IN EGYPT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3564, 26 September 1916, Page 6

IN EGYPT.

REVIEW OF THE ANZACS

DESPATCH FROM SIR A. MURRAY

(lleuter Message.)

LONDON, Sept. 25. Sir Archibald Murray, in a despatch dated June 1, details the steps taken for tho reorganisation of the Dardanal!e.i army, tho re-equipment of/" tho Australians and Now Zealanders, and tho trainin-; oi the Australian Reinforcements at Tel-el-Kobir until tho Anzac training despots were transferred to England. ■

The- Turks., prior to March, had 250,000 troops ready to attack the Canal, but after the capture •of Erzeroum tho garrisons of Syria were reduced to 00,000 men.

The second Australian and New Zea ! land Army Corps came into existence on March 27, under the command of Sir Alex. #Godley. It consisted of Major-General Cox's fourth division, Major General McCay's fifth division, and Major-General Chauvol's Anzac ( mounted division. ' ' The Army Corps assisted in patrol- ] ling the western front of Egypt. • The Ninth Australian Horse, under Major- Scott, made a most successful reconnaissance at Jiil'affa on April 11----15. Tho operation was most creditable to all ranks. The Fifth Australian Light Horse assisted in the pursuit of tho Turks at Quantai:a- on April 23. During May, reconnaissances on the cast front were frequent, where three brigades of Anzac mounted men, including the New Zealand Mounted Rifleti. were present. This proved to be a unit which coidd be absolutely depended upon to display energy, resource, and endurt-nce. Sir Archibald Murray recommends J the following for notice:—General Sir W. It. Birdwood, Major-General . Sir i Alex. Godley. Major-General Cox, Major-General McCay. and Major-Gen-oral Chauvul.

Lieut.-Colonel C. Richardson,, of tho New Zealand Staff, is recommended for good service with the Saloniea army.