STORY OF THE ATTACK.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13410, 7 May 1912, Page 5

STORY OF THE ATTACK.

HALF SPEED IN THE DARKNESS

TURKS RETIRE AT ONCE,

(Received May 6, 9.45 p.m.)

Rome, May 5

A squadron composed of the Vittorio Emanuolc, Ilegina Elena, Napaoli, and Roma left Hampalia on Friday with lights out, and stoamed at half speed for the island of Charki, ton miles west of Rhodes. Another squadron followed convoying the landing forces of 8000. All the vessels were concentrated at 2 a.m., arriving at Rhodes at 3.30 a.m.

One section of the fleet demonstrated in the harbour, and tho other guarlod the disembarkation of troops in a bay eight miles south of the town.

The Turkish troops did not app>ar, and the warships did not fire <a shot.

The Turks withdrew to a plateau Are miles south west of Rhodes, where Admiral Amcglio immediately attacked ir> order to prevent them withdrawing to the centre of the island.

Several bayonet charges were r^ade, and the Italians had five wounded. Fifty Turkish prisoners were taken.

The Turks are now on a small peninsula in the north of tho island. Warships able to co-operate aro enfilading both flanks.