THE DARDANELLES FORCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15900, 24 April 1915, Page 6

THE DARDANELLES FORCE.

The reported landing of British and French troops in European Turkey and the officially announced appointment of Sir lan Hamilton to the command of the " Dardanelles Expeditionary Force" is of intense interest to New Zealanders and Australians. Our respective contingents have long been eagerly expectant of employment in the highly important movement upon Constantinople and their expectations are corroborated by the placing of the " Inspector-General of the Overseas Forces" in command. Sir lan is not only a commander of long experience and tried ability but is personally acquainted 'with many colonial officers and familiar with the character and capacities of our colonial troops. He is, therefore, the natural and desirable leader of an expedition in which colonials may constitute a very considerable division, and his appointment justifies the conclusion—which may be confirmed at any .moment—that New Zea-

landers and Australians will take part in unlocking the Dardanelles. After February tho desert to the north of the Suez Canal is practically impassable owing to the drying up of the wells; the guardianship of the great waterway can thus be left to a reduced number, releasing the main colonial force for service elsewhere- Nothing could be more dramatic than a visit to ancient Turkey by the colonial troops whom the Turks gratuitously attacked in Egypt. Under Sir lan Hamilton they would be ably led and generously captained, for he is an officer who understands the duty of a commander as well as the duty of the commanded. Wherever they fight both New Zealanders and Australians will give a good account of themselves and will assist the Germans to realise that the British Empire is held together by love, not by fear.