THE PALESTINE ADVANCE

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 5001, 16 October 1918, Page 5

THE PALESTINE ADVANCE

TRIUMPHAL ARCHES AND PALM LEAVES FOR BRITISH. INFANTRY MARCH 100 MILES IN SEVEN DAYS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Aes*oiatfcu. (Received Oet. 15. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, Oet. 14. Writing from Beirut on October 9, Mr. W. T. Massey, official correspondent with the forces in Palestine, describes tlie extraordinary demonstrations of welcome that were accorded the troops during the advance up the coast. All casts and creeds united and acclaimed the British and Indian infantry as deliverers of the land from the oppression of centuries. Ancient Acre and Tyre threw off their customary calm, but not till Saida and Sidou of old was reached did the population show their real feelings. When the Yeomanry approached the people rushed to tear down palm leaves and build triumphal arches and decorate houses and cheered deliriously.

Other towns were equally enthusiastic.

At Beirut the people threw flowers and sprayed perfumes wherever the British uniforms were seen. Crowds surrounded the soldiers and shouted “The British. . Hurrah!” clapping hands. Tlie British prestige never stood higher. The exemplary behaviour ol our splendid troops is everywhere the subject of comment. The infantry ,in seven days marched a hundred miles, converting tracks into roads, this splendid achievement enabling the passage of heavy and field guns. When Damascus was captured the Turks wired “Evacuate Beirut.” The' military governor thereupon retired and left the government in the hands of the municipality. When the Germans left they placed machine guns round the station to prevent the Turks hoarding their trains. The town was found in good order. Writing fram Baalbek on October 11, Mr. Massey says:—Our march over the mountains of Lebanon everywhere disclosed evidences of the people’s relief. Our advance put an end to Turkish nffsgovernment everywhere. Over forty miles of road our men were accorded a heartfelt welcome. Our coming wrought a wondrous change in the condition ot the contentment of the population. entering Baalbek the General was officially received by the mayor with much rejoicing. The band with ha f a dozen old instruments played God Save the King.” and a party of girls sang an ode of welcome. At Rayah, a few miles south ot Baalbek,'there was a scene of great destruction. The' Germans burned aerodromes and repair shops, the debris of thirty aeroplanes being visible.' Railway establishments and engiue shops 'were destroyed.