behind The Headlines Norwegian Evacuation Parallels Gallipoli

Northern Advocate, 11 May 1940, Page 10

behind The Headlines Norwegian Evacuation Parallels Gallipoli

While the evacuation of British troops from Norway has been brilliantly accomplished, rapidly-growing restiveness in Britain and the Empire at the conduct of the war, and the lack of real and truthful information, has been intensified by what has been universally accepted as a moral defeat. Nevertheless, the efficient manner in which the evacuation was accomplished cannot but recall the similarly brilliant evacuation of the Allied Forces from Gallipoli at the end of 1915 and the beginning of 191(3. Although the comparison cannot be taken as a whole, owing to the difference between the two campaigns, that great exploit of the Great War has been brought to older minds by the movement in Norway. In evacuating Gallipoli three army corps had to be evacuated, and this was accomplished without the Turks suspecting what was occurring until it was too late for them to take advantage of the situation. Despite the anticipation, in the light of military history, of heavy losses, the evacuation was carried out without loss. Decision to withdraw irom Gallipoli was reached in November, 1915, following the advice of General Monro.

To make such a decision was not easy, for, in addition to inviting heavy losses, it was apparent, as it was impossible to move three army corps at one time with the transports available, that it would have to be carried out in piecemeal fashion. Further complications were offered by the possibility of adverse weather making the open beaches unworkable at a time when speed would be essential. Gigantic Gamble. The plan, mainly the work of Lord Birdwood, has been described in an official history of the war as a gigantic gamble with fate, though every precaution was taken to lessen the odds. The scheme provided for the removal of equipment, including the heavy guns, by night over a period of ten days, with the embarkation of a large number of troops at the same time, specially selected men being left as the rearguard. By means of gun and rifle fire, the Turks were lulled into the feeling that everything was as normal, and with the weather continuing fine, the “gigantic bluff” succeeded. With the evacuation divided into three parts, the Suvla and Anzac sections were taken off first, with the Cape Helles section removed later.

As night succeeded night, the number of troops on land were reduced, despite *the difficulties which had to be overcome. With the beaches at Anzzac less than two miles from the enemy lines, and the heavier guns on heights, making it necessary to bring them down in parts, great care had to be exercised. But the operation was successful, and half of the guns and men of the New Zealand batteries were removed in a single night. Only Four Wounded Men. It was some hours after the last men had been embarked that the Turks awoke to the fact that they had no enemy to fight, and then the weather, which had remained most favourable, broke, a furious gale which would have prevented the evacuation of the troops, occurring on the following evening. Despite unfavourable weather, and the fact that the Turks had at last realised the move, the Helles evacuation was accomplished without loss, one man being wounded. At Anzac, one man had been wounded, and one at Suvla. In some manner, therefore, it can be realised that the Norway evacuation was a parallel of Gallipoli, and. while the majority of people cannot but feel disappointed at the outcome of the Norwegian campaign so far, they will be able to take some consolation from the fact that when withdrawal became imperative, it was carried out in a most efficient manner, comparable with the high standard set in the past.