GALLIPOLI WITHDRAWAL

Waikato Times, Volume 86, Issue 13082, 17 January 1916, Page 5

GALLIPOLI WITHDRAWAL

THE TURKISH ACCOUNT. (.HEAT LOSSES INFLICTED AT HELLES. .MUCH BOOTY TAKEN. ITALIAN PRESS COMMENT. LONDON, January 15. A Constantinople communique contains the following highly-coloured description of the evacuation of Cape Helles :—"The fast fire from the war vessels replacing the activity of the enemy's land batteries, and the presence of numerous transports off the landing places showed that flight was imminent on the night of the Bth. All measures were taken to inflict greater loss this time on the enemy. We exploded mines and sent out strong reconnoitring parties. The enemy war vessels vigorously l.ombarded our advanced positions. At three o'clock on the morning of the 9th we advanced along tlie whole front, and a portion of the enemy fled to their landing places, where tliey were under the protection of their warships' fire, while others exploded automatic mines to delay our advance. Meanwhile the Turkish longrange guns of the mountain batteries opened fire on the landing piers, and, regardless of the automatic mines, our troops fell on their rearguard. The latter, unable to escape, offered a desperate resistance. Our booty in guns, ammunition and horses is uncounted." ROME, January 15.

The Trihunn, in echoing the British press gratification at the skill displayed in the retirement from the Dardanelles, says it is pertinent to regret that this skill was not displayed until the retirement. The paper adds: "It is an historical truth that England loses nearly every battle except the last one."