Original subtitles

What I'm gonna do to ride a lighthorse?

You're gonna be 18... fit...

capable of somersaulting bareback...

Nothing too much

Hey, Dave, get off there

In Arabic: (Its time for prayer)

19 April 1917

So the British thought they could take Gaza with tanks

They thought they could terrify us

Welcome to Palestine, Captain Reichert

Thank you, Sir

The High Command has sent you to congratulate me on my earlier

victory in Gaza

News of your triumph arrived after my departure, but I'm sure they would

wish me to do so

Of course, but all congratulations are due to the British General

Archbald Murray

For he had captured the town

but he's such a dumb heard

He didn't know and withdrew his troops

There's a little joy in the defeat of the unaware opponent

Cavalry, Sir

They're not cavalry, Captain

They're Australian Lighthorse Mounted Infantry...

you can tell them by the plumes in their hats

They're formidable soldiers

but the English just don't know how to use them

Wait until the lighthorses dismounted then we open fire

On the men or the horses, Sir?

Right on the men

Yon don't understand, do you?

You've so much to learn about war in the desert,

both you and General Murray

Halt, dismounted...

We're fighting in a desert... warfare falls

purely in one inescapable rule

Men and horses must drink

Each time Gaza is attacked

we held out for one or two days the most

And the British are defeated by the desert

Charlie...

General Chauvel sends his compliments

to General Sir Archibald Murray as usual...

Yes, Sir

We're running our of time we're running out of water

and I'm running out of patience in which my capacity to obey orders

I can't believe in

Let me see it...

Leave it with me, Charlie

Halt...

Shall we rest the horse?

No, we keep going...

There're only 50 miles to artillery

Orders didn't say we should go in rush

Yeah, I know... but they can't use us on the side lines

The British would need every man that they can get

This regiment's setup is enough for 10 battles

Hey, easy ginger

It doesn't like bloody guns... it gets excited

Then blind it...

This is the reason

why we're being separated from the Turks

The High Command worried that our horses be terrified

that would affect the whole bloody war

You did have a bloody armistice

Why not? But what I said is not misery

I'm just thinking...

What are you thinking? About what?

Why keep us off right of him?

Bothering the Colonel?

Bullshit... Frank is a real soldier...

he has guts doing things

Yeah... but Frank is just a newly promoted Colonel...

he's still a young guy

The old bureaucrats didn't trust him

Then we're just like Charlie again...

Shall we rest the horse now?

Listen...

I didn't hear anything

That's right

Sergeant, what's the news from Gaza?

Like a bloody disaster, Sir

They're rating 18,000 casualties

Luckily not one of them

They're good ones to be out there

There'd be other ways to stop the war

This is the price we're paying for

What else can we do?

Whoa... you look at that... British soldiers

Now look, Scotty... I take away this arm badge with smile...

What I don't want to get involved is any stupid bloody trouble...

Frank, have you ever known me to start any fight, uh?

No, but I seldom find you finish with your fuel

Come on...

In Arabic: Give me, May God bless us

Three cheers for the lighthorsemen

Without you guys here... situation would not be worse

What would it be?

We're just looking for somebody

That's it is

Goodbye

Australians will be there... hey, who else will be there?

Who we're looking for?

Australians will be there... hey, who else will be there?

Bloody beautiful...

But not as the pattern sunset in Calgary

Every one is better than the last

No one knows if he can see the other one

Nearly two years ago...

Jesus, we've already been away for three years

Have you made any contacts with your kids?

Bloody kids... wonderful I'm so peaceful here when I miss them

who always drove me crazy home

Your mistress is alright?

Yeah, she's okay...

If I had a fianc�e like Frank's

three years is hell a lot of time

She's worth waiting for...

Worth waiting for?

I'll tell you when he gets back... the second thing he'll do

is taking his bloody boots off

Chauvel is giving command of the whole desert company

The regiment will be moving out within l0 minutes

a real bloody thing

What shall we take out of that?

These are our trenches... the end with bodyguard gone

Past here is Turkish army at Beersheba

We're taking them on?

We'll give ourselves a chance...

We get the best regiment in the brigade

Now we get to prove it

Land of milk and honey...

What the hell it took Moses and the Jews to come here 40 years ago?

Well, they must have their reasons

What do you think?

