FIGHTING THE TURK

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2458, 11 May 1915, Page 6

FIGHTING THE TURK

ALLIES ATTACK KILID BAHR IMPETUOUS DASH OF , COLONIALS BRITISH LION PROUD OF HIS CUBS LAST OF THE NAGARA FORTS ATTACKED , The news from the Dardanelles theatre of the war to-day shows that the Allies are pursuing a vigorous offensive, and are pressing the Turks unceasingly on the Gallipoli Peninsula. A fierce attack on the rear of the forts at Kilid Bahr is in progress, and the ultimate success of the Allies is certain. The warships are now concentrating their fire on the last of the Nagara forts, the others having been silenced. The news of the exploits of tho New Zealanders and Australians in tho landing operations has thrilled England, and the newspapers devote enthusiastic articles to their praises. DRAWING IN THE ENCIRCLING NET TURKISH DEFENCES WEAKENING. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) ,(Reo. May,lo, 5.40 p.m.) London, May 9. The Times" correspondent at the Dardanelles estimates that there are three thousand prisoners in addition to the Turkish losses. The enemy is strongly entrencned on commanding heiehts. The western extremity of the peninsula has been surrounded by the Allied troops, and several positions have been taken by the bayonet, thus drawing in the enveloping circle about the Turkish defences, which are weakening under the warships' artillery. The ultimate capture of these positions is certain. .Mitylene reports that ten thousand wounded Turks in the last two battles have been transported to Constantino nle. The Turkish Press admits that the Gallipoli fighting was of the most furious description._ _ The valley was full of dead. The Allied warships vomit hell on our positions, and we have been unable to drive out the Australian troops, who, despite a murderous fire, continued to deliver the most desperate bayonet charges on our trenches.—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) THE GALLANT EXPLOITS OF THE COLONIALS ENTHUSIASTIC PRAISE IN ENGLAND. (Reo. May 10, 5.40 p.m.) London, May 10. Mr. Lloyd George (Chancellor of the Exchequer) says that he regards the landing on the Dardanelles territory as one of tho finest feats of arms in history. The achievement of the colonials has been eulogised by all the newspapers. The "Evening Standard" says: "The news thrills us with a large and family joy. This young country had a military reputation to make, and its deeds at Gallipoli have established its reputation. The sons of Australasia have proved that they, can fight with a scorn of death, and the spirit of the gallant fellows at Neuve Chapelle, who, the Germans confess, taught them that our new British Army is not composed of hopeless ragamuffins. It is a privilege for Britons who have been in the habit of canting that our country has grown old and tottery, to salute them." ' The "Westminster Gazette" remarks that "the extraordinary difficulties of the landing were, overshadowed by the Australans and' New, Zealanders' dash and determination. They suffered severely, but it is doubtful whether any other troops in the world would have carried through successfully such an individual operation. We may well bo proud of the men from our daughter countriei" ' The "Star" says: "This story of great gallantry stirs our blood. Young lions from the lands under the Southern Cross have come to the aid of the old lion, who is watohing their deeds with pride and faith." The "Evening News" says: —"It is impossible not to be struck with admiration at the marvellous dash, heroism, and efficiency of the Australians and New Zealanders in their prominent role in these important operations. Canada has rung with the gallantry of the Canadians in Flanders and this exploit in Gallipoli will impress the people of Australasia with tho wild enthusiasm for the gallantry of her sons at the front." The "Pall Mall Gazette" says: "The volunteer soldiers of Australasia have most nobly made good."—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Sorvices.) HEAVIEST LOSSES BORNE BY THE COLONIALS. (Rec. May 10, 10.50 p.m.) Athens, May 10. An eye-witness of t'he recent fighting says that the heaviest losses were borne by the Australians and New Zealanders, whose one fault was their complete disdain of cover. Their bravery and dash were amazing. In some cases the men, after rushing the first Turkish trenches in ten minutes, charged ahead, despite the appeals of their officers, penetrating several miles inland, and suffering heavily when the Turkish reinforcements compelled them to retreat. Some of the troops pay the warmest tributes to tie Australians. German officers endeavoured to create a diversion by donning the uniforms of English and Australian 'officers, ' mingling with our moil, and giving false orders. CAPTURE OF HEIGHTS COMMANDING KILID BAHR ACTIVITY OF THE FORTS ON THE EULAIR LINES, Athens, May 0. The Allied force, after a fierce struggle, captured important heights commanding Kilid Bahr. The battle continues furiously. The capture of the remaining heights is expected to entail the surrender of Turks in the vicinity. It is reported that the Allies havo captured Achi Baba (a hill a few miles north-east of Cape Helles), and are threatening the forts from the rear. Advices from Dedeagatch, Bulgaria. state that tie forts at Bulair are firing vigorously to oppose the infantry landed at Karachala, and that a decisive engagement is proceeding. A Turkish aeroplane dropped bombs on a bivouac at Gallipoli, And did some damage. RUMOURED ATTACK FROM THE RUSSIAN SIDE side "tho"B?ack d Sea at * Russian army has entcred Turkc/oTtho^Turkish SIX TURKISH TRANSPORTS SUNK. Router's Agenoy states that the Russians sank six Turkil" transport, 9 'in the Bosphorus. Two of these were sunk in the Sea of Marmora, NAGARA FORTS ALL DESTROYED BUT ONE. The Deputy-Governor of Tenedos telegraphs that the tratmgtheir fire on a single fort at Nagara, all the others having been uCStrO.YBu* TURKISH STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION "ALLIES UNFAVOURABLE POSITION HAS NOT CHANGED " „. , , , ~ Constantinople, May 9. Official.—"The Allies unfavourable situation has not changed There is no truth m the report that the Allies occupy Gallipoli and Nacara • thev onlv hold positions at Ariburau (? Saribair) and Sedd-ul-Balir. y "Our military movements on the peninsula have not been interfered with and the Asiatic shore is free of the enemy—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) TURKS MAKING WAR IN ARMENIA DESPERATE PLIGHT OF THE POrULACE. ~ , ~ . Pstrograd, Mav 0. Dismal Pasha (the Turkish Commander in Asia Minor), supported bv Kurds, is besieging Van, Armenia. The ammunition of Lhe Armenian insurgents is nearly, exhausted, . _ " Many prominent Armenians have bten assassinated, and tho lives of American missionaries and their families nrs in dancer. T lu.ro wWwle massacres elsewhere iu Armani*,