WEATHER STOPS DARDANELLES OPERATIONS

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 70, 23 March 1915, Page 5

WEATHER STOPS DARDANELLES OPERATIONS

FLEET'S SUPERIORITY TO THE FORTSL SPLENDID BEHAVIOUR OP FRENCH SQUADRON. WELLINGTON, March 22. The High Commissioner has sent the following cablegram from London, under date March 22:— The Admiralty, announces that unfavourable weather has interrupted the operations in the Dardanelles, as reconnaissance by seaplane is impossible. The damage done to the forts by Thursday's bombardment has not been ascertained. X o great expectations should be basefi on this, as, owing to the losses caused by drifting mince, the attack was not pressed to a. conclusion on that day. The power,, of the fleet to dominate the fortresses by the superiority of its fire seems .to be established. A arious other dangers and difficulties have been encountered, but nothing has happened that" juetines the belief tuat the cost of the undertaking will exceed what was always expected. The British casualties are 61 killed, wounded, and missing. V ice-Admiral De'Rbbeck comments on the splendid behaviour of the French squadron, its heavy loss leaves it quite undaunted. It was led into close action by Rear-Admiral Guepratt with the greatest gallantry.

FRENCH SAILORS UPHOLD TRICOLOUR WITH HONOUR.

DETERMINED TO SEE THE OPERATIONS THROUGH. (Times and Sydbey Sun Serrlcec.) (Received 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, March 22. The French Press is unanimous in expressing its unshaken determination to carry through the Dardanelles operations. It is not expected that the Allies will succeed without experiencing losses. France and Great Britain have plighted their word that both will sail to Constantinople. The arrival of the greater part of the French Expeditionary Force will make the task easier. Official reports are reticent regarding the numbers,, and achievements of the landing parties. The French Admiralty report emphasised the important and brilliant part played by the French division in the bombardment. The French were given the honour of attacking the forte at close range, and Rear Admiral Guepratt telegraphs that the honour of the nag was fully upheld, though it was dearly purchased by the loss of the Bouret. '