THE DARDANELLES

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1915, Page 6

THE DARDANELLES

THE ANZAC RETIREMENT. A SPLENDID DEED. • MR. ASQUITH'S STATEMENT. London, Dec. zi. Mr. Asquith said the Government sanctioned tile movement from Anzac and Suvla with reluctance, especially from Anzac, which was consecrated by so many heroic exploits, (Cheers.) Here our gallant kinsmen from Australia and New Zealand won undying honor. (Cheers.) The withdrawal was an operation exposed to peculiar hazard, one in which the least miscarriage would have led to serious loss. With the exception of a relatively small quantity of stores and six guns which were left behind and £?• stroyed, the whole force from both places with equipment was removed in perfect security. The total casualties were two naval and two military wounded. He asked the House to join the Government in taking the earliest opportunity of expressing it.? admiration and gratitude to Generals Monro and Birdwood and Admiral Wemyss, who supervised the naval operations. The splendid troops had been embarked for a new destination without the loss of a single life, and, after a short rest, he was sure they would he ready and eager to resiune their glorious career. Mr. Asquith paid a. tribute to Sir John French's splendid services in the field. When the time came the House of Commons would not be slow to mark its approval. The withdrawal from Anzac did not involve a similar operation at Cape Helles, where the nava* and military force commanded the entrance to the Strait. The withdrawal from Suvla and Anzac was taken after (.ord Kitchener and General Monro had examined all the positions. Naval and military advisers concurred. LOSSES IN THE WITHDRAWAL. ONLY POUR MEN WOUNDED London, Dec. 21. In the House of Commons Mr. Asquith said that the total losses in withdrawing from Anzac and Suvla totalled four men wounded and six guns and a few stores destroyed. THE EPITAPH OF ANZAC. IMPERISHABLE AND GLORIOUS MEMORIES. London, Dec. 21. The Pall Mall Gazette says that the Dardanelles will always evoke memories of unparalleled valor. It condemns the faultiness of the management of the enterprise. It has been a case of "too late and too little." The Westminster Gazette says that brave men have not died at Gallipoli in vain. So long as the British race lasts Suvla and Anzac will be imperishable names, full of proud memories for the Commonwealth and the Dominion, which sent their sons at the call of the Old Country, and an undying inspiration to all who are called hereafter to emulate their example. The Manchester Guardian says that the first landing at Gallipoli is now recognised as the supreme exploit of British infantry in the whole of its history. A London correspondent quotes an eyewitness, who declared that probably never had there been sucK resourceful and fearless fighters as the s'plendid Australians and New Zealanders. Trov, just across the Straits, never echoed to the feet of such heroes. He quotes the lines: "All wa3 done that men could do, [ But all was done in vain." and adds: "That is the epitaph of the | men of Anzac." THE HUN'S EXCUSE. THICK FOG HELPS THE BRITISH, Received Dec. 22, 8.5 p.m. j London, Dec. 21. A German wireless states that much booty was secured at Ari Burnu,. and an immeasurably thick fog enabled the enemy to escape. MUCH CENSORED. A MESSAGE FROM MR. BARTLETT. Received Dec. 22, 8.25 p.m. Sydney, Dec. 22. The following message, dated December 20, is now released: —Mr, Ashmead Bartlett, writing to the Sunday Times on the Dardanelles question, says that General Monro's report was said to strongly favor withdrawal. A tremendous responsibility rests on those who are keeping our forces there under wintry conditions, for enormous losses from sickness are inevitable. It is absolutely certain that the troops at Gallipoli must face sufferings and hardship unparalleled since the Crimean war. They are threatened with losses that are not worth while. "What are the advantages if, as I think, the authorities are agreed that it is impossible to advance from the present positions Y' Then follows a message cabled on December 20, commencing: "Germany's threat is empty bluff." AMUSING GERMAN REPORT. "AFTER THE STEED IS STOLEN!" Received Dee. 22, 9.40 p.m. London, Dec. 21. A wireless from German headquarters at the port of Constantinople, dated Dec. 21st, from a correspondent at the front says: Since yesterday there has been fierce fighting on all sections. Our troops attacked Anafarta and Ariburnu, and the enemy delivered counter-attacks at Sedd-el Bahr which our troops repulsed with extremely heavy losses. Our troops captured important points of support near Anafarta and Ariburnu, and our powerful artillery fire caused heavy losses in the ranks of the enemy. Our brave soldiers who have been waiting for months for this offensive, are showing admirable dash and self-sacrifice in their violet# attacks againrt the m&b • ""

SPURRING US ON. AN AUSTRALIAN VIEW. Received Dec. 22, 7.25 p.m. Melbourne, Dee. 22. Mr. Pearce, referring to tho withdrawal of the Anzacs, said: "I believe that I am speaking the opinion of the people of Australia when I say that we do not cavil at the action taken, because we have confidence that the authorities Jiave taken the best object in view. It I will not lessen in the slightest degree j our determination to see the war , through or to raise additional men, but I will spur m to a still greater effort. REMOVAL OF THE GUNS. A REMARKABLE FEAT. Times and Sydney Sun Service. London, Dec, 21. Experts from Gallipoli assert that the saving of all the guns was a most remarkable feat, because the Anzac guns were built in even in the advanced trenches. The Suvla guns were mostly assembled at Chocolate Hill, but apparently the Turks preferred to allow the British to take off the guns rather than being massacred by our machineguns.