DARDANELLES

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9042, 13 May 1915, Page 6

DARDANELLES

HEAVY LBSSJO ENEHV By Tel (.graph —Press Association —Copyright (Received May 12, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 12. Tho Marquis of Crewe, speaking in the House cf Lords, said that Sir lan Hamilton reported that the enemy made a violent attack along the whole lino on May 2nd from 8 m the evening to midnight, and was repulsed with inconsiderable loss to us and heavy losses' to the enemy. On every succeeding night to the 6th the enemy renewed the attack with diminishing intensity. On each occasion ho was repulsed easily. Our troops made a certain advance and their positions wore strengthened and consolidated. The enemy losses are very heavy. The Australians and New Zealanders have been attacked unsuccessfully. They fulfilled a most valuable function in containing a powerful enemy force towards the -narrow neck of tho peninsula.

HIGH COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE. The High Commissioner reports;— LONDON, May 11, 8 p.m. Lord Crewe in tho House of Lords, said that tho following information had been received from Sir lan Hamilton, in respect to the operations at the Dardanelles', up to Thursday last:— “On tho night of May 2nd, there was a violent attack by the enemy ail along tho line. Fighting went on from 8 p.m. to midnight. The attack was repulsed with inconsiderable loss to Xis, but with heavy losses to the enemy. On every succeeding night up to the Gth, the enemy renewed the attacks, but with diminishing intensity. On each occasion they were repulsed without difficulty, a certain advance being made by our troops. During the whole time, the positions that were gained were strengthened, and further supplies came up. It was reported that in front of tho position occupied by the 29th Division, a very largo number of dead Turks were found, and name plates were picked up, which showed that the losses of the enemy were very heavy indeed. “Tho French on their side gained an important point on the left, and were stated to have inflicted, with the bayonet, very heavy losses on tho enemy. The operations' all through had been supported by the Fleet, but there was no special information to be given yet from a naval point of view, although they had been rendering most valuable assistance to the land operations. “The Australians and New Zealanders had also been engaged, and fulfilled, a most valuable function in containing powerful forces of the enemy towards the narrow neck of the peninsula.” TURKISMEPORT By Telegraph—Piess Association—Copyright (Received May 12, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 12. Tho Press Bureau says that a Turkish official report, via Berlin, states that a Turkish warship sank the Australian submarine AE2 trying to enter the Soa of Marmora, and took prisoner three officers and 29 men. Tlie British Admiralty has received no confirmation. MAkING_HISTORY GENERAL BIRDWOOD PROUD 01 HIS MEN. , ')y Telegraph-Press Association—Copyright MELBOURNE, May 12. Lieutenant-Colonel Simmensis has been invalided from Egypt. General Birdwood told him that the Australasians were about to attempt that which he believed had never before been attempted in the history of the world—tho landing of a big force in the face of a strongly-posted enemy, and they were sure to do what was asked of them. This opinion was based on watching them closely for many weeks. The General praised t-hoir keenness. He had never seen such a large body of men so physically fit, and ho was very proud of them. “KEEN ASJUSTARO*’ SIR. lAN HAMILTON PRAISES TOE AUSTRALASIANS. "Times” and Sydney "Bun” Services LONDON, May 11. The Dardanelles correspondent of "The Times” says: “General Sir lan Hamilton gives full praise to the Australasians. He declares they are as keen as mustard for the job.” SEVERAL LINES OF TRENCHES CARRIED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 12, 11.5 p.m.) PARIS, May 12. Official.—“ The Anglo-French forces south of Gallopoli, supported by the Fleet, delivered a general attack on the evening of the eighth on the Turkish positions which had been, penetrated on the seventh. “The troops, with remarkable dash and vigour, carried several lines of trenches on the height adjoining Krithia with the bayonet. “During the ninth they fortified themselves on tho ground won and the Turks did not attempt to counter-at-tack.” AUSTRALASIANS’ BRAVERY SIR lAN HAMILTON’S PRAISE. General Sir lan Hamilton has sent the following message to His Excellency tho Governor;—“May I, speaking out of a full heart, be permitted to say how gloriously tho Australian and Now Zealand Contingents have upheld tho finest traditions of our race during this struggle still in progress. At first with audacity and dash, and since then with sleepless vigour and untiring resource, they have already created for their countries an imperishable record of military virtue.—(Signed) lan Hamilton, Commanding British Mediterranean Forces.” To this message the Hon. James Allen, Minister for Defence, yesterday sent tho following reply through His Excellency: — “His Excellency li.ts sent me your splendid message, which will be made public in New Zealand to-day. New Zealand is more than proud of what her sons have done, and what you have been able to say of them. — (Signed) Allen, Minister //«s e.”