COLONIALS IN BATTLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15913, 10 May 1915, Page 7

COLONIALS IN BATTLE.

"EXTRAORDINARILY GOOD." HOLDING GABA TEPE. !.■ » • ■ < READY "TO DIE TO A MAN." SCENES AT THE LANDING. BELGIUM "ANNEXED." V Id a continuation oi his story, Mr. Ashmead Bartiett vividly describes the "magnificent" manner in which New Zealaaders and Australians "hung on to their positions day and night" while covering the landing at Gaba Tepe of reinforcements, artillery, and supplies. He says : " These Australasians were determined to die to .&. man rather than surrender ground so dearly won, Every man knew that the only nope of safety lay in victory, as it was impossible to resrabark the army once the ring of hills commanding the beach, was lost. Most troops, when under fire for the first time—especially volunteers of a few months' training— feel losses at the beginning, especially if they occur before . they have time to settle down; but with these colonials the exception was the rule, Despite heavy losses, the survivors 'i v were as keen as ever." The Turkish gunners tried to put a " curtain of shrapnel " between the transports and the shore, but without auy effect upon landing operations. A number of colonials were seen " bathing in the sea, with shrapnel burst* ing all around them."

According to an official communique from Petrograd, the struggle between the Vistula and the Carpathians, in Western Galicia, is assuming the character of a great battle. Several German army corps have reached the front. Russian successes are reported from the north of Poland and, Eastern Galicia.

On the western lines the British have repulsed all German attacks.

Placards posted in Antwerp announce the "annexation" of Belgium.

The British destroyer Maori struck a mine off the coast of Belgium and foundered.

German submarines have sunk three more British steamers and a trawler. The crews were saved.