BRITISH REFUSED VICTORY

Taranaki Daily News, 8 October 1928, Page 11

BRITISH REFUSED VICTORY

: GALLIPOLI THROUGH GERMAN EYE FAILURE OF DELAYED ATTACKS. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Oct. 5. Gallipoli through German eyes is revealed in a book by General Kannengiesser, who served throughout an important part of the operations. It is translated by Major C. Ball, who throughout the campaign served in v . 29th Division. General Kannengiesser has no hesitation in ascribing the reasons of the allied failure, firstly, to the manyheaded. leadership of the War Council in London. War cannot be entrusted to a limited liability company. Conversations, minutes and reports always preceded the decisive meetings, which again postponed the vital decision, so valuable time was lost and at the front that moment was lost which contained the possibility of success. While paying full tributes to the courage and excellent 'service of the overseas troops and territorials General Kannengiesser says the English lacked systematic peace training and consequently did not know how to grip the victory which was. so often near them. The author stresses that only the professional soldier can be expected to have that instinctive feeling which sometimes should bo preferred to the rules of warfare.

General Kannengiesser expresses the opinion that the long month between the opening of the cannonade from the fleet and the landing of the first British troops almost ruined the chances of success. The enemy prepared feverishly and thoroughly. The writer dramatically describes the hardships the antagonists jointly suffered under the blazing sun on the barren strip. Then, in August, 1915, eame the second landing and 24 hours’ delay in pressing the surprised and unreinforced Turks.

“During the whole of August 9 the Goddess of Victory held the door of success wide open for General Stopford, but he would not enter.” There was a moment when General Kannengiesser claims he and Ills staff officers stood on the vital ridge overlooking Suvla Bay and saw the British infantry only 500 yards away. Two men with revolvers were the sole opposition to the occupation of the heights, yet the attack was delayed until the enemy was rushed up by forced marches and firmly entrenched.