The capture of Jericho on February 21, 1918, was a pivotal moment in the allies' advance during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign of World War One. British troops, commanded by General Edmund Allenby, began their offensive against Ottoman forces just outside of Jerusalem on February 19, and managed to successfully capture to Jericho in just three days.
Jerusalem had been captured in December of 1917, and harsh winter weather had caused a lull in fighting afterwards. The break from combat allowed British forces to consolidate the territory they had gained, and prepare to advance. On January 25, 1918, Allenby wrote, “I want to extend my right, to include Jericho and the [North] of the Dead Sea.”
His desire was to push Ottoman forces across the Jordan River, and secure its crossings.
Air support was used prior to the attack, with bombs being dropped on Amman, as well as targeting boats in the Dead Sea. Infantry and cavalry units began the attack on February 19, eventually taking control of Jericho with little resistance on February 21.
The battle was important for the British during World War 1 as it gave them control of strategic roads, including the main road to the coast and the mountain highway to Jerusalem.