Nobody can pass by exceptions

Yeah

We split by two...

Now, let me get him...

go Ginger go

(In Arab)Kill the one with the big hat

Son of a bitch

(In Arab)Mustafa... let him alone

Jesus Christ... thigh gets hit

Are you alright, Frank?

Get the saddle off, Tas

There's a group of Arabs up the peak valley, Serge

Hey, cover us

Come on, boys

Your leg looks bad, Frank

It horse, Tas

The horse can never make its way back to the camp

I'd better put it down here

No, let me do it, please

Frank...

How's Frank, Walter?

Oh, not too bad... he's gone to hospital

FORWARD BASE CAMP, ABASAN

I thought we could replace him by Rick Smith, is it okay?

Can't afford, Walter

You realize there're only 60 men left with Calgary?

No, Sir

I would like to split them up

Oh, that'll be pathetic

Yes, I agree

I propose to put up reinforcement in Frank's section... you recruit

They won't like that

Too bloody bad...

Tas... this is Dave Michel, Corporal

scotty golton

Dave

Philip Davis

I let the boys show you the road safe

Where are you from?

Melbourne

City boy?

Not really... I'm from Preston near Southern

where my Dad gets a dairy farm

That makes all the difference

You'd better put down your kit somewhere

You can put in my place

Frank's kit is in there

Well, he won't need it for awhile

Alright... till he gets back

Suppose let's see how he rides with a horse

Easy

How long is it back, Sergeant?

Three weeks... with the regiment

Go on

Not bad at all

The trouble is the Turks don't stand still

Neither do rabbits

Scotty, you're Scotch, aren't you?

No

Then why they call you Scotty?

Because I'm Irish

What kind of work are you in?

Engineer driver, steam engine

And Tas and Chilla, what about them?

We're all in the wood company... up in the west

You're all good mates?

Well, I was only there for awhile

What do you think about the food?

Fine

Its not what you used to in other suffrage

Never expect fancy food in the army

This is fancy food, son

Get out there for bully bacon and biscuit

What you have here you can hardly break without a shovel

Nor can you boil the dirty Arab well water without wood

This is real fancy

Why don't you go and tell the cook Tas when we shall call it a day?

It's not the point of letting anybody get the idea of beer and mosquito

not for a gallop shoot a tire and expecting a medal is not a bloody picnic

I know that, Tas

What do you know, a boy fresh from bloody school?

What the hell do you know about war?

I know it's going to be over 6 months

You say as we thought?

It�s what my brother thought when he joined up

We learned different, didn't he?

Yeah, but he's dead

(In Arabic: your father is cursed)

piss off

Keep your eyes on the horse

I know, Sergeant

(In Arabic: May peace be upon you and God's bless and mercy)

Just a couple of minutes, now?

Good day... where's fruit and flower?

I've got you something better... a letter

Must be from Joyce... but it's not her writing

Who is it?

Read it loud

Go on, Tas

It�s sad to write... someone gets to tell you

It�s better than somebody else afterwards

Joyce married 6 months ago... they moved to Jeron...

And nobody said a word...

Now well... better off without her, right?

But what upsets me is...

she still takes my pay-offs

Well, boys... you're to go now

Alright, sister...

Good luck, Frank... good to see you back soon

Yeah, it'll be...

They're watching you... you're a free man now

Can I get you anything, Corporal?

No, sister... there's nothing I want

You'd better give that letter a rest... don't worry that

Missing home?

A bit

You're already lucky...

most of us missed home hell of a lot long enough

That's great

I'll be missing you

What's happening, Tas?

The Turks got a railway up the east...

we saw to it and planned to blow it up

Are you saying the whole regiment to do that?

They've sent two bloody divisions, son

What'll we do?

What we're bloody told...

It's bloody Turkish cavalry

How would you reckon?

They've been up the scape hundreds of years,

but you're the first stride

Major Lawson, prepare A Troop for covering plan

B Troop for dismounted frontal attack

executed when C and D Troops

are ready for mounted advance from the left flank

After all, son... don't forget the safety catch

Now, you just stick with me as close as you can

Chilla is the best lighthorseman in the regiment, Dave

You'll get him through and backup if you need me

B Troop, fix blades...

A Troop, repeat fire... fire...

B Troop, charge...

(In Arab)Retreat...

