GREAT COUP BY BRITISH AIRMEN.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2385, 15 February 1915, Page 5

GREAT COUP BY BRITISH AIRMEN.

. BELGIAN COAST TOWNS ' RAIDED ' GStEND STATION DESTROYED THE TURKS AGAIN ' PORT ON GULF.OF SUEZ ATTACKED ENEMY. WELL BEATEN — ' £ < DECISIVE BATTLES AT HAND IN ' POLAND' ' To-day's news from the theatres of the. war is featured by a brilliant exploit by a raiding squadron of British aeroplanes and seaplanes, the objective being the German submarine bases and esfcab-. * lishments at Ostend, Zeebrugge, Blankenberghe, and Middelkerke. The raid was a dashing affair, successfully accomplished without cas- . ualties to the pilots, and as a result a great deal of damage was ' d<ine to the enemy's property. Violent cannonading is proceeding along the Western battlefront. "Eye-witness" sends a' graphic and stirring account of-the fight for the possession of a brickfield north of La Bassee, where a tactical position of obvious ■ importance to the scheme of operations was stormed by\ho British, under oover/of a terrific fire by tjie Franco-British gunner's, using lyddite shells with deadly effect. In the Eastern ®" theatre the Russians, in order to rearrange their fighting front, in the East Prussian campaign have retired to their fortified line, and . events, we are told, are marching towards great and decisive operations. -There is no news from Central Poland, where the fog of war lies thickly and significantly. In the Egyptian theatre there has been another brush with the Turks, this time at Tor, a port on the eastern side of the Gulf of Suez (near the mouth of the gulf), and the enemy has been thoroughly beaten. The "Times" correspondent sends a graphic account of the recent night fighting round Ismailia, on the Canal. The Turkish losses, says Captain Bean (the Australian Official correspondent), have reached some 4000 up till the present—this estimate obviously does not include the affair at Tor, which happened last Spotted typhus is raging iu the Austrian district of Styria, ■ while Vienna itself is in the grip of a smallpox epidemic. Damning evi- . , de'nce of German treachery is furnished by the French Government,. which adduces proofs of the fact that the refugee steamer Amiral Ganteaume, which was sunk some time ago in the English Channel while convoying Belgian tefngees from Ostend, was attacked by a Ger- ' man submarine—a cold-blooded act of murder. Proof conclusive is also published by the British Admiralty that it was a German submarine • which attacked the hospital ship Asturias recently,. , BRILLIANT RAID BY BRITISH AIR FLEET ATTACK -ON; GERMAN SEA BASES GEE AT DAMAGE AT BELGIAN* COAST TOWNS Bj Telegraph—Frees Association—Oonyrieht an, i j . London, February 12. The Admiralty reports that thirty-four aeroplanes and seaplanes attacked bases 63 ' Uo ° e ' an osten<1 > with a-view to destroying German submarine Flight-Commander Samson had charge *of the expedition. Tho Ostend railway station was burnt to the ground. All the pilots are safe, but two of the machines were damaged. . The railway station at Blankenberghe was damaged, and the lines wore torn up m many places Bombs were dropped on gun positions at Middlekerko, and also on the power station, and oil Gorman mine-sweepars at Zeebrugge. The amount of damage done is not known.- , No submarines were seen. Flight-Commander Graham e-White (the well-known airmau) fell into the sea off Nieuporfc, but a French vessel rescued him. Although the attackers were exposed to heavy gunfire and machine guns, only two machines were damaged. CROSSED THE CHANNEL IN'TWENTY MINUTES. " . , , . London, February 13. The twenty-two aeroplanes of the raiding fleet,, as they left the south-east coast, made a fascinating spectacle as they flew seawards, in single file strung tho Channel lilte a flight of wild ducks.' It is estimated that they eiosscd_ in twenty minutes. It is pointed out that this is the largest number of aeroplanes which have ever been engaged in the same operation. ' OSTEND RAILWAY GOODS YARDS DESTROYED. (Bee. February 14, 4 p.m.) •hi, ah: