PALESTINE

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16040, 26 January 1918, Page 7

PALESTINE

THE ADVANCE ON JERUSALEM. GENERAL ALLENBY’S DISPATCH. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. (Received Jan. 26, 12.20 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 25. The Gazebo publishes General Allenby’s dispatch covering the operations from June 28, 1917, to the fall of Jerusalem. He emphasised the transport difficulties and water shortage. The routes for .transport were extremely limited and practically the .whole available transport, including 60,000 camels, had to be allotted to one portion of the eastern forces. The dispatch tells how before the fall of Gaza the enemy, who was strongly untrenched, was kept guessing as to the whereabouts of the main attack, namely Hareira and Sheria. Therefore a large scale of operations against Gaza was prepared. The dispatch shows that there was a most rapid consolidation of the British gains in the passes of the Judean Hills before the Turks could rally. That ensured the surrender of Jerusalem. The New Zealand Mounted Rifles on November 14 had a smart engagement at Ayankara, six miles south of Jaffa. The Turks counter-attacked determinedly and got within fifteen yards of our line. A bayonet attack drove them back with heavy losses. Our infantry commenced to advance against Jerusalem on November 19, one portion advancing by the main road towards Kurk ot el Nab with the Australian Mounteds protecting the right flank. Kurk et el Nab was captured on November 20. The enemy’s attack on November 29 penetrated our outpost line north-east of Jaffa, but he was driven out. The dispatch mentions General Chauvel, commander of the mounteds. who was invariably successful in attack and pursuit. His co-operation in other aims was always ready and loyal and he contributed greatly to the victory.