Lads, I just received a bad news

Frank... died in Cairo yesterday

Jesus, what happened?

Well, the wound has turned septic

they have to Take a leg off, it got worse... so they sent him to Cairo

I know what you guys thought about it

I'm truly sorry

Thanks, Sir

It could be a mistake, couldn't it?

They made mistakes all the time

I saw his eyes red when he read the letter

My eyes just went out of it

Bullshit... you're talking bullshit

Why are you looking at me?

What are you cleaning the rifle for?

Shooting for rabbits?

We lost a bloody best mate

but find to get some gutless stupid

It�s been a long time with no death in the regiment

I'm afraid we can't mobilize soon

No another attack on Gaza?

No, it's just not yet

We'll step up patrol activities so as

to make the Turks aware of our presence

We're moving camp to Tel el Fara...

then towards Beersheba

Padre, what do you know about Beersheba?

Oh, a very ancient settlement... thousand years old...

when Christ first traveled but actually found by Abraham

He dug a well there...

it still exists today, Well of Abraham

He swore some kind of a treaty with the rulers there...

And so they called it Well of The Oath... Beersheba

There's a lot of water, isn't it?

FORWARD BASE CAMP, TEL EL FARA

Dave

Yes, Sir

Has Tas and the boys returned from scouting yet?

No, Sir

It�s a pity... looking for a change to see around the area by the wagon

Somebody has to work on the horse

Settle in right?

Yes, Sir

Tas is tough to live with sometimes...

but he's a damn find soldier

I know, Sir... I'm learning

Fine... good work

Air attack

Get the horses... get the horses away...

step up protecting the horses

Dave, get the horses away first... come on, leave the rest aside

you still a young to lead four horses

Look out, it's coming back again

Are you alright, son?

I'm alright, Serge... sorry about the horses

Sorry? Things would be different...

if we're late about 10 minutes

They're alive, thank you

Dave, I believe you fell off your horse...

good on you, son

Your elbow broke?

Yeah, doctor has put some carbon on it... pretty burning

Still looks good

Hope it'll be

Horses back alright?

You know what?

As soon as the plane left, Tas found the horses back to the line...

stood there waiting to be hooked on

No need to feel guilty... you've trained the horses really good

Tell you what... when we arrive Beersheba let's have a smoke...

something for entertainment

or you'll become cripple someday

It's too heavy for you?

I'm okay, Scotty... it's only the saddle too heavy

You can't even lift your saddle?

What you think you're going?

You're in the hospital, Al Arish

Al Arish?

The horses... they're alright?

That's good

Dave

... it's wonderful to see you up

Yeah, it's good

You'll be back to the regiment soon

I hope so

You're not anxious to get back?

No, I'm not anxious now... I'll miss you very much

Thank you

That's the way it seems to be here...

but your going back is what's so important

Yes, you'll... especially there...

What's it, Dave?

Out there... it's nothing

Well, you know... I'm a wood cutter

All past now... that's all...

Same old life...

Should be more than that... much more

I miss home...

Don't you trust me try to understand?

You must understand... the Turks still in my sight,

but I couldn't shoot

I keep telling myself... just because I didn't mean it

I didn't want to shoot a man in the back

What's wrong with that?

I wonder if I was making excuses...

actually I won't be able to kill

I saw a lot of soldiers feeling like that

I don't know how many of them have the courage to confront their feelings

Courage... funny sort of courage?

I don't even have the nerves to ask you about that

You should

Really?

Of course

You know that... it's marvelous

You'd get better first

I'm better already

You're still sick... you been delirious for two days

Maybe it's only a laugh

No, I know what I'm saying

I'll write

I'll write too

I'll get back as soon as I can

Dave

Scotty

I thought to bring a friend to meet you

Thank you, you maybe right

I gave it a bit of exercise

I tried to ride as an urban boy so it couldn't think anything wrong

Thanks, Scotty

So give it back to you

Padre, I want to make a personal reconnaissance towards Beersheba

I need a horse leader a couple of days later

Okay, I give you Dave Michel... he's just from hospital, duty free

Michel? Good

Ask him to collect my horse from the line... and report for a rifle

Meet me at 0900 hours

Wondering about the rifle, son?

