TAKING OF KIRK KILISSEH

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8265, 30 October 1912, Page 1

TAKING OF KIRK KILISSEH

BULGARIAN GENERAL’S REPORT ON THE ACHIEVEMENT. \ SOFIA, October 29. General Dimitricff, reporting on the capture of Kirk Kilisseh, says a division of tho defenders essayed a sortie in the night time. The Bulgarian ■stormers feigned to retreat and drew tlie Turks within range of tho ntachinoituns. which practically annihilated them. After that Mnkhtar Pasha, Ttahi-ii (■■nnmandor-iii-rhief. emitted •the lee. Mt. itlukhtar's hagg.-tge teas cap-

lured. It contained the whole plan of campaign. A wounded Bulgarian officer reports that thorn was a series of bayonet as-

saults lasting four hours, during which the more important positions were taken. One storming party, under a cross-lire, suffered severely ; nevertheless, the survivors persisted in their efforts and won through to the fortress.

The captures of two of the Kirk Kilisseh redoubts by bayonet charges were so rapid that the defenders had no time to fix bayonets before mooting tbs shock of the Bulgarian onset.

ANOTHER TURKISH ACCOUNT.

DEFEAT DUE TO IMPATIENCE,

LONDON, October 28. Constantinople telegrams give tho following additional particulars of tho battle at Kirk Kilisseh; Owing to tho Turkish commander's impatience to take tho offensive, an advance was authorised on tho night of the 21st inst. A column of infantry, cavalry, and volunteers, under Mukhin r Pasha and I’rinco Aziz, moved northwards of Kirk Kilisseh. with tbo intention of surprising the Bulgarians. Tho night was extremely stormy and wot. Tho column was divided into two sections, following different paths. The vanguard came into contact with tho Bulgarians at dawn. Tho latter were in overwhelming strength. Then a mistake arose, both Turkish sections bring on ono another. There was heavy loss before tho error was discovered.

I The Turkish cavalry attempted a \ chargo. but wore severely punished and fled. This created a panic among tho retiring infantry, especially tho volunteers, who precipitately bolted, throwing tho reserves into confusion. Ultimately the second division of the Constantinople army corps stemmed the rout. Details of tho losses aro not known. It is believed that one division was decimated. TOWNSPEOPLE PANIC-STRICKEN. (Received October 29, 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 29. Tho “Daily Telegraph’s” Constantinople correspondent reports that Azim Bey, Governor of Kirk Kilisseh, is said to bo responsible for the panic in tire town, which is still in a very excited state. DEFENDERS DEMORALISED. (Received October 29, 11.30 p.m.) VIENNA, October 29. \ Tho “Reichpost” rejrorts tnat 150,000 Turks' were engaged, at Kirk Kilisseh. The bulk of' them began to retreat on Thursday. A division and a half, by defending the town, covered tho retreat. The defenders fleeing eastward made a desperate resistance on tho Jundala heights, where the majority were cut off and scattered in all directions. Captives report that tho Turks generally wore greatly demoralised, and tho officers wore the first to throw up tho sponge. Amongst Mukhtar Pasha’s captured baggage was a jewelled sword, tho gilt of the Sultan. SHOT FOR COWARDICE. LONDON, October 29. Tho “Standard’s” Constantinople correspondent says it is rumored that 200 of the rank and file at xvaii t.. issoh were shot for cowardice.

EX-SULTAN’S SON IN THE FIGHT,

CONSTANTINOPLE, October 29.

Abdurrahim, a son of tho ex-Sultan Abdul Hamid, was serving in Kirk Kilissoh under Azim Bey, and was wounded in the arm and leg. Abdul Hamid has arrived at Stamboul, whore ho was privately conducted to ono of tho palaces on the Bosporus.