AN INCOMPLETE SUCCESS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CIII, Issue 15741, 27 August 1915, Page 7

AN INCOMPLETE SUCCESS.

MR BARTLETT DESCRIBES RECENT FIGHTING. BRITISH LINES EXTENDED IN FRANCE RUSSIANS HOLD UP PURSUIT. BALKAN STATES AND THE WAR. AMERICA AND GERMANY. Freu Association—By Tel. —Copyright,

(High Commissioner's Cable.) LONDON, August 25 (9.55 p.m.). The "War Office reports on the progress made since the 6th August on the western extremity of Gallipoli. Two separate land attacks were made, the first from the old Anzac position, prin-' cipally delivered by Australians and New Zealanders; the second from a new landing at Suvla Bay, where a, fresh army was employed. An attack was also made from Capo Holies towards Krithia. These attacks involved verysevere and continuous fighting, with heavy losses on both sides. Our forces have not yet gained their objectives in either sphere, though a decided advance has been made greatly increasing the area held. The attack from Anzac, after desperately contested actions, was carried to the summit of the Sari Bahr and Chunuk Bahr ridges, dominating the position. Owing to the attack from Suvla nob making the progress expected the troops from Anzac were unable to maintain the position on the actual crest line, and after repeated counter attacks were forced to withdraw to positions below. These positions were consolidated effectively. The attack from Suvla was not developed quickly enough. The ground gained by both attacks was sufficient to enable the lines connected along a front of over twelve miles. Further reinforcements arriving, the attack was renewed on the 21st, on the centre of the new and extended lines on the Anzao left, and we successfully advanced three quarters of a mile. The rest of the battle front was also advanced. The Turkish trenches were stormed, all divisions reaching points on the slopes of the hills forming the enemy's centre, but after several hours' sharp fighting were unable to gain the summits and withdrew to the original front.

The troops were in excellent spirits and full of fight. These men have not the physique of the colonials, hut were trained to the hour, as hard as nails, and they marched away cracking jokes and singing familiar songs. On the previous day Sir lan Hamilton issued a stirring proclamation to the army. A GREAT SPECTACLE. As the sun went down on the 6th the calm waters reflected a stirring spectacle. Every warship, destroyer and transport was crowded with soldiers, packed like sardines. Behind lay the forest of deserted tents, the last homes that thousands would ever know. It was a grand sight, but one could not overcome the feeling of the great tragedy in the lives and homes of many in England eagerly waiting for news. A DARK NIGHT EXCURSION. The lights aboard the vessels were extinguished at sunset, and the heterogenous collection of weird craft lay in absolute darkness throughout the early hours of the night. Up to the moment of landing in Suvla. Bay none knew their destination. It was a terrible country to land in, hut a country for operations of the sort for which the Australians and New Zealanders are peculiarly suited. It was a pitch black night. About two in the morning the first lighters made ehorewards. Three beaches had been selected, but eventually only two were used.

NEWS NOT GOOD ENOUGH. "Times" and Sydney "Bun" Services. Press Association—By Tel.—Copyright. Received 7.4 op.m., August 26th. LONDON, August 25. "The Times," referring to the magnificent courage and audacity of the Australasians, as shown in Mr Ashinead Bartlett's despatch, points out that very little news is forthcoming about definite results of the fierce combats. "The Times" discredits the previous story that the Turkish lines of communication are threatened, adding, "There is nothing in air Bartlett's story or the official despatch of the. 20th to justify these assumptions. Apparently the position at Gallipoli has undergone no material change for the better. The only real news forthcoming from the Dardanelles is the steady and swelling strain and stream of casualties." ITALY'S DECLARATION CAUSES DISaiAY. TURKISH PEOPLE WANT PEACE. Received 11.30 p.m., August 26th. ROaiE, August 26. Italy's declaration caused confusion and demoralisation at Constantinople, aiinisters have made further offers to Bulgaria, but the people are loudly demanding peace, ENEMY TRENCHES TAKEN. LONDON, August 25 (7.10 p.m.). Paris reports fresh progress at the Dardanelles, the British left wing carrying eight hundred yards of enemy trenches. An aeroplane sank a big Turkish transport.

ANZAC FIELD TOO CRAMPED. A MOVE TO STJVLA BAY. MR ASHMEAD BARTLETT'S DESPATCH. Received 10.15 p.m., August 26th. LONDON, August 26. Mr Ashmead Bartlett writes:—For nearly three weeks prior to August Bth, or since the last attack on our right wing on Achi Baba, there had been almost an entire cessation of fighting at Gallipoli. During this peiiod both sides strenuously prepared for a tremendous clash of arms. Up to the present time we have been continuously engaged in a struggle against heavy odds on a restricted front, which did not permit of strategic movements for turning out the enemy from his positions, and necessitated frontal attacks. The arrival of promised reinforcements from England has now enabled Sir lan Hamilton to undertake a flanking movement on a grand scale. Plans were laid hoping to surprise the Turks and obtain a firm foothold before they could bring up reinforcements. In this, it seems, we have been successful. NEW TROOPS READY FOR WORK. Thera was general rejoicing among the troops when it became known that the period of preparation was ended, and the hour for action had arrived. Throughout the 6th dense masses of fully equipped infantry moved to the quay and embarked, while covering parties were taken aboard two cruisers.