SUVLA BAY BLUNDER

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2665, 10 January 1916, Page 5

SUVLA BAY BLUNDER

FAULTS OP HIGH COMMANDERS CRITICISM BY AN EXPERT. By Telegraph—Press. Association—Copyright (.Rec. January 9, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 8. The "Daily Telegraph's" military correspondent says: "Sir lan Hamilton went to Suvia Bay, where he found liieut.-General Sir F. W. Stopford still on board. The latter was dissatisfied that the divisional generals had not acted with greater energy, hut neither Stopford nor Hamilton issuod positive oiders, which Hamilton states were necessary, nor had lie insisted on their oxeeution. This confession is a lemarkitble instance of candour. It is clear that the greatest faults were committed by those in the highest authority. Hamilton ought to have proceeded to Suvia Bay with the first troops and watched the proceedings until satisfied tliat his subordinate generals were acting according to the letter and spirit of his instructions. "Tho dispatch throws heavy blame on Hamilton himself and the subordinate generals, hut it may well be questioned whether an operation of. this delicate nature gave enough promise of success to justify the attempt. "T.t is very lamentable that leaders of tho highest units and-their executive staff failed, but it is not surprising remembering the utter contempt with which all executive staff work, practical and theoretical, had teen regarded by the Army chiefs before the war. It is hoped that the further progress of the war will show a vast improvement in the Executive." THE SUPERMEN ANZACS' BRAVERY AND VALOUR. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. January 8, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 7. The "Daily Mail," in a loader, says: "Hamilton's dispatch sounds like tlio tolling of a bell. It is a cry for reinforcements, more men, army corps, where only a few thousands could bo upared. "Of the Anzaes' deeds it is impossible to read without emotion. They staled thoir last sacrifico with splendid heroism. The dispatch rings with tributes to the Anzacs' bravery and valour which carried mountains with joyous alacrity in the faco of death. Their temper raised them to super-men." "The tragedy is that, the sword of these mighty men was unsheathed in vnin because of mistakes in generalship." INQUIRY DEMANDED. BY GENERAL SIR F. AV. STOPFORD London, January 7. Lieutenant-General Sir F. W. Stopford, who was in command of the forces at Suvia Bay, has demanded an inquiry into the Suvia Bay operations.