THE COLONIALS FROM GALLIPOLI.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XL, Issue 12727, 22 December 1915, Page 5

THE COLONIALS FROM GALLIPOLI.

A SKILFL'L WITHDRAWAL

London, December in. 11-3 p.m

From the Dardanelles further details have been received of the evacuation ot Anzae and Suvla. Without the Turks being aware ot the movement a great army was withdrawn from the area occupied on the Gallipoli Peninsula, although in the closest contact with the enemy. Bv this contraction of our front, operations in other parts of the line will be more effectively carried out. Major-General Monro gives great credit for the skilful transfer of the forces to the generals commanding and to the Royal Navy.

Received December 21, at 5-5 P lu - London, December 20.

The Evening Standard congratulates Major-General Monro on the success or the withdrawal, when threatened with a rearguard action with tragic possibilities. This required military skill ot a high order. The Pall Mall Gazette states that news of the insignificant casualties is particularlv welcome, since the operation of the troops under tiie fire of a powerful and well-ported enemy was one of much difficulty. '"lt was widely believed that such a movement must be attended with very hoavy losses. The abandonment of there bardwon positions cannot fail to arouse painful emotions. Anzac Cove and Suvla Bav were scenes of the most brilliant gallantry on the part of British, Australian, .New Zealand, and Indian forces, and will be linked by memories -which will always be sacred in the annals of British warfare."

Received December 21, at 5.15 p.m. London, December 20

The Pall Mall Gazette's navy expert states that the withdrawal will relieve the fleet and the mercantile service from a heavy strain. There have been too manv small expeditions. The position at Sedd-ul-Bahr is tected dv a double line of ships, and it may be assumed that- this position is to "be held, otherwise the evacuation would have preceded the withdrawal from Anzac. v

The Globe says: "On sentimental considerations, "the withdrawal from Anzac must bo received with regret, but sentiment does not count in this war. The participation of the Bulgars has resulted m a new situation, which necessitates a -withdrawal from the Turkish soil hallowed by the blood of so manv of our Empire's sons. 7 '" The Dailv Chronicle says: "The withdrawal will be a most sore wrench to the Australians and New Zeakiuders, whose heroism has made Anzac immortal; yet there will be few of them who will not- feel that it is truer loyalty to withdraw and fight ei.-ewhere than to display obstinate valor in a hopeless position. The wisdom of the original landing at Anzac was doubtful, as it drew off men badly needed at the other end of the peninsula, and was the most difficult and most costly position to hold. It was not- the fault of the Anzac men that- the movement- failed. The fatal slowness of the Suvla commander mined the whole plan."'' Received December 21, at !>.35 p.m. London, December 21.

The Times states: 'The ease with which the withdrawal was effected will bring intense relief. The retirement was a. wonderful organising feat, which will be found as extraordinary as theheroic landing of the immortal 20th Division, who, with the glorious Australian and New Zealand corps, will share the chief honors of some of tiie noblest and most tragic pages of the British Empire's history. Tite Australian and New Zealand courageous dead will li<> on the abandoned cliffs, but their memory can never fade. 7 '

Other newspapers emphasise the relief that is felt at the success of the withdrawal, and praise the brilliant achievement involved in retiring with • practically no loss. It is officially stated that the Britishforces, in conformity with the Allied plans, have withdrawn from Siivla. whose strategic value had diminished by tie new development in the Near East. The embarkation was* carried outtinder the best conditions, and unmolested by the Turks. Received December 21, at 9.50 a.m. London, December 21.

Tiie Pall Mali says that the Dardanelles will always evoke memories of unparalleled valor. It- condemns the frnitlessness of the management of the enterprise, and says it has been a case of too late, and too little. The Westminster Gazette says that the brave men have not died at Gallipoli in vain. While the British race last Surla and Anzac will be imperishable names full of proud memory for the Commonwealth, which sent her sons at the Old Country's call, and an undying inspiration to all who are called hereafter to emulate their example. The Manchester Guardian says that the first landing at Gallipoli is now recognised as the supreme exploit of the British infantry in the whole of itshistory.

A London correspondent quotes --in. eve-witness, who declared that probably there were never such resourceful and courageous troop* a.s the Australians and New Zealanders. Troy, across the straits. never echoed to the -feet of such heroes. He quotes the lines: '"All was done that men could do, but ail was done in vain." and adds "that is Anzac*sr epitaph/'

Received December 22, at 10.5 a.m. London, December 21

In tho House of Commons. "Mr Asquith said the total losses in withdrawing from Anzac and Suvla were four wounded and six £uns and a few stores destroyed.

Peb Press Association. "Wellington, December 21. To-night the Prime Minister made a brief statement to a reporter with regard to the news of the retirement from Anzac and Suvla Bay.

-Mr Massey deprecated any carping criticism of the Imperial authorities at this juncture, and urged that the duty of every patriotic citizen of the Empire was to join in presenting a. united front to the enemy. "The cablegram with regard to the retirement- is not quite so explicit as we should like, but most people will agree that under the circumstances the proper thing has been done/' said the Prime Minister. "It may be that mistakes have been made in the past, but it is better to face the position and lave done with it for the time being than to go on with an enterprise that is commonly believed to have been the result of an error of judgment. It is a matter for sincere congratulation tiiat the transfer has been effected without loss of life. T trust thiV. will no; bo made an occasion for a repetitioD of the hitter criticism and display or personal and p^l!tir ;i f animosity of which we have had far too much during the present conflict. Ido not suppose anything has encouraged the enemy so much as tho idea which has been allowed to go forward that the British people were seriously divid-

Peb Press Association. conduct of the war. Wbatvcr the "mistakes that- have been made, or whatever oill domestic differences may be, tlicy caii stand over until the end of the war. for discussion when fighting is over and victory is won. Let us in the meantime present a united front to the enemy, and show the world that every mistake and every reverse only increase our determination to see the war through to a conclusion which will be satisfactory to Britain and her Allies."'