THE MIDDLE EAST

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17529, 12 July 1917, Page 5

THE MIDDLE EAST

BRITISH OPERATIONS

GENERAL MAUDE’S DISPATCH.

INTERESTING STATEMENTS,

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and

Renter

LONDON, July 10.

A dispatch issued by General Sir Stanley Maude, covering the seven months until March 31. shows that the period was equally divided in preparations and subsequent operations leading to the fall of Bagdad. The dispatch describes how the advance was successfully carried out, in the face of difficult conditions, through the tenacious spirit and gallantry of the British and Indian troops, brilliantly seconded by the Navy. The Mesopotamia Commission’s recent disclosures attract attention and create special interest in General Maude’s references to the present water transport nnd hospital arrangements. General Maudo states that the newly-formed inland water transport directorate is so well organised that night and day an endless chain of river craft passed up and down the river, thereby assuring the maintenance of tho troops at the front. Our well equipped hospitals are more than adequate to meet the calls, and throughout the operations the treatment of the wounded was carried out on model lines. The for the comfort and rapid transfer of patients from field units to hospital reflect much credit on those concerned. General Maude thankfully acknowledges the prompt responso to his demands from England, India and Egypt.