2 apr 1918 anni - First Battle of the Jordan

Descrizione:

The First Transjordan attack on Amman, occurring from March 21 to April 2, 1918, was a significant military operation during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War I. This operation followed the strategic capture of Jericho and aimed to disrupt Ottoman control over the region by targeting the Hejaz Railway in Amman, which was a critical supply line for the Ottoman forces.

Background and Planning:
After securing Jerusalem and Jericho, British forces, under General Edmund Allenby, aimed to extend their control eastward across the Jordan River. The operation was prompted by the strategic necessity to cut off the Hejaz Railway, thereby isolating the Ottoman garrisons to the south and disrupting their logistical support. This would potentially facilitate uprisings by Arab forces allied with the British against the Ottoman Empire, as encouraged by T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and the Arab Revolt.

The Battle Dynamics:
The attack began with the successful crossing of the Jordan River between March 21 and 23, despite challenging conditions and fierce Ottoman resistance. British Empire forces, comprising units from the Anzac Mounted Division and the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade, initially captured the bridgehead and advanced eastward towards Amman. Their progress involved capturing the town of Es Salt en route, which was strategically positioned in the hills of Moab.

The main battle for Amman (March 27-31) involved intense fighting as British and Anzac forces attempted to disable the railway and capture the city. Despite initial successes, the strong defenses around Amman, bolstered by reinforcements arriving via the railway, ultimately forced the attackers to withdraw. The operation highlighted the challenges of logistics and terrain, which played significant roles in preventing the Allied forces from achieving their primary objective.

Withdrawal and Impact:
The retreat to the Jordan Valley, occurring between March 31 and April 2, marked the end of the operation. Although the raid did not achieve its main goal of permanently disabling the railway or capturing Amman, it inflicted significant damage and tested Ottoman defenses. The operation also provided critical insights into the capabilities and limitations of the forces involved, informing future military strategies in the region.

The First Transjordan attack set the stage for subsequent military actions in the area and demonstrated the strategic importance of disrupting enemy supply lines. It also highlighted the complexities of coordinating infantry, mounted units, and camel corps in a challenging and hostile environment, impacting subsequent planning and operations in the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I.

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