Key Facts
- Date of operation
- 7–9 November 1917
- Attacking force
- 52nd (Lowland) Division, Egyptian Expeditionary Force
- Defending force
- Ottoman 7th Division, Yildirim Army Group
- Duration of fighting
- Approximately 2 days
- Phase of campaign
- Pursuit phase, Southern Palestine Offensive
Strategic Narrative Overview
British Empire forces crossed the wadi itself relatively quickly on the evening of 7 November 1917. The main contest centered on Sausage Ridge, which dominated the road and railway used by the withdrawing Ottoman columns. The EEF's 52nd (Lowland) Division attacked the ridge on 8 November but faced determined Ottoman resistance throughout the day, reinforced by an Ottoman cavalry strike against the British infantry's northern flank, stalling the advance into the night.
01 / The Origins
Following the Egyptian Expeditionary Force's victory at the Battle of Beersheba, the Ottoman Beersheba–Gaza defensive line collapsed under a series of British Empire attacks at Tel el Khuweilfe, Hareira and Sheria, and Gaza. Retreating Ottoman forces of the Yildirim Army Group required time to withdraw northward, prompting the Ottoman 7th Division to establish a rearguard defensive line along the northern bank of the Wadi el Hesi, incorporating the elevated position known as Sausage Ridge.
03 / The Outcome
Sausage Ridge was finally captured in the early hours of 9 November 1917. By that point the Ottoman rearguard had accomplished its purpose, enabling the main Ottoman columns to withdraw successfully along the road and railway corridor. The action marked the start of the pursuit phase of the Southern Palestine Offensive, with EEF forces now pushing northward through previously held Ottoman territory.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.