Key Facts
- Date
- 23–24 January 1917
- Ottoman garrison strength
- 1,300 troops
- Attack method
- Amphibious assault with naval artillery support
- Arab forces captured earlier
- Supplies and gold en route, causing delay
- Strategic target protected
- Mecca
Strategic Narrative Overview
A Royal Navy-led sea-based force was coordinated to attack Wejh simultaneously with a larger Arab land force under Faisal. The land contingent was delayed after capturing supplies and gold en route. Despite the lack of coordination, the naval force proceeded with a bombardment on 23–24 January 1917 and landed troops, engaging and defeating the 1,300-strong Ottoman garrison with the support of naval artillery fire.
01 / The Origins
During World War I, the Arab Revolt of 1916 saw Arab forces seize Mecca from Ottoman control. The Ottoman garrison at Medina posed a continued threat, as it could advance southward toward Mecca. British strategists and Arab leaders, including Faisal, identified Wejh as a key position on the Ottoman flank. Capturing it would sever Ottoman lines of communication and prevent any relief or offensive thrust toward the holy city.
03 / The Outcome
The British-led Arab force successfully captured Wejh, compelling the Ottomans to abandon any offensive plans toward Mecca. Ottoman troops were subsequently withdrawn and confined to static defensive positions in and around Medina. This outcome effectively secured Mecca from further Ottoman military pressure and consolidated Arab control over the western Hejaz coastal region, strengthening the strategic position of the Arab Revolt.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Faisal bin Hussein.
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.