THE EASTERN FRONT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9126, 23 October 1917, Page 6

THE EASTERN FRONT.

RIGA NAVAL OPERATIONS.

GENERAL SITUATION OUTLINED

LONDON; Oct. 22

A Russian naval communique deals ivith the general situation in the Baltic Isles on October 19 as. follows:—- *

The islands of Oesel and Mohn '%c definitely in the enemy's hands. Operations in Dago are hampered by the marshes, also because .of the small garrison, which is merely depending oni the coast batteries. The naval base in Mohn Sound, including the bulk of the warships, tugs, transports, etc., was transferred in an orderly manner to a safer point in the mouth of the Gulf of Finland, despite enemy opposition. The abandoned base was completely dismantled. Russian warships are now protecting the northern entry to Mohn Sound, and the mouth of the Gulf of Finland, against, a fresh enemy attack. During the Gulf of Riga operations a submarine attacked the enemy fleet, and fired two torpedoes at a Dreadnought, but the submarine was shelled and riddled by seaplanes, and was cornyelled to submerge, realising when she saw clouds of smoke on the horizon that a Dreadnought and a fleet of transports were approaching. One of the lattei- was : torpedoed.