OPERATIONS DESCRIBED

Nelson Evening Mail, 7 August 1916, Page 5

OPERATIONS DESCRIBED

HTCHEST PBAISE FOR, AUSTRALASIANS.

(Australian and N'.Z. Cable Association.)

(Rec. Aug. 7. 1-1.45 a.in.) LONDON, Aug. 6.

■Commander in Egypt- reports details of Friday's fighting in the Romani region. The enemy fron tally attacked the British entrenchments in conjunction with an attack round the southern flank; They employed 14,000 troops and heavy howitzers. The frontal attack was- unsuccessful. Our mounted troops retired slowly before the flank attack until the enemy, late in the evening, became involved in the sand dunes. Thereupon all arms counter-attacked. The pursuit of the retreating enemy began vigorously, and was continued all day. The enemy suffered heavy losses. We took prisoner 2500, including some "Germans. Our casualties were not heavy.

The Australia'! and New Zealand moiinted rifles displayed steadiness, holding the strong flank attack and also energy and initiative in the pursuit, .worthy of the highest- pi'aise. The" Territorials engaged have done exceedingly well, especially in manoeuvring- over heavy sand, despite the great heat;

Monitors firing from Mina Bay assisted materially. The aviators' work was excellent.