GUNS WON AT GAZA.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 June 1917, Page 2

GUNS WON AT GAZA.

NEW ZEALANDERS' FEAT, MANY PRISONERS TAKEN. Londoit, April 20. In the- fighting against the Turks in tlie neighborhood of Gaza during the middle of March the 'New Zealanders performed great deeds. Writing on March 27, Mr. W. T. Maßsey says:— The New Zealanders got to close quarters towards eunset, and had desperate fighting till the close approach of reinforcements to the enemy necessitated the cavalry's withdrawal, as it was between two fires. This was accomplished without casualties before morning. 0( the many deeds which will stir Briton's blood I will describe two, though they are not the only gaTlant efforts worthy of record during these days. One concerns the New Zealanders, whose brigade got to the sea north of the position, Ordered to assist the infantry attack at half-past four with the Yeomanry, they took an important ridge, and proceeded across the flats strongly opposed by the enemy in pits behind dense cactus hedges, very deadly obstacles, but quickly carried them. The New Zealanders went on, got into the position, rushed the enemy battery, and captured 200 men and some howitzers, which the enemy made frequent desperate attempa to regain. Finally, the enemy gunners and some infantry got into a country house a hundred yards off, and endeavored to prevent the removal of the guns.

The New Zcalsuiders refused; to leave llie'guns, loaded them. and trained them against the houso until it was demolished and the occupants killed. Then the Turkish infantry tried to rush tlie guns, but were driven off wfETi the bayonet TJarkness now Bet jn. The New Zealanders were ordered to retire, but would not com© away without the guns. They brought them back to our lines this morning. Their casualties during the day Were two killed and 28 wounded; thcv took 225 prisoners and probably killed and wounded as many more.