GERMAN LANDING AT MOUTH OF RIGA GULF,

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 246, 15 October 1917, Page 5

GERMAN LANDING AT MOUTH OF RIGA GULF,

OESEL AND DAGO ISLANDS CAPTURED, PROBABLE OPERATIONS AGAINST MAINLAND. LONDON, October 14. A Russian communique states:—The enemy landed one or two divisions on Otsel and Dago Islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Riga. The debarkation was carried out with extraordinary rapidity. The enemy had been preparing this operation for a long time, while the weakness of the patrol servioj favoured the movement. The capture of these islands will deprive ua of hitherto predominant positions in the Gulf of Riga, and indicates fresh enemy operations, probably in the direction of Hapsal, on the mainland, opposite Dago Island. These events may have a repercussion on the situation in the region of Segevold, on the railway, 40 miles north-east of Riga. A change of front may be nece6sary, bringing it nearer to the Venden-Valk line. The Government has decided to put aside political and domestic affairs, and concentrate all its strength upon the defence of the country.—(A. and N.Z. and Reuter.) A German official report states:—ln a combined action by the army and navy w e obtained a footing on the Island of Oesel. Our naval airships and hydroplanes repeatedly attacked military establishments on the Gulf of Riga, and dropped 1000 bombs.—(Admiralty, per Wireless.)