“The Turkish attempt to recapture Jerusalem had thus ended in crushing defeat. He had employed fresh troops who had not participated in the recent retreat from Beersheba and Gaza and had escaped its demoralising effects. The determination and gallantry with which his attack was carried out only served to increase his losses.”
Another quotation as to this battle has been given under the 53rd Division, which was also in the XX. Corps. The operations 17th-24th November, 1917, are now the “Battle of Nebi Samwil,” and those 26th to 30th December, the “Defence of Jerusalem.”
Paragraphs 6 and 7 of the despatch deal with the advance to and capture of Jericho and give a detailed description of the immense difficulties which the troops had to surmount.
“The 60th Division had taken over the line east of Jerusalem some time previously. Opposed to it were some 5000 rifles, while to the north another 2000 rifles were in a position from which to act against the left flank of the 60th Division as it advanced.
“The chief obstacle to the advance lay in the difficulty of the ground rather than any opposition the enemy might offer.”
Between the line of the 60th and their objectives lay a succession of ridges some of which were precipitous.
The advance on Jericho began on 19th February, 1918. On that day the Division captured several strong positions “in face of considerable opposition.”
That night the enemy attacked and was repulsed “after a sharp struggle.”
On the 20th further positions were taken, “the enemy resisting with stubbornness.... The right brigade met with great opposition. Moreover, the ground over which the attack had to take place proved the most rugged and difficult yet met with in this country.... The left brigade advanced four miles over difficult country, the enemy fighting a rearguard action from ridge to ridge.”
By the evening of the 20th “the 60th Division had reached a line four miles west of the cliffs overlooking Jericho.”