By MEGAN OGLE
WILLIAM Grant stood tall with pride as he talked about the battle of Beersheba and the many stories behind his grandfather’s medals and artefacts now on permanent loan to the Tewantin Noosa RSL Sub-branch.
Mr Grant’s grandfather was Brigadier-General William Grant, commander of the 4th Light Horse Brigade, famous for their successful role in the battle of Beersheba.
“The battle is world famous for being the last successful cavalry charge, where they charged the Turks and Germans at Beersheba and over-ran them,” Mr Grant said.
The battle of Beersheba took place on 31 October 1917 as part of a wider British offensive collectively known as the third Battle of Gaza.
The final phase of this all-day battle was the famous mounted charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. The capture of Beersheba enabled British forces to break the Ottoman line near Gaza and advance into Palestine.
General William Grant served his country for over 27 years until he retired in Australia, with many medals and accolades for his outstanding service, in 1928.
Mr Grant said he wanted to display his grandfather’s medals and artefacts at the Tewantin Noosa RSL as his family lived in the area.
“As my two daughters are in Noosa and my wife is at Carramar, I decided a number of years ago that instead of sitting in a cupboard at home, it should be on public display,” Mr Grant said.
“A relative suggested Tewantin Noosa RSL and I agreed and they’ve done a wonderful job in setting it up as a permanent display where all the public can see it.
“It gives me great joy to come here and see it.”
