THE MIDDLE EAST.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17283, 26 September 1916, Page 8

THE MIDDLE EAST.

RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN*

AN ADVANCE REPORTED

Australian and N.2. Cable Association. PETROGRAD, September 24. , A communique says: — Our Caucasus detachments have advanced southward of Elleu.

THE EGYPT COMMAND.

SIR 'ARCHIBALD MURRAY'S

DESPATCH

ANZAOS PRAISED,

Australian and N.Z, Cable Association.

(Received September 26, 1.45 a.m.) LONDON,. September 25. Sir Archibald Murray, in a despatch,, dated June'l, gives details of the reorganisation of the Dardanelles army, the re-cquippmont of .the Australians and New Zealanders, and the training of Australian Reinforcements at lel-el-Kebir until the; Anzac training depots were transferred to,England. The Turks, he said, prior to March had 250,000 < troops ready to attack the Canal, but' after the capture Erzerum the garrisons in Syria were reduced to 60,000. The second Australian, and New- Zealand Army Corps, came into existence on March 27, under the command of Sir Alexander .Godley, and. consistedof Maior-Ueneral Cox's > 4th Division, Major-General ~M'Cays oth Divsiion and Major-General lia "' vel's: Anzac Mounted Division. ' The Army Corps assisted in patrolling the western front. Tho Ninth Australian Horse, under Major Scott, were most successful in a reconnaissance in «m Jaffa, between April 11 and 15. The operation was most creditable to all ranks. The Fifth Australian Light Horse assisted in the pursuit of the Turks from.Kantaraon April" 23. During May reconnaissances on the east front were frequent, where three, bri: gades of the Anzac Mounted Division, including the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, were present. They proved to be a unit which could be absolutely depended on to i display energy, resource and'endurance. Sir Archibald Murray recommends the following : Staff: Generals. Birdwood, Godley, Cox, M'Cay and Chauvel. . LieutenantrColonel C. Richardson, of the New Zealand Staff, recommended for good service with the Salonika army. ', ' : - ; ';..'■■ * . : : '" '' ■