Today is the 90th anniversary of the capture of Beersheba by the Australian 4th and 15th Light Horse Regiments,

From Digger History:
Beersheba is often called the Last Great Cavalry Charge. That is incorrect in 2 ways. The Germans and the Cossacks both had cavalry charges in WW2. But more importantly, the Light Horse were Mounted Infantry, not Cavalry. They did not have sabres or lances only 18 inch long bayonets and their rifles slung over their backs. Far from being the Last Great cavalry Charge in history it is (probably) the ONLY Great Mounted Infantry charge in history.

It is also famous as having been probably one of the longest charges, 4 miles, in full sight of the enemy, first coming under Artillery fire then Machine guns then rifle fire.

When the trenches before Beersheba were reached, the Brigade mostly bypassed the first and main trenches, but casualties occurred. Some Light Horsemen raced through to the town to capture objectives. Others dismounted at various trenches or had their horses shot from under them and dazed or not 'got to work with the bayonet'. A terrible disorder soon reigned with some Light Horsemen reduced to using their rifles as clubs. Mostly the Turks seemed anxious to surrender, but scattered units exchanged fire with the Light Horsemen, some bitterly refusing to give up until large numbers had been shot or bayoneted.

I had a uncle killed during this battle he was killed on hill 1250. He was Sgt with The Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment. Hill 1250 got it name from the victory there by Saladin in 1251

A picture of the Military Cementry where he was buried in Beersheba

A picture of the reenactment by the australians yesterday

This image has long been a bone of contention. Alleged to be the only photo of the original charge, but disputed by many.

The whole story both for and against may be found here:
http://www.lighthorse.org.au/histbatt/photo.htm

Never the less, it was one of Australia's Greatest Battle Honours.

Is Beersheba really the last charge?

I forget the name of the Battle, but during the Blitzkrieg of Poland there was a cavalry regiment of Poles that charged through a German Panzer advance.

Originally Posted by mmarsh

Is Beersheba really the last charge?

I forget the name of the Battle, but during the Blitzkrieg of Poland there was a cavalry regiment of Poles that charged through a German Panzer advance.

Entirely possible but the Polish charge (assuming it happened) was a cavalry charge, the Australian one was done by mounted infantry ie they carried guns not swords and lances.

I'd also say to be considered "great" it would have to be successful. The Polish charge was a complete and utter failure to say the least.

Originally Posted by bulldogg

I'd also say to be considered "great" it would have to be successful. The Polish charge was a complete and utter failure to say the least.

Actually the Poles won. I found it it was called the Battle of Krojanty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Krojanty

During the action the Polish cavalry units met a large group of German infantry resting in the woods near Krojanty. Colonel Mastalerz decided to take the enemy by surprise and immediately ordered a cavalry charge, a tactic the Polish cavalry did not use as their main weapon.
The charge was successful: the German infantry unit was dispersed, and the Poles occupied the woods. Moreover, the German advance was stopped for enough time to allow the withdrawal of Polish 1st Rifle battalion and National Defence battalion Czersk from the area of Chojnice (see Battle of Chojnice). However, the sounds of the battle notified the crews of the APCs stationed nearby, and soon the Polish unit came under heavy machine gun fire.
According to Heinz Guderian's memoirs, the Polish cavalry charge impressed the Germans and caused a widespread panic among the soldiers and the staff of German 20th Motorised Infantry Division, which delayed their offensive and forced them to consider a tactical retreat. This was however prevented by personal intervention of Gen. Guderian.

I stand corrected, seems the charge I was thinking of and was taught about in HS history was Nazi propaganda according to today's authors.

I believe the last US Cavalry Charge was conducted by the Army/ Filipino Scouts on Luzon in 42.