ENVER PREFERRED TO BE WITH ALLIES, HISTORY REVEALS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6885, 15 April 1929, Page 7

ENVER PREFERRED TO BE WITH ALLIES, HISTORY REVEALS

Proposals to Russia GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN GREATEST WAR EPIC McCAY’S BRIGADE AT KRITHIA. EIGHT SCORCHING WORDS ON FIASCO AT SUVLA. Telegraph—Copyright. United Press Association—By Electri* Received Sunday, 7 p.m. LONDON, April 13. The British official history of the Gallipoli campaign, in addition to extracts already published, reveals the interesting and hitherto unpublished fact that Turkey and Germany signed a secret treaty tin August 2, 1914. Britain’s entry into tko war completely upset Turkey’s views and fearing the consequences, Enver Pasha, on August 5, approached the Russian attache with definite proposals for a Russo-Turkish alliance against Germany. Russia did not inform England or France of this for a few days. Shortly afterwards, the German warship Gocben reached Constantinople and the opportunity of gaining Turkey’s support disappeared. The history of the succeeding weck3, preceding the outbreak of war with Turkey is traced clearly and interestingly. The book reveals the unfortuuato effect of the successful British bombardment in February, 1915, which warned Turkey of the inadequacy of her defences without achieving anything definite. Two Landings, Documents are freely quoted, tracing tho stages by'which the decision for a purely naval attack were reached. Turkey’s unpreparedness is revealed by a description of the first day’s bombardment, when 50 men landed without casualties, and domolishod the forts at Takke Burnu. at which the 29th division lost 3000 men in one day, exactly two months later. Most of the subsequent history is already known. The first mention of tho Australians is enthusiastic. Inc prowess of the Austral-Now Zealand troops in the Groat War won lasting fame but it was on Gallipoli, above the beach which bears tlieif name, that laurels were first gained. It was there they sot up a standard of bravery, tenacity and resource, furnishing. example for all who followed them. “From tho viewpoint of general phvsiquc, these two divisions wore the flower of Australian and New Zealand manhood. All who saw them in the early days of the campaign agree that they were probably as fine a body ot men as ever stood to arms. Night of April 25. The Third Brigade’s landing is fully described and the units and commanders particularised. The glorious story is again recounted in stirring language and the manner in which the difficulties of the ground and the absence of artillery jeopardised and finally ruined the Anzacs ’ fortunes. _ . In summarising the situation on tne night of April 25, the history says: “It would appear indeed that despite the almost impossible task to which tho mistake in selecting a landing place had committed them, the Australians and New Zealanders were within an aco of triumph, yet such is war. Seldom indeed has tho mettle of inexperienced troops been subjected to a more severe test. It may well bo doubtod if even a veteran could have carried out a eo-ordindtea attack at Anzae on April 25. The predominant feeling that that astonishing battlefield must always arouse will bo unstinted admiration for tho untried battalions vfho did so exceedingly well.” “Y” BEACH. Full details are given of the various British landings, including that on Y Beach, which was “cleverly. conceived, happily opened, hesitatingly conducted and miserably ended. Tlio history is punctuated with, stirring tributes to the Anzacs’ example. After emphasising the fact that Anzae territory was only a strip one and a half miles along tho coast and at its greatest depth, only 1000 yards from the sea, with an anchorage under bostile observation, the writer says: “Only those who visited the actual ground and took in the incredible position from tho old Turkish front lino can fully appreciate the spirit of the troops who held it. That tho Australians and New Zealanders never relinquished the grasp that made this apparently hopeless position impregnable, that after awaiting reinforcements tor three months, they attacked, reattached and very nearly won, is a story that will live for ever.” Second Battle of Krithia. In referring to the second battle at Krithia, the history says: “In halt an hour, the gallant charge of this brigade (the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth battalions, under BrigadierGeneral J. W. McCay)—an unrecognised Balaclava charge—had ended with the loss of over 1000 out of 2000 engaged, including the Brigadier and both his staff officers wounded The charge of the Light at Balaclava resulted in the loss oi „47 out of over 673.” . The book closes with a 6ynop3is or the position at the end of the first phase of the campaign, terminating with the second battle of Krithia. The historian adds: “If tho 80,000 rounds fired on Auber’s ridge against the Germans on the following day had been available at Krithia, they might well have carried Sir I&u Hamilton on to the Narrows and the Feet to Constantinople.” ..... The history is a valuable addition to. the Gallipoli library.