Yes, Sir

If we get close to the Turks the revolver won't be of any use

We both will be in hell of trouble

They're there, Sir

There's a British officer with them...

or someone wearing British uniform

He's coming this way

Get your horse to the well and come back here quickly

Yes, Sir

Now son, you listen to me... you cover that guy...

If he makes any suspicious move... you shoot him, alright?

Yes, Sir

Colonel

Major

Friends of yours?

Friends of ours, Colonel

I didn't expect a British officer alone in this sector

I would say the same, Sir

But you see, Major, I'm not quite alone

Where are you from?

Headquarters

Which headquarters?

Cairo

Of course, it would take a long time to check

Yeah, I suppose it would

Colonel, I would feel a good deal happier if that man wouldn't point

that bloody thing at me

You hand me your revolver

and I'll see what to do about it

Very slowly... and the lanyard, Major

After you, Major

Are you going to be in the firing squad aren't you? A Joke, private

not a very good one I admit

Ah, Colonel

Thank you

You've found what you're looking for?

Possibly, the uniform is made by Egyptian tailor and the brand new papers

are made up for a Major Meinerzhagen

The name is Dutch, not German... as you so suspect

If I was a German, would I use an non-English name?

Everything is new because I was torpedoed in my way to Palestine

I lost all my kit

Very possible story, Major...

but I'll check with headquarters in Cairo

I'd rather hope you didn't mind for a very good reason

which I can't discuss in front of unlisted man

Thanks, Michel... good work, son

Well?

It�s very embarrassing... I'm in charge of the intelligence

for the new Commander-in-Chief, the man who is to replace Sir Bourchier Murray

only at the moment when Sir Bourchier doesn't know he's being replaced

So there's a new Commander-in-Chief?

General Sir Edmund Allemby

General Sir Edmund Allemby

Lieutenant Colonel Burton

Colonel

My Second-in-Command Major Rankin, Sir

Sir

Major

I believe you've already met Major Meinertzhagen

We have, Sir

Colonel

Look at that bastard... typical bloody idiot English brass

who only knows bloody camel

Well kept, Colonel

Our horses are in very good condition...

perhaps what you said a fashion too good?

Normally I would, Sir

But the next day or so I'll take the whole regiment out of the country

to Beersheba, so as to make sure the condition they've got

Any garrisons?

The Turkish cavalry lay ambush

where our lighthorsemen patrol

I'll take them on their own game

Do you? What you have in mind?

Road from Beersheba runs through here

Each morning a large Turkish patrol passes the way to the border

We hide out a troop by the road... and three troops on the ridge ass base

Come on

Cease fire

Get him bastard

drop him

Sergeant, six men to kill the wounded horses

and bring in any still alive

The rest of you cover the ridge

Come on, Mitchel

This one... check it

I may help you

(In Turkish)I'll kill you

What the hell happened?

That I... Serge

Help me get this one out of here

He could hardly stand

Let him lie down

Poor bastard... he's down on the line

Anything we can do?

He has drained his own blood

AUSTRALIAN MOUNTED DIVISION REST CAMP, MARAKEB

Ah, Colonel

Major

I must make the point, Sir

This is a rest camp, but same military standard must be maintained

Shorts mustn't be worn

I'll make sure with my men... no shorts

Morning, Major

Come on

We get to do something about it

before it's too late for the kid

The Turks come in anytime in the sideway easily getting himself killed

Are you worried about Dave or yourself?

Alright, yeah, I want to get back home

So as Chilla

So as you

Why this kid gets linked with the section?

He's a nice kid

He gets guts all that, Jesus...

but he's supposed to be a soldier

He's gonna to kill a man

If he can't do, it's pretty bad

Piss off, Dave

So, you're going to tell him?

I know what you mean, Tas

Sorry I let you down

Oh, look, son... you didn't let anybody down

But it's just... I don't know what to say

You're not cut out to be a soldier

You know that, don't you?

I suppose I do... so important to me...

my family... my brother... really want to be proud of me

You get to believe one thing, Dave

It isn't a matter of cowardness of being a real man

I don't believe I could kill

Nobody expects you to, Sir

That's true...

but if you transfer to the field

ambulance that may suit you better

Then nobody would expect you to kill would they?

