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The Arab Regular Army
Arab Regular Army which are Ottoman Army soldiers captured by the British. These soldiers volunteered to fight for the Arab nationalist cause. They wore British uniforms with Arab head dress and were equipped with modern weapons like heavy machine guns and artillery. An artillery battery and technical specialists from the Egyptian Army provided further support. This turns the tide of the Ottoman war. -
Attack on Medina
The Arab Revolt began on 5 June 1916. Forces commanded by Sharif Hussein ibn Ali’s sons, the emirs Ali and Feisal, attacked the Ottoman garrison at Medina in an attempt to seize the holy city and its railway station. After three days the Arabs broke off their attacks. The commander of the 12,000-strong Ottoman garrison, General Fakhri Pasha, sent Turkish troops out of the city to pursue the retreating rebels. This did not stop them. -
Siege on Mecca
Sharif Hussein ibn Ali publicly proclaimed the revolt on 10 June in Mecca. His forces were more successful there. They were able to seize the city. This forced the forcing the small Ottoman garrison to seek refuge in the local fortress. This was the first big win that the Arabs had. -
Siege of Ta'if
This was led by Emir Abdullah and the city of Ta'if was taken over. There was very little Ottoman soldier there and it was easy to take over. This wasn't a very big win, but it boosted the reputation of the Arabs. This gave them a one up, capturing and besiege 2 different cities in the same day. -
Port Attacks
Sharif Hussein attacked Jiddah and other ports along the Arabian coast of the Red Sea. Both sides recognized the importance of the Red Sea ports. The British immediately dispatched a naval flotilla to support the Arab forces. The ships bombarded Turkish fortifications and aircrafts Turkish troops in the field. This is disrupting their efforts to defeat the advancing rebels on the landward approaches.