Black Sheep Anzac Massacre: the story of Surafend (Part 1)
Jul 25, 2024
Terry Kinloch, a military historian and author, delves into the Surafend massacre involving the Anzac Mounted Division. He recounts the emotional upheaval following General Allenby's scathing remarks, igniting defiance among soldiers. Kinloch explores the harrowing events of December 1918, where troops resorted to brutal violence after a soldier's death, examining the psychological impacts of war. The complex dynamics of desert warfare and the tumultuous relations with local populations set a dark backdrop, leaving many questions of accountability and motive still unanswered.
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Surafend Massacre Account
- Edward O'Brien, an Australian veteran, recounted the Surafend massacre.
- He described how Anzacs "went through it with the bayonet" after a soldier's murder.
Surafend Massacre's Severity
- Terry Kinloch highlights the calculated nature of the Surafend killings, deeming it the worst war crime by New Zealand military personnel.
- The lack of clear information about perpetrators and their motivations adds to the chilling nature of the massacre.
Surafend's Secrecy
- Terry Kinloch expresses surprise at how quietly the Surafend massacre was kept.
- The incident seemingly never became widely known, raising questions about intentional cover-ups.