THE British move into the Jordan Valley to secure Jericho was also aimed at gaining control of crossing places over the river, blocking the Turkish supply route across the Dead Sea, and hoping to join up with the Arab forces. The equivalent of two divisions were used, the 60th London Division, commanded by Major-General John Shea, to which 231 Brigade was attached from the 74th Yeomanry Division. Along with these infantry units were the New Zealand Mounted Brigade (three regiments) and the 1st Australian Light Horse Brigade, both from the Australian and New Zealand (Anzac) Mounted Division.

Their task was to climb down the steep western slope of the Rift Valley into the plain of the Jordan north of the Dead Sea. They faced an old enemy, the Turkish 53rd Division, but above all, they had to cross extremely difficult territory as well – rocky slopes and narrow tracks – where there were plenty of good positions available for the defence. The Turks defended with well-sited machine guns, and held a series of positions, all of which had to be taken. The infantry of the London Division did the main work. The New Zealand riflemen had to dismount to capture at least one place. The Australian brigade climbed down by a separate track to the south of the main fighting and in a neat flanking move captured Jericho behind the Turkish defenders. This operation moved the northern flank of the British position north to the Wadi el-Auja, a tributary of the Jordan, and it became anchored on hills at Musallabeh just north of the wadi.