THE PALESTINE CAMPAIGN.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16145, 25 February 1918, Page 7

THE PALESTINE CAMPAIGN.

JERICHO CAPTURED. TAKEN BY THE ANZACS. (By Cable—Press Asjociation-^Copyright.) lAustxalisn and X.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, February 2"2. The Anzacs have captured Jericho. Jericho, once one of the most flourishing cities in Palestine, no longer exists. It is replaced on the map by a village called Lriha, which is a little to the south-east of the site of the ancient city. The place is 15 miles east-north-east of Jerusalem. »uul about five miles west of tlie Jordan, and six miles north of the Dead Sea. It is in the low valley of the Jordan, and stands below se.a level, whereas Jerusalem is 2593 feet above the sea. THE OFFICIAL REPORT. (Australian ar.d N.Z. Cable Association.) i.Ueuter's Telegrams.) (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 22. A Palestine official report states: — •'Our forces advanced on Thursday morning, encountering small opposition. ,; The Australian mounted troops entered Jericho and established themselves on a lino from the Jordan to Wadi-cl-Auja. "The weather is bad. Our casualties on Wednesday were slight "Wo have extended our positions north and north-west of Jerusalem.' - ' (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 23. A Palestine official report states: — "Tho enemy from Jericho retired northwards of the Wadi-el-Auja, leaving their posts on the high ground of

the left bank. 'They also retired eastwards across tho Jordan, and are holding a bridgehead at El-Ghoraniyeh." THE ANtfACS' VICTORY DESCRIBED. . (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 22. Mr W. T. Massey, telegraphing from Palestine Headquarters, on February 21st, states: — "General Allanby's army has drivon the Turks from their strong position cast of Jerusalem, London troops capturing all tho commanding positions overlooking the southern Jordan valley. "Australian and New Zealand mounted troops entered Jericho to-day. "Tho enemy, who was entrenched on a series of hills, was attackod by London infantry on Tuesday and yesterday, on a twelve miles' front, and was defeated every whet c, suffering heavy losses. The country was extremely difficult, consisting of a mass of hills, valleys, kloofs, dongas, and worn, rockfaced hills. At ono place the Wadi Farar has a perpendicular cliff side 500 feet high, but our infantry routed out the onemy from his trenches, which were out or blastod on tho ridge of the spurs of the mountain ranges, showing great gallantry. "On Tuesday, at dawn, they attacked a 'ino of about) 20,000 yards. At some places the Turks retreated during the artillery bombardment, out in thecentro one battalion had to assault three times before winning the system of trenche3. "During Tuesday night the infantry moved to attack the range from Tal'at ed-dam to Ekteiff —the key to tho Jericho-Jerusalem road, which runs through these hills. On Tal' at edDam is the Good Samaritan inn, and tho remains of Crusader Hill, known to the Arabs as the Hill of Blood. I saw tho Londoners carry this hill in splendid style, and early, after a most accurate artillery fire, but the enemy held on stubbornly at Ekteiff, whoso southern face is as pretiptious as Gibraltnr. Marching during tho night, the troops met with great difficulties, crossing the rough ground. Oao column took neaily eight hours to cover slightly over three miles. In some placos the men walked in single file. Tlio enemy wero cleared off Ekteiff during the afternoon. "Meanwhile the Anzacs had moved through desperately hard country, threatening the enemy rear. They were held up a considerable time in a defilo through which only two men could pass abreast, tho Turks bringing 60veral guns to bear on this point. By nightfall, however, wo had occupied all the positions commanding the southern Jordan valley, and the Turks hurriedly retired. •'The Anzacs made a rapid march this morning, entering Jericho at 8 o'clock. Yesterday tho Turks burnt their stores on the northern shores of the Dead Sea. Our iterations will retard, if not entirely prevent, the utilisation of this important source of grain supply for the Turkish forces." EFFECT OF THE BRITISH ADVANCE. (Reuter'a Telegrams.) (Rccoive'j February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 22. Router is authoritatively informed that the British advance on the Jordan will be of great help in establishing touch with the Arabs, thereby greatly encouraging our Allies. General Allenbv's position is now well defined. His right flank rests on tho Dead Sea, and the left on the Mediterranean, hence a frontal attack alone is possible for the onemy. We control the Dead Sea, and have access to the rich lands on the eastern side, and menace the railway to Damascus. Ahead are easier country and better roads.