SERVIA.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 457, 28 July 1915, Page 8

SERVIA.

A REJUVENATED ARMY. AWAITING AN OPPORTUNITY. ROME, July 27. The Servians, after suffering privations, have re-assemblcd an army of 230,000 men, ready and fully equipped. The troops await a notable Russian and Italian offensive to re-attack the Austrians. French aviators are guarding the frontier. Two British, two Russian, and two French batteries of artillery are stationed at Belgrade. ALLIES' NAVAL SUCCESS RUSSIANS IN BLACK SEA. BOMBARDMENT IN DARDANELLES. PETROGRAD, July 27. An official statement says:—"Our torpedo craft in the Black Sea destroyed 40 coal-laden sailing ships. LONDON, July 27. Mitylenc reports state that the Allies in the last few days have uninterruptedly bombarded the Turkish positions in the interior of the Strait, endeavouring to destroy the enemy's batteries on the Asiatic coast, which hinder the movement of the Allies in the region of Achi Baba. ITALY AT WAR. "APPRECIABLE PROGRESS." AUSTRIANS ADMIT REVERSES. ROME, July 27. An official statement says:— "We made appreciable progress on the Lower Isonzo. We conquered a broad stretch of wooded ground on the left wing, stormed entrenchments in the centre, and conquered most of the Monte de Seibusi, on the right wing, after the whole position had been taken and retaken several times.

"Fighting everywhere was most desperate. The enemy in the evening used asphyxiating bombs, and our men used masks. The prisoners totalled 1600. > AMSTERDAM, July 27. An Austrian special statement says: —"The Italians gained only temporary local successes. Our artillery inflicted heavy losses." CRISIS AT GORIZIA. ITALIAN NAVAL SUCCESS. ROME, July 27. The condition of Gorizia is' critical. Most civilians have departed. The Austrians are short of rations and water, in consequence of the cutting of the railway to Plana. An official statement says:—"Our naval forces occupied the island of Pelagosa, an important strategic position in the Adriatic." A further official statement says:— "Pelagosa was frequently bombarded, but the Austrians maintained communication with the mainland by means of signals, rendering the occupation of the island necessary. This operation was difficult, as the island abounds in crevasses and ravines, but it was a complete success." FOR BRAVERY. DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDALS. SAPPER E. G. SCRIMSHAW. Mr L. G. Scrimshaw, of Temuka, has received a cablegram from General Sir Alexander Godley, stating that his son, Sapper Eric George Scrimshaw, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Sapper Scrimshaw, who is 18 years old, went to the front with the First Reinforcements. He was born in Christchurch and was educated in Temuka. He learnt watchmaking, under his grandfather, Mr Neil, in Dunedin, but had returned to Temuka, where he enlisted. He is a good all-round athlete, having won prizes at running, swimming, and rifie-shooting. He has a brother in the New Zealand Field Artillery at the Dardanelles. Another brother is Mr A. 11. Scrimshaw, tobacconist, Gloucester Street, Christchurch. SERGEANT W. J. RODGER. Sergeant W. J. Rodger, who has won the Distinguished Conduct Medal, is 30 years of age, and a member of the Ist (Canterbury) Regiment of the Main Expeditionary Force. Prior to his enlistment, Sergeant Rodger was a keen participator in various sports and athletics. He was captain of the Christchurch Swimming Club for a number of years. He was also an enthusiastic footballer, having played for the Albion and Merivale Clubs. He is a native of Canterbury, and was educated at the West Christchurch School. He is one of seven brothers, another of whom has also enlisted. Sergeant Rodger obtained his promotion as Platoon Sergeant on the day his regiment sailed for Egypt. The letter received from the Minister of Defence by his sister, Miss Rodger, who lives at 238 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch, is as follows: — "I have very much pleasure in informing you that I have received a cable from General Godley, the Officer Commanding the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula, advising that his Majesty has graciously conferred the Distinguished Conduct Medal upon 6/978 Sergeant W. J. Rodger.—(Signed) James Allen, Minister of Defence."