IN PALESTINE

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 79, 30 September 1918, Page 3

IN PALESTINE

THE CAPTURE OF AMMAN

HIGHLY CREDITABLE. WORK HY

ANZAUS.

(AUSTRiUAN-NBW ZEALAND CAILI iSSOCIATMH.) LONDON, 27th September.

. Mr.' Massey writes: "I,have just' returned from witnessing' the mounted men's triumphant '-capture of Amman, a position which the enemy considered of high importance. At the moment when General Allenby's plans overwhelmed two Turkish armies in Palestine, the Anzace began a .movement to harass the Turkish 4th Astay over ' the Jordan. They had to get across several miles of flat ground which was under enemy observation and enter the Gilead mountain chain, whicli was almost impenetrable except for one pas 6to Es Salt. Until that wass was won only pack transport was possible. The.cavalry' moved/np goat tracks,'and were in Es Salt on the third day after operations began east of the Jordan. The enemy, fearing an advance .against the town, months ago- made a strategic road west of Es Salt. He had wired one valley, and all the approaches thereto were covered by many machine-guns. The 'New Zealanders, declining a frontal attack, got over . Craggs Hill and threatened the enemy flank, compelling a retirement on the town. .

''There was not much fighting at Es Salt. Between 600 and 700 prisoners were taken* The,pass from the Jordan to Es Salt was strewn -with litter. The Australian Light Horse moved from the right in the . Ainsir direction, .continually.- driving over a rough, plateau thi

Turkish cavalry and infantry. A small party got astride the railway north of Amman, removed two rails as a train approached, #nd saw it derailed. The troops got out and escaped in the hills, while our little demolition party walked away. The New Zealand Mounted Rifles attacked the town, which is on high hills. Our rapid movements in the mountains only permitted mountain artillery to be brought up for, the attack. . By three o'clock the New Zealanders had rushed into the town. Their patrols crept up south-east of the hill, followed by the main body, who forced the enemy, who was chiefly relying on machine-gun fire, from the crest, and -went through the town. The inhabitants were lining the roofs of houses; and were keenly interested in the British arrival, and made many signs of welcome. : Many prisoners were captured. The work of the Anzacs in this difficult region was highly creditable.' They have borne a heavy share of the defences of the Jordan. Valley during the tremendous heat of summer,'- ■ which left no mark on their physique or their, spirits. They were, wonderfully enthusiastic in taking part in General Allenby's great victory.