent