LANDING OF THE TROOPS.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13772, 8 May 1915, Page 5

LANDING OF THE TROOPS.

CARRIED OUT IN THE FACE OF

MUCH OPPOSITION

AUSTRALASIANS FACE HEAVY

FIRE,

HEAVY LOSSES

OPERATIONS CONTINUING

SATISFACTORILY

STATEMENT BY MR. ASQUIf H.

London, May 6

Replying to Mr. Bonar Law, Mr. Asquith detailed the landing at the Dardanelles, which, he said, commenced at three important points simultaneous, on the 25th March, in the face of in ion opposition from infantry and artillery. By nightfall 29,000 troops had -anded. The Indians were held up -lur.ig the whole day; but eventually isucooerled'by a fine attack in taking up a po-n----tion enabling them to cover the disembarkation of the remainder of the forces. On landing, the Australians and Nev Zealanders were opposed to heavy tire at point blank range, but carried tho position with a rush. The attack was pushed forward, ooj.tinued'Mr. Asquith, with the greatest dash. The French landed on the Asiatic side, and advanced with great galh'.i: ry. The whole landing was magnificently supported by the naval fordets. The losses during the operations were heavy. The disembarkation was continued <-n the 26th, when every attack was repulsed. The troops on the 27th were firmly established across the peninsula.

CABLE NEWS.

[Pbess Association— Copyrxght. ].

The New Zealanders and Australian defeated every counter-attack. By May 2nd the position was everywhere consolidated. - The successful performance of this difficult operation in the face of determined opposition, displayed unsurpassed courage and skill on the part ot the troops. ' , The operations were now being continued and pressed on under highly satisfactory conditions.