The attack of the Otago Mounted Rifles at Messines, 2010

<em>The attack of the Otago Mounted Rifles at Messines</em>, 2010

The attack of the Otago Mounted Rifles at Messines, 7 June 1917, painted by Captain Matt Gauldie, official New Zealand Army Artist, in 2010.

Gauldie’s dramatic painting shows a charge by a squadron of the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment during the Battle of Messines in June 1917. These horsemen advanced nearly a kilometre ahead of the infantry on Messines Ridge, capturing several German prisoners and two field guns. Casualties for troopers and horses were similar: seven or eight killed and more than 30 wounded.

This painting is currently on display at the Toitū Otago Settlers Musuem in Dunedin.

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2 comments have been posted about The attack of the Otago Mounted Rifles at Messines, 2010

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Jeff McNeill

Posted: 29 Aug 2022

Although impressive looking, the afternoon trot took place around 6:30pm. Sunset was not until around 9:30 pm by which time the OMR were at Keepaway Farm, well behind the former front line.

Ian McGibbon

Posted: 09 Jun 2017

Calling it a 'charge' misrepresents what happened. The mounted riflemen went forward to reconnoitre enemy positions in the evening of 7 June. They were forced to dismount after 800 yards. They brought back some useful information for the Australians whose task it was to push the front forward to the Oosttaverne Line.