i • , , . , , Dunkirk, February'ik yards airmen s bombs completely destroyed the Osteud railway goods GERMAN COMMENT ON THE RAID. (Rec. February 14, 0.5 a.m.) „ ' . , , . , Amsterdam, February 13. A German official message states that a hostile air raid on tho coast did deplorable damage to civilians and their property. The military Joss was Unimportant. ✓ HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. The High Commissioner's report to tho Prime Minister, dated London February 12, 10.10 p.m., states:— "The Admiralty announces during the last 24 hours combined aeroplane and seaplane operations were effected by the Naval Wing in the Bruges Zeebrugge, Blankenberghe. and Ostend districts, with a view to preventing the development of submarine bases and establishments. "Thirty-four naval aeroplanes and seaplanes took part. Great damage is reported to have been done to Ostend railway station. According to present information, it is probably bnrnt to the ground. The railway station at Blankenberghe was damaged and tho railway lines torn up in many places. "Bombs were dropped on many of- the enemy's gun positions at Middlekirke, and also on the power station, and the German mine-sweeping vessels at Zeebrugge. The damage done is not known. No iub.narines were seen. "Flight-Commander Grahame 'White (the well-known airman) foil into'the sea at Nieuport, being rescued by a Frcnch vessel. "Although' exposed to heavy gunfire and rifles, anti-aircraft guns, and mitrailleuses, all the' pilots are safe. Two machines were damaged. The whole force was commanded by Wing-Commander Sampson, assisted by WiugCommander I.ongmore. and Squadron-Commanders Porte, Courtney, and Rathbono._ It is believed that this is the largest force of air craft yet used in combination for attack." FRENCH AIRMEN'S EXPLOIT IN ALSACE. (Rec. February M, 3.15 p.m.) Paris, February 13. Five airmen bombed and damaged the Aerodrome at Habshcim, near flluiSan ecu, in Alsace, and killed the keopes.

DAMNING EVIDENCE OF GERMAN TREACHERY MURDEROUS ATTACKS ON DEFENCELESS SHIPS (Rec. February 13, 5.10 p.m.) London, February 12. France has issued a. memorandum to neutral Governments proving that a German submarine; not flying her own colours, treacherously torpedoed tho refugee steamer Amiral (lauteuime. A torpedo was found, bearing German lettering. France considers that this was an act of murder against a defenceless ship, carrying women, children, and old meu, and cannot' he excused by any strategical or military reason, and a direct answer to Germany's contention that the Gauteaume was not torpedoed, but had struck a derelict mine.— "Times 1 ' and Sydney "Sun" Services. . THE ATTACK ON THE HOSPITAL SHIP ASTURIAS. The High Commissioner reports to the Prime Minister (London, February, 13, 12.40 p.m.):— "The British Admiralty publish a statement from the master and officers of the hospital ship Asturias, proving conclusively that the vessel was attacked by a torpedo fired from ono of tha enemy's submarines."GERMAN WARNING TO NEUTRAL SHIPPING ! NO RESPONSIBILITY AFTER FEBRUARY 13. (Rec. February 14/ 0.45 a.m.) Amsterdam, February 14. The German naval staff invited a number of American, Italian, and Austrian journalists to accompany the submarines and witness an attack on merchantmen in the English channel, but the correspondents asked that the authorities should ■ insure their lives. The. German Legation states that as Britain declares all British ports war ports, and has justified her merchantmen to use neutral flags, and as many British merchantmen have been armed to destroy German submarines, thus losing their status as meichantmen, Germany therefore warns neutrals not to enter British coast waters after February 18, as she will disclaim responsibility for risks to neutrals if they enter the war zone. A CONTRAST IN NOTES. (Rec. February 14, 4 p.m.) London) February 13. The .newspapers compare the moderate tone of President Wilson's advice to Great Britain about the use of the neutral flag, with the stern warning to Germany against sinking at sight. Some of the German