No

You'll be unarmed... medical corps doesn't allow to carry weapons

Often in the thick of battle

To do a better job takes a lot of guts

If you like the idea, I can talk to Major Lawson

First I've take this back to the armorer

I can help do that

Thanks, Tas

If you need, just give us a yell

I'll do that, Scotty

You guys drop by in the field ambulance anytime

Sure

Alright

Yeah

Well, I'll be seeing you

Take care of yourself, will you?

Take care, Dave

Dave

I feel like getting piss

Every time you get piss you hit somebody

Alright, I'd already hit somebody

It�s a good thing, isn't it?

I think it is

Especially good for the kid practically we've saved his life

Yeah, I suppose so

Jesus, I'm sick of this bloody war

What I want basically is very simple

GENERAL ALLENBY'S HEADQUARTERS, KHAN YUNIS

I want the Turks to think we're taking Gaza again

Actually we'll strike the other end of the line - Beersheba

We'll try to break the lock so as to take off the inch

But it must be a complete surprise

and the town must fall in one day

Otherwise my army will run out of water

As you say sir... basically it's simple

I can arrange a certain document to fall into the hands of the Turks

indicating the attack on Beersheba will be affected,

a decoy by a small force

designed to draw away the attention of the attack on Gaza

not much is easy... making them believe the document is genuine

that could be a trick

I didn't write about this

You're not sorry?

Probably... that's great

There're a lot of things to do in the regiment to be shared by others

You know... I'm now very happy

But you still think you've failed somehow

I don't know, Anne

I wonder what my family might be thinking...

My friends back home... I wonder...

Morning, Major

Morning

Well, I think there'll be no more firing squad for you?

Right, Sir

I'm looking for the matron

Yeah... perhaps you could help me, nurse

If I can, Sir

Would you write your name for me?

I don't understand, Sir

No, of course, you don't

Please

Charming... thank you, nurse

Thank you very much... I might see you later, then

Trooper

Strange man

Who's he? Just an English officer

If you want to ask more about bloody... I'm sorry

You're still talking like a lighthorseman

I'm still a lighthorseman

Of course

You see... even you do it

So I thought like somebody else

Dave, what other people say... or even think doesn't matter

You know what you want to do and why you want to do it

The address is 36 Balham... spelling B... a... l... h... a... m Gardens, London S.W.

dated August 21, 1917

Now, begin...

Dearest, I have wonderful news...

No, you write the letter...

Imagine you just had a baby

You're writing to his father

Don't think of me...

Think of someone... someone you love

I can't

You can... I know you can

You haven't seen him for many months

You may never see him again

He may never see his child

Now, imagine that... and write what you feel...

How I wish you're here now

I'm longing for you as I have since you left me

And I would love to show you our little baby son

He's so good

You mustn't worry about either of us

I'm getting stronger everyday

And the doctor says the baby couldn't be better

I would have sent you a telegram

Of course... you did

Then I... no, that's he would have replied it would take about 3 days

If it'd been you arriving here instead of the telegram

how wonderful it would have been

I look forward so very much to the day

when we can hold our little son

and be together for the rest of our lives in peace

Goodbye, my darling...

nurse said I mustn't tie myself by writing so much

but I'll write a longer letter very soon

Take care of yourself and please... please come back to us

Your loving wife... Anne

Baby sends his kiss to Daddy

Charming... everything could be possible

Anybody home?

Nobody told you're coming

No, you won't... all those harsh jobs you know... real paper stuff

Sorts of things make lighthorsemen think the English intelligence officer

like bunch of school boys playing wizard jakes on the enemies

But this one is different

It could open its way to Jerusalem

What can I do?

I need an escort out to Beersheba

I'll be delighted

No... not quite simple as that

I need an unlisted man... a good man... a man who knows the country

and could look after himself and me, of course

But above all... a man who thinks English officers a bunch of idiots

and can be relied on... to gossips

I think we can manage that

We now get in enemy territory, Sir

Yeah, I thought we would be

You see... I don't have to get as far east as I can

May I ask why, Sir?

Of course, you see... migratory birds a hobby of mine...

I don't know much about migration habits of the stork in Palestine

We see them fly north in the spring...

but we don't see them fly south in the autumn

Now, my theory is... there's a southerly route is further to the east

Are we right now to see the stork fly in the south?

Hopefully

Look, Major... it's a bloody miracle

We're running into a Turkish patrol area

we'd better turn back, Sir

It�s really hostile territory, then

Aren't you aware of that?

I'll just rest my horse here for a moment and then we'll turn back

You care for a sandwich?

No, Sir... I just sit up here and keep an eye on you okay

Easy boy...

Good boy...

Major, there're men up, Arabs

(In Turkish)Enemies out there

Major...

Coming, Corporal, coming...

(In Turkish)They're going too far... stop chasing

They've given up

Major...

(In Turkish)They're firing at us...

Major... for Christ sake

Oh, dear...

(In Turkish)Let's get them... come on... let's go

Leave them there

Come on... let's go

You're right... his papers make it clear

TURKISH HEADQUARTERS, BEERSHEBA

Two brigades will make a limited attack on our defenses at Beersheba to divert our attention

of major offence against Gaza

But this could be a trick

Plenty information

That's possible, Colonel Ismet...

But this letter is from the officer's wife...

it's speaking about the newborn baby...

it's from the heart... not something deliberately part with

Now General Kressenstein has made me responsible for all military operations

in this sector and I take my military career on it, Colonel

I accept that letter as accidental...

therefore, the information is genuine

Well, assume any attack on Beersheba is a mere decoy

But I'll plant explosives at all the wells, ammunition dumps

and railway stations

If they capture Beersheba...

they'll be in a broken burning ruin

Their army will end up here without water

If this is a trick, they've set a gigantic trap for themselves

The set date is October 31

British Infantry will make night marches against Beersheba and attack at dawn

from the south and the west

GENERAL CHAUVEL'S HEADQUARTERS, ABASAN

The desert mounted corps will circle around Beersheba and attack

from the east... from the desert

It's our responsibility to capture the town's wells intact

How can we carry enough water, Sir?

You've asked the key question of the entire operation

The answer is simple, gentlemen... we won't because every man

has his water bottle... one quart

There'll be nothing for the horses until we capture the wells of Beersheba

They'll be 24 perhaps 30 hours without a drink

and, if we fail to take Beersheba in one day...

We can't fail

What are you doing, Tas?

Just a letter

A letter?

To the wife

Yeah... haven't written for some time

Jesus... a man can't write a bloody letter can he?

Of course, yes

Dave, you're moving out, too?

Everybody is... something really big this time

Yeah... Beersheba... Tas found out

What the regiment will be doing?

What we're told...

Good luck, Scotty

Oh, never wish Irishman good luck... comes natural

Good luck to yourself

We'll have a beer when we get back

Any word what we'll be doing?

We'll be in bloody reserve, don't you know?

I really had a feeling about this one

I suppose I still do

this one is different bro... Not just bigger. Ah.. come on

Nobby, help me post this letter

What can I do about it?

Isn't it your duty, Nobby?

Just keep it in your kit until it's sent over, ok

I'll take it, Tas

Good luck, Chilla, thanks

It'll be a silent march...

no talking once we're moving

Z-DAY, OCTOBER 31, 1917

British Artillaries right on time

I just worry about the wells

We move to cover down there

(InTurkish)Take your positions... hurry up

How many cavalry?

Are you certain of that?

Alright, keep me advised

There's at least a division of cavalry on eastern flank

as well as a large infantry force to the south

Your men have been deceived, Colonel

a clever illusion, men and horses in constant movement are making dust

They're nothing more than large patrols

Their main attack will fall in Gaza

We mustn't be tricked thinking otherwise

Sergeant Major

Yes, Sir

Dismount your men to rest and smoke for 20 minutes

The remainder in readiness for immediate movement

Another message from Von Kressenstein

refusing reinforcements or permission to evacuate

and insisting that only two brigades of cavalry are involved in the attack

Ha, they've bought it... they bought it

Well done

Now it's up to Chauvel

The infantry are gaining control of southern front, Sir

Yeah, they've done well

the ANZAC yet to take hell of the place

I'd rather get shot than being kept in this bloody valley

now easy on the smoking

When we'll get the water Tas?

Beersheba, mate

That's what I thought

Don't you feel bloody thirsty?

What, guys?

Thirsty?

Do you still feel bad this one?

I don't know

I do feel they moved too slow

Bloody sad

How long we'll get the water enough for the whole corps?

About 12 hours

Already 2 days the horses haven't got a drink

You want this?

We share it... come on

So now we both don't have any water

Less than 2 hours to sunset...

