During the First Battle of Gaza, on March 26, 1917, the 161st Brigade and divisional artillery were in reserve while the 53rd Division carried out the main attack. These reserves were committed as the battle progressed resulting in the British gaining a foothold in the Turkish defences but the British commander called off the attack as night fell.
The main assault would be carried out by the 53rd Division, under the command of Major General A.G. Dallas, with the support of one brigade (the 161st Brigade) of the 54thDivision.
The British decision to withdraw was motivated by the failing light, mounting casualties amongst the infantry and reports that Turkish reinforcements, estimated in excess of 10,000 strong, were approaching from the north and east.
Both Dobell and his superior, General Murray, portrayed the battle as a success in their reports to the British War Office and excused the withdrawal by claiming the approaching Turkish reinforcements were a threat and that the horses of the mounted troops had not been watered all day.
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