The Australian Light Horsemen who galloped through gunfire to defeat the Turks at Beersheba 100 years ago have been hailed for their bravery that turned the tide of history
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the Turkish and German officers captured on October 31, 1917, said they never dreamed mounted troops would be brave enough to charge through their gunfire.
"The mad Australians was a common description," Mr Turnbull told 2500 people at Tuesday's commemorative centenary service, in what is now known as Be'er Sheva in Israel.
"Not so mad," the prime minister said.
"Brave, heroic, turning the tide of history, making history, fulfilling history."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the Australians for "ending 400 years of Ottoman rule in one great dash," paving the way for the state of Israel.
"Thank you Anzac soldiers, " he said.
"And to the families of the brave Aussies and Kiwis who fought and died here".
The thanks brought cheers from the audience, which included New Zealand's Governor-General Patsy Reddy, Australia's Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, actor Bryan Brown and relatives of the Australians and New Zealanders who fought in the campaigns.
Andrea Sutherland was emotional before the service as she stood among the headstones marking the graves of Commonwealth soldiers who died there.
She had found her great-uncle William James Munro Edwards, who was killed on November 3, 1917.
"It is amazing to be able to come and see your name like this, " she told AAP, bearing the wreath she later laid alongside those of so many others.
Also laying wreaths at the end of the poignant, respectful, sombre and at times funny service were some of the 100 men and women who were to later re-enact the famous charge in which 31 Australians and many horses died.
The stock horses that took part in the charge were remembered too, Mr Turnbull describing how the Australian steeds were as legendary as the men.
He recounted a tale of one "unrideable" horse called "Bill the Bastard," eventually ridden by one soldier who was returned by the horse to the Australian lines when he was injured, although to the vet and not the doctor.
While the Light Horsemen came home, the horses were shot, devastating their riders.
The audacious Beersheba charge secured vital water sources and boosted Allied morale.
It inspired two movies and continuing national pride.
The service marked the 100th year anniversary of what some have described as the last great cavalry charge - hundreds of thundering hoofs as men galloped "knee to knee and horse to horse".
But the service honoured all those who served on behalf of all Australians and New Zealanders.
1350 Australians died in the Middle East campaigns of WWI
Mr Turnbull said their feats would never be forgotten.
"The tradition of man and horse is part of us. It is part of Australia.
"This was the last great cavalry charge in history."
