THE DARDANELLES.

Evening Star, Issue 15797, 7 May 1915, Page 4

THE DARDANELLES.

immm the troops. INDIANS THE VANGUARD. HOW OUR BOYS LANDED. FACED PGShTbLANK FIRE. BVJR ASQUITH'S STATEMENT. LONDON, May 1 6. (Recoived May 7, at 10.55 a.m.) Replying to a question in the House of Commons by Mr Bonar Law, Mr Asquith gave details of the landing at the Dardanelles. It commenced at three important points simultaneously on April 2-5 in face of much opposition from entrenched Turkish infantry and artillery. By nightfall on April 25 the transports had landed 1,000 Indian troops, who held up the Turks the whole day, and eventually succeeded, by a fine attack, in taking up a position which enabled them to cover the disembarkation of the remainder of the forces. The landing of the Australians and New Zealanders was opposed by heavy Turkish fire at point-blank range, but tbev carried the position with a rush. Their attack was then pushed forward with the greatest dash. The French landed on the Asiatic side,' and advanced with great gallantry. The whole landing was magnificently supported by the naval forces. The losses during these operations were heavy, but tho disembarkation was continued on April 26, when every attack was repulsed. On April 27 tho troops were firmly established across the peninsula. The New Zealanders and Australians defeated _ every counter-attack, and by tho 2nd of May the position everywhere had been consolidated. The successful performance of this difficult operation in face of determined opposition displayed unsurpassed courage and skill on the part of the troops. Operations are now being continued and pressed on under highly satisfactory conditions.