CHAAAARRGE!

Description

Limited Edition – 500

Major Hyman was leading A Squadron in the front line of the charge on Beersheba on the 31st October 1917 when they came under heavy sustained rifle and machine-gun fire. Dismounting from a full gallop in front of a redoubt of 100 entrenched Turkish soldiers with machineguns and rifles blazing, he and thirteen of his men quickly dispatched 60 Turks before the remaining 40 surrendered.

This action saved many lives among the Australian light Horsemen and their horses, because the succeeding waves of following squadrons of Light Horsemen that were following his, were able to pass unscathed to take Beersheba. Such an action should have been impossible. A total of 14 men with a pistol, rifles and bayonets… in the open!… against 100 men with rifles, bayonets and machine guns protected in the trenches! Impossible! – but the impossible did happen! It was a miracle. One of many that day.

For this he was recommended for a VC (Victoria Cross) by his superior officers, to recognize his gallantry, leadership and skill; but was awarded the DSO (Distinguished Service Order) instead.