mar 26, 1917 - First Battle of Gaza

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The First Battle of Gaza, fought on March 26, 1917, marked the initial British attempt to capture the town during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War I. Under General Archibald Murray, the Egyptian Expeditionary Force engaged Ottoman forces in Gaza, nearly seizing control but retreating due to fears of encroaching darkness and incoming Ottoman reinforcements. This set the stage for the Second Battle of Gaza in April. The battle saw British and Allied troops, including mounted units from the Desert Column, initially succeeding but ultimately withdrawing, which delayed further large-scale operations until later in the year.

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