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Maleny Light Horse fields named
Official opening of Ziza Field
By Jennifer Kent
Australian Light Horse Association vice president Laurie Watts, Andrew Wallace MP and Maleny Light Horse president Terry Murphy officially name the field
Ahead of the 101st anniversary of the historic World War I event known as the surrender of Ziza, federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace last Saturday, August 31, officially opened the training grounds for the 5th Light Horse Regiment Maleny Troop.
The field is now formally known as Ziza Field, in honour of the 5th Light Horse Regiment’s involvement in the Battle of Ziza during the war.
Special guests, including state Member for Glass House Andrew Powell and senior representatives from the Australian Light Horse, joined members of the public for the unveiling of the hand-crafted timber plaque, which was sourced from local timber and made and donated by the Maleny Men’s Shed.
The ceremony was followed by a welcoming morning tea and a chance for guests to socialise and reflect on the importance of the Australian Light Horse Regiment, both historically and in modern life.
The morning also saw a gathering of Light Horse troops visiting from Brisbane, Woombye, Gympie and Gold Coast regiments. Up to 20 horses came together showcasing troop displays and skills at arms for guests, ahead of their afternoon training with Maleny regiment.
“It is always great to see the different troops get together to support one another at these types of events,” Maleny Troop commander Rob Werry said.
The surrender at Ziza was an unusual event during World War I, which saw Turkish troops, surrounded by Arabian soldiers from the Beni Sakhr tribes, join with members of the Australian Light Horse Regiment in defensive positions against the Arabs. After years of fighting against each other, for one night, September 28, 1918, Turkish and Australian troops shared food and fire while defending side by side. The morning of September 29 saw the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade arrive for backup and it was safe to disarm the Turks, who were then formally taken prisoner.
The 5th Australian Light Horse Regiment played an important part in this event. Mr Werry said Ziza was one of the strangest events in world war history where 260 Australian soldiers came to protect the lives of almost 4,000 Turks against the Arabs from the Beni Sakhr tribes.
Maleny District Sports and Recreation Committee have leased the land to the Light Horse Troop which is now fully fenced and gated for the purpose of the 5th Light Horse Regiment Maleny Troop’s training.
Formed in 1992, the 5th Light Horse Regiment Maleny Troop is a part of the Australian Light Horse Association and incorporates a number of volunteers who continue to promote inspiration and pride of the Australian Light Horse. They maintain close links with units in the Order of Battle organisation of the Australian Army and take part in public displays, street parades and other ceremonial activities, as well as preserving memorabilia, photographs and records of those who have previously served.
“The 5th Light Horse Regiment and their Beersheba Museum play a special role in keeping the stories of those who fought, and our history, alive,” Mr Werry said.