papers are defiant in tone towards President Wilson, and abuse America. | .. (Rec. February 14, 0.45 a.m.) Washington, February 13. The German Ambassador (Count Bernstorff) has offered to the United States a relaxing of tho warfare against merchant shipping if Germany could tie assured of a continuous supply to her non-combatant population. ; Tho United States feels that it is impossible to give any undertaking. . GERMAN PRESS ATTITUDE TOWARDS NEUTRALS. • . London, Febiuary 12. . The German Press is using the wildest language respecting neutrals. The "Neue Hamburger Zeitung" says: "Tho whole world's hate and envy concerns us not at all. Jf neutrals do not protect their flag against England they have no right to be held in esteem by Germany." Dutch steamers are painting the names of their home ports on tie sides of the vessels in largo letters, which are illuminated at night. A painted band of their national colours encircles tlie ships. WAR LOSSES TO BRITISH MERCHANT SHIPPING. London, February 12. At the annual meeting of the Liverpool Underwriters' Association the ■ chairman said the losses sustained by British shipping in six months of war were much less than might have been expected. One estimate submitted assessed the loss at £6,000,000. ENGLISH BLOOD LUST IN GERMAN PRESS. , , (Rec'. February 14, 4 p.m.) Amsterdam, February 13. ■ The "Deutsche Zeitung" of Monday last states that the German blockade nil! only be effective if it costs the lives of many English ladies and gentlenien. ■ Grand Admiral von Tirpitz has too much consideration for the enemy's blood. If ho brushes this feeling, aside Germany will sanctify and worship him. MINES IN SCANDINAVIAN WATERS. . London, February 12. , Copenhagen reports that the Scandinavian Governments are conferring with a view to joint action in clearing Scandinavian waters of floating mines. Since last week, eight German steamers have been stationed outside Sweden controlling the vessels proceeding to tho Baltic.—"Timos" and Sydney "Sun" Services. "'ON THE EVE OF A DECISIVE STRUGGLE" EVENTS IN THE EASTERN THEATRE MOVING THE PIECES FOR A FRESH EFFORT Petrograd, February 12. Official.— Four fresh German army corps m East Prussia necessitate the rearrangement of our forces under the shelter of our fortresses. We are on the eve of a great, long, and decisive struggle." (Rec. February 14, 0.5 a.m.) Petrograd, February 13. Official. "The enemy's attacks have been repulsed with severe fosses in the Lyck district (in East, Prussia, near the Poland frontier). "The Russians captured fortified heights in the Svidnik district (in the Carpathians), and between tho Lupkow Pass and the Upper San, taking 1000 prisoners. GERMANS CELEBRATE A "VICTORY." (Rec. February 14, '4 p.m.) _ - Amsterdam, February 13. A German official message claims to have captured 2600 Russians, twenty cannon, and thirty machine guns, in the operations iu the Masurian Lakes district. The period is not specified. There wore genejal rejoicings in Berlin over the victory in East Prussia a day's holiday being given tho schools. ' OPERATIONS IN THE CARPATHIANS. " (Rec. February 14, 4 p.m.) ■ Petrograd, February 13. Official.—"We repulsed the enemy at Szvidnek (south of the Dukia Pass),, near Vyszkow (east of tho Vereczke Pass), and at Poroguo (near tho Buko- i wina frontier). .. "We inflictcd"heavy losses on the enemy at Koziomaka (north of Tutoholka (which is north of the Vereczke Pass). ■ "We seized trenches in the Lutowiska-Zavadok region (north of the Uszok Pass), capturing 500 prisoners and three machine guns." ' THE RECENT FIGHTING IN POLAND GERMAN LOSSES EXCEED FORTY THOUSAND. Paris, February 12. Official.