Topics of the Day.

Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, Volume X, Issue 507, 9 February 1915, Page 5

Topics of the Day.

'By Bystander;.

(Continued from Page 1).

I pointed out at the time our Expeditionary Force arrived m Egypt that our boys might find themselves m the fighting line any day, as a Turkish attack on that country was highly probable.' Altheugh the press up to the last moment declared that any such attempt was improbable, the unexpected has happened — as it usually does ! —and an attack m foroe has been made on the Suez Canal, which was fortunately repulsed with heavy loss. The engagement was evidently a severe one, as eight British officers were killed, and no doubt a large number of the' rank and file. Our boys received their baptism of fire, and acquitted themselves well, as was to be expected ; they suffered but two casualties, showing that the burden of the fighting fell on the regular troops. The Turks, whose ranks, it is to be remembered, are stiffened with several thousand German troops, are almost certain to renew the attack. The Suez 'Canal, however, whioh is sixty feet wide at its narrowest part, and forty feet deep, presents an obstacle that might well daunt the most resolute officers and the most intrepid troops, and protected by British valour, final victory for our arms is certain.