World War I: The Battle of Rafa is fought near the Egyptian border with Palestine.

The Battle of Rafa, also known historically as the Action of Rafah, was a pivotal military engagement fought on 9 January 1917. This crucial conflict represented the third and final major battle that successfully concluded the extensive campaign by British forces to recapture the strategically vital Sinai Peninsula during the broader Sinai and Palestine Campaign of the First World War. This victory was instrumental in securing the eastern flank of the Suez Canal, a critical artery for Allied global communications and troop movements.

The offensive was led by the Desert Column, a specialized mobile formation of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF), which launched a decisive assault against a deeply entrenched Ottoman Army garrison. This garrison was strategically positioned at El Magruntein, a locality situated just south of the town of Rafah. This area lay remarkably close to the internationally recognized frontier between the then Sultanate of Egypt, under British protection, and the expansive Ottoman Empire, specifically to the north and east of Sheikh Zowaiid. Significantly, this successful attack marked a profound shift in the campaign's trajectory, initiating the commencement of direct fighting within the Ottoman territory of Palestine itself.

The Strategic Context: An Advance Across the Sinai

Following a series of hard-won victories for the British Empire in the Sinai, notably the defensive triumph at the Battle of Romani in August 1916 and the subsequent offensive success at the Battle of Magdhaba in December 1916, the Ottoman Army found itself progressively forced to retreat. Their defensive lines were pushed back to the very southern edge of Palestine. This relentless eastward advance by the Egyptian Expeditionary Force was a testament not only to their military prowess but also to an unprecedented logistical undertaking that meticulously extended their lines of communication deep into the barren desert landscape.

This ambitious push was critically dependent upon the simultaneous and rapid construction of two vital infrastructure projects: a robust standard-gauge railway line and a comprehensive water pipeline. These engineering marvels were indispensable for supplying the advancing troops with the enormous quantities of water, munitions, food, and other provisions required for sustained operations in an arid environment. The arrival of the railway line at El Arish, a key coastal town, on 4 January 1917, was a monumental logistical achievement. It immediately rendered possible the direct support necessary for an attack on Rafah by the newly reorganized and formidable Desert Column, commanded by Lieutenant General Sir Philip Chetwode and largely comprising the ANZAC Mounted Division under Major General Harry Chauvel.

The Battle Unfolds: A Day-Long Assault on El Magruntein

The Battle of Rafa commenced at dawn on 9 January 1917, evolving into a day-long, intense assault on the Ottoman defensive positions at El Magruntein. The Ottoman garrison, under the command of Kaimakam Hamdi Bey, had meticulously fortified its positions, which consisted of a series of well-constructed redoubts and an intricate network of trenches. These strongpoints were strategically located on rising ground, providing excellent fields of fire across the surrounding flat grassland, which conversely offered little cover for the attacking British forces. The Ottoman defenders, numbering approximately 2,000-3,000 troops, were prepared for a tenacious defence.

As the day progressed, the combined forces of the Desert Column executed a masterful envelopment. The highly mobile mounted units, including the skilled Australian Light Horsemen, the resolute New Zealand mounted riflemen (specifically the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade), various mounted yeomanry units from Britain, and the hardy cameliers of the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade, systematically maneuvered to encircle the Ottoman positions. This encirclement was effectively supported by the mobility and firepower of armored cars, which provided crucial reconnaissance and suppressive fire.

Decisive Victory and the Capture of Defences

The decisive breakthrough occurred in the late afternoon, following hours of fierce fighting. It was the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade that spearheaded the final, desperate charge, successfully capturing the heavily defended central redoubt, a critical strongpoint within the Ottoman defensive line. This bold assault, often involving dismounted cavalry fighting as infantry, shattered the remaining Ottoman resistance. With the fall of the central redoubt, the remaining fortified positions and trench lines were overwhelmed and occupied by the advancing Allied forces shortly thereafter. The battle concluded with a comprehensive British victory, severely crippling the Ottoman presence in the area. Allied casualties amounted to approximately 487 (including 71 killed), while the Ottomans suffered an estimated 200 killed and over 1,600 captured, along with the loss of valuable artillery and machine guns.

Aftermath and the Road to Palestine

The decisive victory at the Battle of Rafa marked the unequivocal completion of the Sinai Peninsula's recapture by British forces. It effectively eliminated the last significant Ottoman military presence in the region, securing the direct land route into Palestine. This triumph paved the way for the subsequent phases of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, immediately opening up the southern frontier of Palestine for the next major British objectives, particularly the First Battle of Gaza, which would commence in March 1917. The logistical groundwork laid, coupled with the tactical success at Rafa, transformed the campaign from one focused on defending Egypt into a full-scale offensive aimed at liberating Ottoman-controlled territories in the Levant.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Battle of Rafa

What was the primary objective of the Battle of Rafa?
The primary objective was to eliminate the last significant Ottoman Army garrison in the Sinai Peninsula, thereby completing its recapture and securing the eastern flank of the Suez Canal. It also aimed to open the direct land route into Ottoman Palestine.
When and where did the Battle of Rafa take place?
The battle took place on 9 January 1917, at El Magruntein, just south of Rafah, which was then a frontier town between Egypt and the Ottoman Empire.
Which military forces were involved in the Battle of Rafa?
The battle involved the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF), specifically its Desert Column (including Australian Light Horse, New Zealand Mounted Rifles, Imperial Camel Corps, and British Yeomanry units), against a garrison of the Ottoman Army.
What was the significance of the Battle of Rafa in the broader campaign?
The Battle of Rafa marked the end of the Sinai campaign phase and the beginning of direct fighting within Ottoman territory in Palestine. It secured the logistical lines and strategic position for subsequent advances towards Gaza and beyond.
How did logistics influence the British advance in the Sinai campaign?
Logistics, particularly the construction of a railway and a water pipeline across the desert, were absolutely critical. These infrastructure projects enabled the sustained supply of troops and materials, directly facilitating the deep penetration into the Sinai that led to battles like Rafa.