— 'The repulse of the German attacks in Poland seems complete. The R.ussians inflicted losses exceeding forty thousand. The temperature at night is eight degrees below zero centigrade. The fact that the Germans attacked in dense formations, because their troops are incapable of fighting in open order, was the principal cause of the unprecedented losses. "Au eye-witness states that the fire of the Bussian machine guns cut into the solid ranks like a scythe. When tho fighting was finished piles of tho fallen lay in front of, the Russian lines, and their shrieks rent the air. "Under tho searchlights the masses could be seen heaving with the efforts of the wounded to extricate themselves. By 2 o'clock in the mowing all was still." The High' Commissioner's message to the Premier states :— Petrograd reports: "Tho Russian fall back was necessary to assure the possibility of rearranging troops and effecting greater concentration, iu order to deal with four new Prussian army corps. This object will be best attained in Russian territory, in tho slielter of their own fortresses. It is presumed we are on the eve of great operations, which ought to definitely decide the struggle in Eastern Prussia. The circumstances demand tho strict necessity of keeping the operations seoret." "Following oil twenty-two ineffectual attempts, the Germans succeeded in occupying the heights at Kosziomaka (in the Intcholka Pass) with a large force, after a sanguinary attack, but were dislodged after a fierce bayonet fight, leaving four hundred dead. "The garrison at Przcniysl.is exhausting itself in vain sorties." l-ondon. February 13, 5.30 a.m. Pftlrograd reports that on f lie East Prussian front, between the Lower Nicnien and the Vistula, actions of small importance occurred at five points. "In the Carpathians, several of the enemy's attacks were repulsed, with heavy German losses near Kosziomaka. "Iu the rrgion nf Lulowlskn and Jfowidflk. l.h'« Ruwiiuts look » twrllo# of lie enemy's trcflci.es and five, hundred nrisoner#."-. . ■ .

"THE TURNING POINT HAS BEEN REACHED.'* .~-*ssAia (Rec. February 13, 5.10 p.m.) London, February 13. The "Morning Post" declare that Russia has finally established the superiority of her fighting power over Germany. The turning point of the war against Russia is said to have been reached. —"Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services. KAISER RETURNS TO THE EASTERN FRONT. Amsterdam. February 12. Tlio Kaiser has returned to tho east front. (Rec. February 14, 0.5 a.m.) Amsterdam, February 13. General Eycliorn commands the German operations in East Prussia. The Kaiser and General von Hindenburg are conferring at Instcrburg. RUSSIA TO HOLD CONSTANTINOPLE. (Rec. February 14, 4 p.m.) London, February 13. Professor Miliukoff, Leader of the Russian Liberals, states that the Allies are agreed that at the end of the war Russia will hold Constantinople... The "Spectator" approves this step. ITALY'S WAR PREPARATIONS A MILLION MEN AND TWO NEW DREADNOUGHTS. (Rcc. February 14, 3.15 p.m.) r ' London, February 13. 'Advices from Rome state that the Italian forces mobilised by March 1 will exceed a million. The two new Dreadnoughts, the Conte Cavotir and the Caro Duilio. bare been, completed, and the Minister of Marine has ordered the formation of a squadron of five Dreadnoughts under the Duke of Abbruzzi. GERMAN INTRIGUE IN LYBIA. (Rec. February 14, 0.5 a.m.) . Rome, February 13. The newspapers complain that German agents in Lybia are professedly raising recruits. Some of the native Italian troops have deserted. The Itaijans allege that they deserted at German instigation, ia order to intimidate Italy to remain neutral. HEAVY ARTILLERY BOMBARDMENT i PROGRESS IN THE WESTERN THEATRE . STORMING OF A BRICKFIELD (Rec. February 14, 4 p.m.) Paris, February 13. Official.—"The Germans are violently bombarding from the sea to the Lys. "There is great artillery activity on both sides on the Scmme, and between the Oise and the Aisne. "We repulsed the enomy near Arra court, and captured Hill 937, northwest of Sudelle, in the Vosges, in a violent snowstorm, sustaining insignificant losses." DASHING FIGHT FOR A BRICKFIELD STORY OF A RECENT ACTION. • London) February 13. "Eye-Witness" details the capture of the brickfield north of La Basseo (cabled on February 7). The British and French artillery, he says, concentrated a terrific fire on the enemy's defences and brick stacks. The effect of the lyddite shells was: terrific, and created great havoc amongst the enemy. The British', storming in columns, rushed the position on thieo s'des before the Germans recovered from the effects of the bombardment.