IN MESOPOTAMIA.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15776, 18 December 1916, Page 7

IN MESOPOTAMIA.

A BRITISH ADVANCE. IMPORTANT GROUND WON. (By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright.) Tho Hiigh Commissioner reports: — LONDON. Dec. 15th (9.10 p.m.). "In Mesopotamia our forces on tho Tigris assumed the offensive on December 13th and 14th. The Turkish positions about Sanna-i-Yat. on the left bank, were subjected to erfective bombardment. On the night of December 13th-14th the British secured the left bank of the Hai River between Atab and Basrugiyeh. and crossed to the right bank, securing ground to a depth of one to one and a half miles. "The cavalry suosefjucntly cloared the Turks from the trcnches on the right bank near Kalahajifahan. near Kut-el-Amara. The positions occupied are being consolidated. '"Our casualties were "sTight." SUBSEQUENT GAINS The High Commissioner reports:— LONDON. December Hi (G. 30 p.m.;. •'ln Mesopotamia on Thursday crur initial advantage was secured, and the operations of Wednesday steadily improved . _ "Wo are advancing northwards on both sides of tho Hai River. '■'A British outpost has been established three-quarters of a mile southwards of Kut. on the Tigris." READY TO STRIKE. (United Service.) (Received December 17th. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 15. Communiques indicate that the British on the Tigris have reached a point south-west of Kut, which must be occupied before an advance up the river is possible. Sine© the attempt to relievo General Townsend. railways have been built, tho air service improved, and the medical and commissariat departments made efficient.