THE CAMPAIGNS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17098, 22 February 1916, Page 6

THE CAMPAIGNS.

The Russian offensive in Armenia, is monopolising public attention just now, mainly, no doubt, because it is the only important operation concerning which information is published. The accounts of th© fighting are a little confused, but it appears that the Russians are pursuing the routed Turks west towards Erringan and north towards Trebizond, and there are unofficial anticipations that Trebi7.ond may fall into the Grand Duke's hands. Tha capture of the port would be no easy task, however, it the 'lurks have organised the defences. Indeed, the attack would have to ho made by sea rather than by land, so complete is the mountain barrier that divides the coastal district from the hinterland and so difficult is the city of access from the landward side. The road from Erzerum is practicable for camels and horses, but. there are stretches where wheeled traffic is out of tlto question, and those would have to be repaired before the Russians could transport their guns. It is of more immediate interest to turn to the operations south of Erzerum, whore the Russian left wing has made substantial progress. Evidently the Turks north of Lake Van retreated hurriedly in sympathy with their centre, for the Russians are reported to hare occupied 'Mush and seem likely to turn south towards Bitlis. where they should junction with the forces that have been operating south of the lake. How much further tha advance can be pressed we have no indication, but the season of the year and the character of the country ar©against the idea that the Grand Duke will push far from his main bases, unless, of course, the demoralisation of the Turks is so complete that he can do so without serious risk. The news from the British headquarters in France shows that there has been no slackening of the German oiiensive, at any rate in Flanders. Following on the attack south of Ypres,- the enemy attacked and captured an advanced post near Boesmghe, on the Yser canal. Pressure, is thus being maintained on both flanks of the. Ypras salient. Another interesting item of news reports a German attack on British trenches in the Hebuterne sector, north of Albert, where, by the way, the lines were supposed to be still held by the French. There have been attacks, too, north of Arras, and it is very evident that the enemy has been active at all points whore a transfer of the lines from British to French hands might be supposed to bo in progress. How far this transfer has proceeded we do not know, but it commenced from the Somnie many weeks ago, and must have, been going on steadily ever since, subject only to the interruptions of the enemy.