How is it remembered?

Many Australian writers, artists, and poets have been inspired by the events at Beersheba on 31 October 1917.

Think

Looking at the representations of the battle below, what do they focus on? What do the artists consider most memorable?

Source 7: George Lambert painting

Collection Item C172150

Accession Number: ART02811

George Lambert, The Charge of the Australian Light Horse at Beersheba, 1917 made in London, 1920
oil on canvas, 139 x 262 x 10 cm

Source 8: Dennis Scanlon poem

Source 9: Clifton Pugh painting

Collection Item C1008602

Accession Number: ART91983

Clifton Pugh, Australian Light Horse, 1990
Oil on canvas, 97 x 127cm

Evaluate

How significant was the battle of Beersheba, and why?

Consider how well-known Beersheba is compared to famous campaigns like Gallipoli or the Somme. What might explain the difference? Does Beersheba deserve more recognition by Australians? Why/why not?

Back   Next

Last updated: