Battle of Nebi Samwil

Battle of Nebi Samwil
Part of the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I
Nabi Samwil
Date 18–24 November 1917 Location Nebi Samwil, southern Palestine Result British Empire victory
Belligerents
British Empire	Ottoman Empire  German Empire  Austria-Hungary
Units involved
XXI Corps	Seventh Army

The Battle of Nebi Samwil (17–24 November 1917) was fought during the decisive British Empire victory at the Battle of Jerusalem between the forces of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force and the Ottoman Empire's Yildirim Army Group during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, in the First World War. The Battle of Jerusalem began two days after the end of the decisive EEF victory at the Battle of Mughar Ridge which occurred after the EEF defeated the Ottoman Army at the decisive victory at the Battle of Beersheba and Third Battle of Gaza.

The battle was the first attempt by the forces of the British Empire to capture Jerusalem. The village of Nebi Samwil (now spelled Nabi Samwil), also known as the "Tomb of Samuel", was part of the Ottoman defences in front of Jerusalem and its capture was considered vital to the eventual capture of the city. The British attacking force consisted of three divisions, two infantry and one mounted.

The village was captured by the 234th Brigade, part of the 75th Division, on 21 November 1917. However they still had to defend it against Ottoman counter-attacks almost every day. Unsupported by their heavy weapons the British infantry could not break through the main Ottoman defensive line and the attack failed to reach its objective Jerusalem.