TURKS AT ADEN

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9093, 12 July 1915, Page 9

TURKS AT ADEN

BRITISH FORGE RETIRES

By Telegraph -Press Association— Copyright (Received July 11, 3 p.m.) LONDON, July 11. Tho Press Bureau states that several thousand Turks crossed tho Aden frontier and encountered a small force of British at Lahaj. . They ’ threatened an outflanking movement, and tho British retired to Aden. (Received July 11, 4 p.m.) LONDON, July IX. In consequence of rumours that a Turkish force at Yemen had crossed the frontier of the Aden hinterland .;ikl was advancing towards Lahaj, a camel troop reconnoitred and reported tho Turkish force, with field guns and a large number of Arabs. An Aden moveable column of 250 rifles and two ten-pounders reinforced the camel troop. . Tho enemy on tho fourth of July several thousand strong, with twenty guns and a large Arab contingent, attacked. . . We held the position at Lahaj, in face of tho enemy’s artillery, until night, when part of Lahaj was m flames. The remainder of the Adencolumn was unable to reach Lahaj owing to water difficulties, and the small force at Lr.haj retired successfully and joined tho rest of the column at Birnasr. Ultimately, owing to the great heat and tho desertion of Arabs and transport followers, tho whole column retired to Aden. Tho enemy did not attempt to follow. . . Our losses were three British officers wounded. Wo took prisoner one Turkish officer and thirteen men.