Forged Under Fire: Remembering Australia’s Allyship

A near-forgotten chapter of WWI 

Over eight months in 1918, Australian forces coordinated with the Great Arab Revolt, forming close bonds that laid the groundwork for Australia’s enduring friendship with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In 2025, Australia and Jordan celebrate the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations. 

Produced by the Australian Embassy in Amman, Jordan and supported by RSL Queensland, ‘Forged Under Fire’ is a historical documentary that explores the partnership between the Australian troops and the Arab Revolt forces who fought concurrently against the Ottoman Empire. 

The Queensland premiere took place at The Southport School (TSS) on the Gold Coast – a 124-year-old institution with a proud legacy of service. Distinguished guests attended from around the region, including RSL Queensland State Vice President Brigadier Arran Hassell CSC. 

Before the screening, BRIG Hassell told the audience of guests and students of TSS’s Cadet Program that RSL Queensland was proud to support a project that keeps the stories of our soldiers alive. 

Australian Light Horse Association Queensland Director, Kym Flehr; and Troop Commander of the 11th Light Horse Darling Downs, Chris Rowen with his horse, Frazzle

“This film will help Australians remember those who fought in distant lands. That's a worthwhile investment of our time, effort and money,” BRIG Hassell said. 

“What a great resource for our whole nation and for schools like TSS. This documentary offers Australians the opportunity to learn about a battle and a conflict that many may never have heard of, but which is an important part of our history.” 

TSS Director of Cadets and Outdoor Education, Jason Sten CSM, echoed the sentiment of remembering the sacrifices of service, and the importance of showcasing this to the school’s cadets. 

“‘Forged Under Fire’ tells the story of courage, mateship and endurance; the same values that underpin the TSS Cadet Program. Hosting the Queensland Premiere at TSS is not just a proud moment for the school, but a chance to inspire our cadets and community,” Mr Sten said. 

Honouring the Australian Light Horse 

Narrated by Australian military historian James Brew, the film tells the story of the bravery and sacrifice of Australian military forces in the 1918 Jordan Valley campaign, noting it as one of the least known theatres of WWI. 

The film features incredible photography from the book of the same name, including this image from April 1918, taken near the Ghoraniye Bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, of the 5th Light Horse Regiment; Queenslanders manning an outpost days before battle.  

Australian Light Horse Association Queensland Director Kym Flehr also attended the Queensland Premiere, before being joined by Chris Rowen, Troop Commander of the 11th Light Horse Darling Downs, and his horse, Frazzle, at a wreath laying ceremony following the film.  

The more than 2,500 Australians casualties in the 1918 campaign were remembered and honoured, including the nearly 80 Australian soldiers still resting in the soil of Jordan. 

With Mr Sten playing the harmonica, the wreath was laid at TSS’ own 'Memorial for the Fallen’ at the top of the school grounds, officially unveiled earlier this year to commemorate the First 52 – the Old Boys of TSS who gave their lives in WWI. 

A legacy of sacrifice 

The First 52 are the foundation of the TSS’ Cadets Program, one of Australia's largest army and navy cadet units, established in 1901. 

“By remembering them, our cadets understand that they are part of something far greater than themselves; a brotherhood that spans generations,” Mr Sten said. 

“Every time our cadets don their uniform, they carry the memory of the men who stood for honour, service and sacrifice.” 

The school’s connection with the Australian Light Horse Brigades made it the perfect location for the ‘Forged Under Fire’ Queensland Premiere, with TSS cadets honoured that their school was recognised in this way. 

Cadet Clancy Cohen shared, “I'm honoured, not only because I'm part of something bigger than myself, but because it's so ingrained in the TSS history. Every Old Boy who's come through TSS has been part of cadets and it's really special.”  

TSS Cadet Clancy Cohen; TSS Director of Cadets and Outdoor Education, Jason Sten CSM; TSS Cadet Harry Powell

Cadet Harry Powell added, “The Premiere really shows how much TSS has become part of the community and the RSL. I’m proud to be a cadet and honour those who have come before us.” 

The school’s relationship with RSL Gold Coast District also plays a supporting role for the cadets. 

“The RSL provides a living link between our cadets and the men and women who have worn the uniform before them,” Mr Sten said. 

“Through that connection, our boys gain perspective, gratitude and a sense of continuity. They get an understanding that service to others is not a moment in time, but a lifelong commitment.” 

Commemorating a lasting partnership 

In helping to tell this story and supporting ‘Forged Under Fire’, RSL Queensland honours the bravery of the Australian Arab Revolt fighters and allies who fought side by side in 1918 to bring an end to Ottoman rule; a testament to the courage, unity and shared sacrifice of all involved that continues to resonate today.