^ Tho Germans left seventy dead on the field; while ( the British casualties were insignificant. ; The Germans early on February 7 advanced to the canal bank, shouting, "Don't shoot —we .are the engineers!" The British waited until the enemy was | afew yards distant, when their machine gun opened fire. Tha enemy fled, leaving thirty dead on tho field. A' great feature of all the recent fighting has been the accuracy of the [ British artillery. The High Commissioner reports (London, February 12, 4.45. p.m.):— "Paris reports that south of La Boiselle the Germans exploded a mine at the extremity of the Allies' trench, but the Allies still hold the trench." London, February 13, 12.40 a.m. Paris reports that lively artillery actions took place in Belgium, and Champagne (North France). In the Vosges operations, Frsnch' Ohajseurs carried a hilT gaining 800 metres (about half a mile), north-west of a farm at Sudclle, a brilliant feat of amis, accomplished in a • violent snowstorm, and with the slightest loss to the Allies. ANOTHER BRUSH WITH THE TURKS THE OPERATIONS IN EGYPT FORCE OF TWO HUNDRED TURKS EFFECTIVELY DEALT WITH (Rec. February 14, 0.5 a.m.) London, February 14. Reports from Cairo state that a detachment of troops liiiided near Tor, orossed the hills, and surprised and annihilated a Turkish force of two hundred, of which one hundred were taken prisoners, including a Turkish major. Twenty camels were captured. Oiie Ghurka wac killed and one wounded on our side. ' The Prime Minister has received the following cablegram from the High Commissioner, dated London, February 14, 3.30 p.m.;— • ■ A Turkish force two hundred strong, under two German officers, attacked Tor, which was garrisoned by two hundred Egyptians. A small detachment was sent to the enemy's rear, and surprised themat dawn on February; 12. . The enemy was annihilated, and a hundred prisoners were taken, including a Turkish major. Over sixty dead were counted. None got- away. Twenty camels were captured, and tho enemy's camp destroyed. Our losses were one Ghurka killed and one wounded. , ~ [Tor is a port on the eastern side of the Strait of Jubal, at the southern end of the Gulf of Suez.] THE NIGHT ATTACK ON ISMAILIA TORPEDO-BOAT'S DASHING EXPLOIT. (Rec. February 14, 3.15 p.m.) London, February 13. Tlie "Times" Ismailia correspondent writes:-- . ; Whan the nio-ht fiehting at Ismailia began, a torpedo-boa*, flashed up ana landed five men on the eastern bank of the Canal, south of Tusun . _ The party stumbled into a Turkish trench, but miraculously escaped and, g* torpedo-boat, which dashed to Ismailia under the fire from the sides of the Canal and enfiladed the enemy, and destroyed his pontons. _ Twenty of the enemy crossed tho Canal at Tusun, and sniped the gunners from the rear, unti 1 the Indian cavalry captured them. , o Tho Turkish artillery bit a couple of merchantmen, but there were no casualties. Sniping continued after the repulse at Tusun. and a man was silled on a British battleship's tops. tmi •i i • i. tu~The Indians at the outset found hundreds of Turkish troops m a hollow, rhe latter fired after signifying that they would surrender, and the Indians with their bayonets killed, captured or routed all of them. , . , , , A British officer killed a Turkish officer with his sword, m a single combat, TURKS IN RETREAT:' LOSSES TOTAL.4OOO. a Sydney, February 13. Captain Bean, the official correspondent m Egypt, cables that the Turks icgaii to leave their advanced positions on Friday. They are now retreating. During Wednesday's fighting the Tnrkish losses were four thousand, ouh. ibout one hundred and fifty mostly wounded in the left forearm. Two JSew Sealanders were wounded, and one has suice died. TURKISH TRANSPORT SUNK IN THE BLACK SEA. .The High Commissioner reports 'London, February 12, 4.40 p.m.):— . "Pefcrograd reports that in the Blaek Sea j the Russians sunk a .Turkish ;ransport, and nine hundred tons of provisions."