Palestine

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 74, 25 February 1918, Page 5

Palestine

THE FALL OF JERICHO.

OPERATIONS OF MOUNTEDS.

Press Association—Copyright, Auatra* nan and N.Z. Cable Association London, February 23.

Mr Massey, reporting from Palestine Headquarters on February 2 states; General Alton by’s army lias driven the Turks from their strong position east of Jerusalem, the Loudon troops rapturing all the rumman ding positions overlooking the southern Jordan valley. The Australian and New Zealand Mounted? are entering Jericho to-day. The enemy mere entrenched on a series of hills, and were attacked by the London infantry on Tuesday and yesterday on a twelve-mile, front. The enf my were defeated everywhere, and suffered heavy losses. The country is an extremely difficult one, consisting of vast valleys, kloofs, dongas, and worn rock faced hills. One place, Wadi Farar, has a perpendicular cliff side 500 feet high, but the Infantry routed out the enemy from his trenches, and blasted on the ridges and spurs of the mountain ranges, showing the greatest gallantry. On Tuesday at dawn the infantry attacked on a line of about 20,000 yards. In some places the Turks retreated during the artillery bombardment. In the centre one battalion had to assault three times before winning the system of trenches. ' Palestine official: The enemy from Jericho retired northwards of Wadi Auja leaving their posts on the high ground on the left bank. They also retired eastwards across the Jordan, holding the bridgehead at ElghoranReuter is authoritatively informed that the British advance on the Jordon will greatly help in' establishing touch with the Arabs, thereby greatly encouraging the Allies. General Allenby’s position is now well defined. Its right bank rests on the Dead Sea, and its left on the Mediterranean. Hence> a frontal attack is alone possible for the enemy. We control the Dead Sea and have-access to the rich lands on the Eastern side and menace the railway to Damascus. Ahead is easier country and better roads.

ENEMY ADMITS REVERSE.

Press Assn,— Copyright.—Australia!, and N.Z. Cable Assn., and Renter. (Received 9.45 a.m.) London, February 24. A wireless Turkish official message, states; (‘We were unable to repulse all the enemy’s attacks in Palestine, consequently we took up previouslyappointed positions,”