GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19136, 2 April 1924, Page 7

GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN

THE CAUSES t)F FAILURE. LACK OF REINFORCEMENTS. THE ADMIRALTY CRITICISED. Frao* Aneciaticn—Br Telf«rapk— Copyright LONDON, Match 31. (Received April 1, at 5.5 P-P 1 -! Admiral-of-the-Fleet Lord W emyss, in his Gallipoli diary, briefly refers to the transfer of the Australians to Cape He lies. He eulogises the capture by the British of Hill 141, as an off-set to which came the news of the inexplicable retirement from Y beach which came as a great surprise to Sir lan Hamilton. Admiral Wemviis expresses the opinion that but for fatigue nothing could have prevented the troops after their success opposite Krithia on April 27 from push- , ing on and capturing Achi Baba. Ine policy of starvation in -the matter of reinforcements, however, crippled us from the outset, for who can doubt that had reserves been available Achi Baba, which is the key to the situation, would this dc.y have been ours, and the issue no longer in doubt.” . In his diary on May 1, Admiral Wemyss says: “We have a pretty firm footing on the peninsula now, and it seems unlikely that the enemv will turn us out. 1 do not think the' people of England can possibly grasp the magnitude of the job we have undertaken. It is>almost impossible of being achieved. 1 do not believe that the TWtks will coilapse till the fleet gets through the straits, which, be till the peninsula is in our hands.” . , Discussing the accumulation of woundled men and the lack of special accommodation, Admiral Wemyss says: I heartily cursed the lack of foresight which allowed such an expedition to be undertaken with means so inadequate. I look back on the last 10 days and wonder how on earth we got through with so little assistance from Home. If we succeed it will not be due / to help or encouragement from the Admiralty.” In the meantime he mentions that the situation of the Australians at Gaba Tepe had improved, and that there was little chance of the enemy dislodging them from the position which they had so hardly and gallantly won.—A. and N.Z. Cable, copyright. 1