THE NEAR EAST.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14621, 28 January 1918, Page 5

THE NEAR EAST.

CAMPAIGN IN PALESTINE.

DESPATCH PROM SIR EDMUND

ALLENBY

THE GAZA OPERATIONS

OCCUPATION OF JERUSALEM

MOUNTED TROOPS' WORK

BRILLIANT.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

London, Jan. 25

A Gazette is published containing a despatch from General Sir Edmund Allenby, covering operations from June 28tb, 1917, to the fall of Jerusalem. It emphasises the transport difficulties and water shortages. The routes for transport were extremely limited, and practically th'cr whole; available transport, including 30,000 camels, had to be allotted to one portion of tho eastern forces. ■ The despatch tells how, before the

CABLE NEWS.

[Press Association.—Copybight.]

fall of Gaza, the enemy, who were strongly entrenched, were kept guessing as to'the-whereabouts of the main attack, namely, Hariera and Shoria. Therefore large-scale operations against Gaza were prepared.

The despatch .shows that it was a most rapid consolidation of the British,. gains in tie passes of the Judean hills, before the Turks could rally, that ml sured the surrender of Jerusalem. Th© New Zealand Mounted Rifles on November 14th had a smart engagement at Ayaujiara, six miles soutb.of Jaffa. The Turks count e r-attacked determinedly, and got within fifteen yards of oi.r line. A bayonet attack drove them back with heavy loss. Our infantry commenced to advance against Jerusalem on November 18tl:-, one portion advancing on the main 'road towards Kurket-el-Nab, with the Australian Mounted Rifles protecting the - right flank.

Km-ket-el-Nab was captured on November 20th. The enemy' s attack on. November 29th penetrated an outpost) line north-east of Jaffa, but they were driven out.

The despatch mentions ttat th© commander of the mounted troops was invariably successful in attack and pursuit. His co-operation at other times was always ready and-loyal, and contributed greatly to the victory."