I would like to see General Hodgson and his commanding officers

Yes, Sir

Colonel, hello

Well, Captain

Area reconnaissance confirmed we've been under attack by 2 to 3 divisions

of cavalry and an infantry corps...

50 thousand of men and I'm holding Beersheba with 4,000

with our respect to General (Von Kressenstein) sits in Gaza deny me reinforcements

Yes...

the enemy has taken Tallosapa, Sir

Hold the remaining reserves to eastern trenches...

order the divisional engineers to destroy the wells and water storages

With due respect, Colonel, this is against the orders of General Kressenstein...

That's true, Captain... a General who still believes we're being attacked by patrols

Alright, the wells are responsibility of your esteemed countrymen and you

As you're well aware, our advance to Beersheba

has been seriously delayed

Qualifications of unknown strength still face us across the plain of

some 3 miles and the sun set in one hour, by which time some of our horses

will be without water for 48 hours...

Unless we take the wells of Beersheba intact,

we'll face a military disaster

Any views?

Sir...

Yes, Grant?

I believe my brigade can take the town and give a free hand

I must know what you propose

Make a mounted charge against the eastern defenses...

I have two regiments, No.4 and No.12...

General Chauvel... to take charge command surely must be my cavalry with

mounted swords...

Grant's are mounted infantry

I'll discuss this with General Hodgson...

obviously in mind to that effect

Shall we?

60 thousand men have failed to take this town in 12 hours...

How can 800 lighthorsemen possibly succeed in less than one hour?

You don't believe they can do it?

No one ever attempted to cavalry charge against trenched infantry

supported by machine guns and artillery

It's unheard of, Sir

Do you see any alternative in the time available?

Unless we're...

Very well, let Grant go ahead with it

Form up in column approach...

Hello...

Form up in column approach... What's going on?

Better to find out, mate

Ready to march by the flag...

Form squad in line extended...

What we're supposed to do, pal?

Clay, what's going on?

We gonna charge Beersheba, mate

Jesus

Sir Henry... I must re-iterate

my opposition to this maneuver...

You have...

Good luck, gentlemen

British cavalry advance by the eastern flank...

They're not cavalry... they're Australian Lighthorse

Load... wait until they dismount... and fire by order

2900 meters...

(In Turkish)Set your target...

Australian Lighthorses advance eastern defenses...

they seem to be deployed to charge

They won't charge

2,600 meters...

Charge...

2,500 meters...

Fire...

Shit...

2,400 meters...

Hey, how can they shoot at us?

The Turks are selling their bloody bombs...

Tas...

2,300 meters...

- 2,100 meters - we can't do it

Fire...

They're under the guns

Cease fire... withdraw the guns...

(In Turkish)Put on defense... wait for orders

Set your sights at 1,600 meters...

Set your sights at 1,600 meters...

Hold it, mate... let me check

Come on, Dave... what's the matter with you?

michael

1,600 meters...

Fire...

400 meters...

Hold... hold your position

100 meters...

Dismount...

Colonel, what's happening?

Your clever illusion has breached Beersheba...

but What are you doing?

the Only the same thing... I'm surviving...

Damn you to hell...

Blow up the wells...

The demolition officer isn't here, Sir

...only he has the demolition coding

Then blow up everything you idiot...

What has happened?

The artillery fire... it must have broken the wires...

Get out and repair them

Yes, Sir

Give him a hand

kill him

He is dead, sir

Put them down...

look out... a grenade...

Chilla...

On your knees...

yes turks

stop it, stop that gun...

listen, will it get me back to Australia?

I reckon it will, mate

It's a fair... and animal game

Dave... no...

Dave... I'll try to...

Stretcher here... stretcher, help...

Can you hold them for me?

Yeah... all hands up, men... put the guns away

I don't know if you can understand me...

I'll be very appreciated if you give me the chance to blow your head apart

easy, it's me

Get him out of here

Leave them at the stable for water

Sir, we only lost 39 boys...

so much miraculous

You should be one of those

Hey, Arch... have you seen the field ambulance guys?

They're all in the valley

Have any in mind?

Yeah

They've got a lot

How bad?

Pretty bad

Excuse me, Sir

Is trooper Michel on this convoy?

I remember the name...

but we lost the list, sorry

Anne...

What does it say?

Please tell me

It says we're not going to lose you