Palestine

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 29, 31 December 1917, Page 5

Palestine

ADVANCE ON NINE-MltE FRONT Press Assn .—Copyright.—Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn, and Renter. London, December 29.

Palestine, official.—After repelling several determined attacks at Baseltaw'l, northward of Jerusalem and eastward of Birnebala, five miles north west of Jerusalem, wo attacked the right flank and gained ground eastward and north-east. We penetrated to a depth of two and a half miles on a pine-mile front. The enemy’s losses were severe. Some Germans were taken prisoner.;

FURTHER PARTICULARS OF LATEST SUCCESS. TURKS BADLY DEFEATED. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 8.40 a.ra.) Headquarters reports on Friday; “The Turks attacked our line east, north, and north-west of Jerusalem in considerable strength, and with greatdetermination on Wednesday night. Whether or not they cherished the thought that the. Christmas festivities would have caused us to relax our vigilance or that the inclement weather would have reduced oxer fighting strength, the reception they got have speedily undeceived them. The Welsh and London troops were guarding the sectors attacked, and in the absence of a Boxing Day pantomime, they took their entertainments out of the Turks, who soon had cause to rue their temerity. Everywhere they were driven back with the severest losses, while Irish troops and dismounted Yeomanry attacking in turn upon the enemy’s right flank advanced our line a- depth of 2\ miles on a nine-mile front. The attack was conducted with great gallantry .and greatly improves our position on the left, and must make the Turks south of the Bires Rasmallah position feel exceedingly uncomfortable. The flying corps did good work and participated in the fighting, bombing and machinegunning the enemy’s rear. The aviators also made things unpleasant for the Turkish craft on the Dead Sea, and • navigation was practically at a standstill. 4 STILL ADVANCING. FOUR MILES BEYOND THE HOLY CITY. Press Assn.— -Copyright.—Australian nnd N.Z. Gable Assn., and Reuter. (Received 9.15 a.m.) London, December 30.

An official report states: We drove back the enemy yesterday and advanced the line for a depth of two miles on a thirteen-mile front. This has* given us high ground at Rasarkube- 1 shuffa, four miles from Jerusalem, a mile northward of the Jericho road, Anata Erram, and Kulundia. The two latter are eastward and westwaro* of the Nablin road, and five miles northward of Jerusalem and Bretania-

EFFORTS TO RE-CAPTURE JERUSALEM.

AUSTRO-CEBMAN REINFORCE-

MENTS

Press Association—Copyright. Austra,iati ami N.Z. Cab'e Association. (Received 9.15 a.m.) Washington, December 30. Official reports have been received stating that four Turkish divisions reinforced by Austro-Gemans from the Russian front are desperately endeavouring to re-take Jerusalem. The Turkish attacks all failed. GERMAN JEWS APPLAUD BRITAIN’S POLICY. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received 9.5 a.m. ) The Hague, December 30. The Zionists in Germany have adopted a resolution applauding Great Britain's policy in Palestine.