AIR RAID NEAR SUEZ.

Otago Witness, Issue 3250, 28 June 1916, Page 23

AIR RAID NEAR SUEZ.

ATTACK BY BRITISH. LONDON, June 20

Official : A British air squadron attacked an enemy aerodrome near El Arish (east of tho Suez Canal), 100 miles distant from our aerodrome, destroying two out of 10 hangars, and damaging others. It is believed that at- least seven machines were put out of action. We lost three machines ; Oiie pilot was taken prisoner, the second was picked up by an escorting aeroplane, and the third by a motor boat.

FINE WORK BY COLONIALS. LONDON. June 21

General Maxwell's despatch stales : " General Wilson, commanding the Suez Canal defences, conducted the operations to my complete satisfaction." General Wilson, in five despatches, describes the scheme for an extensive inundation as part of the early organisation for defence.

The opening phase of the- campaign took place in January, 1915, when a force of 1503 Turks, some Germans, and Arabs, attacked at six points and endeavoured to force a crossing at Toussoun. The New Zealand Infantry Brigade and the Third Australian Field Engineers assisted in repulsing them. From February till August things were quiet, and the Australians returned to Cairo. The climatic conditions, lack o( water, and pressure on other fronts prevented a renewal of Turkish activity.

The third phase, ending in March, was the period when all possible troops were sent to Gallipoli, and tired Indian units from France carried out an onerous and ceaseless vigilance along 100 miles of canal front.

The unrest on the westara borders was acute in November, affecting 120,000 of the Arab population. General Wallace commanded the western force, including the Australian Light Horse, Divisional Train, Signallers, and New Zealand Rifle Brigade, and subsequently the South African Infantry. The operations in the region of Mersa Matruh were most difficult—hot days, chilly nights, rains, quagmires, mnd, and mirages. The main battle was fought on January 23. Our success was largely duo to the gallantry of the Sikhs, South Africans, and New Zea.landers, who fought with invincible dash and resolution throughout the day, the Senussi being dispersed.