12 marzo 1918 anni - Battle of Tell 'Asur

Descrizione:

The Battle of Tell 'Asur, which occurred between March 8 and 12, 1918, was an important engagement in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War I, following the strategic victories at the Battle of Jerusalem and the Capture of Jericho. The battle extended from the Mediterranean to Abu Tellul and Mussalabeh on the edge of the Jordan Valley and aimed to push the Ottoman forces northward, enhancing the security and breadth of the territory under British control for subsequent operations.

Background and Prelude to the Battle:
After the capture of Jericho, the British forces found that the territory controlled was not broad enough to serve as a base for deeper operations into Transjordan. To address this, a general advance was planned by the XX and XXI Corps, pushing northwards to create a more robust staging area for further actions, such as the First Transjordan attack on Amman.

The preliminary operations began on the night of March 2, focusing on positioning for better artillery placements and extending the front line. The 53rd (Welsh) Division and the 10th (Irish) Division moved to secure strategic positions to the west of the Nablus road, setting the stage for the main assault.

The Battle:
The main offensive commenced on the night of March 8, spearheaded by the XX Corps which included the 53rd (Welsh) Division, the 74th (Yeomanry) Division, and the 10th (Irish) Division. The right flank was covered by the 60th (2/2nd London) Division which secured the line along the Wadi el Auja, protecting against potential Ottoman counterattacks from the Jordan Valley.

The battle was characterized by tough terrain that significantly challenged both the advancing troops and artillery support. The 53rd (Welsh) Division’s primary objective was the capture of Tell 'Asur, a strategic height offering extensive observational advantages over surrounding areas, from the Mediterranean to the deep Jordan Valley. The capture of Tell 'Asur was achieved after intense fighting and several counter-attacks by Ottoman forces.

Meanwhile, the XXI Corps conducted operations on the plains, facing less resistance and advancing towards strategic objectives near Abu Tellul and Mussalabeh, securing commanding positions that overlooked the Jordan Valley and vital communication routes.

Aftermath:
The battle significantly shifted the front lines northwards, providing the British forces with a stronger and broader base of operations. This positioning was crucial for launching further incursions into Transjordan, including the assaults on Amman and Shunet Nimrin. The newly captured line held steady for several months, serving as a springboard for the final offensives later in 1918.

The Battle of Tell 'Asur was a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of coordinated infantry assaults supported by artillery, despite the challenging terrain and strong defensive positions held by the Ottoman forces. The strategic gains from this battle allowed for more ambitious operations deep into enemy territory, which were crucial in the broader context of the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I.

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