A DESERT COUP

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2913, 27 October 1916, Page 5

A DESERT COUP

ROUT OF THE SENUSSI • CAMPAIGNING IN EGYPT Australian-New Zealand Cable Association* (Rec. October 10.50 p.m.l London, October 26. The British war correspondent ill Egypt, Mr. \V. writes:— "The occupation o7 Dakiua Basaria (reported on October 23) has dealt a crushing blow to the Senussi's waninji prestige. The Imperial Camel Coqs, composed of British Yeomanry ana* Australians, loft Kharga, accompanied by anuoured cars, and by a rapid movement completely surprised the Senussi's rearguard at Dakhla. The prisoners includo important , Jpolitical chiefs. Considerable arms, ammunition, and treasure were captured, at Dakhla, which is an' important oasis. The, Senussi summered there with two thou-, sand troops. • \ "Owing to tho exceptional heat it was impossible to send white troops out in the summer. FuE preparations were made in anticipation of the cooler weather, and the light railway was built over a wide belt of had sand. The Senussi learnt of these preparations aad fled, but our advanco was so rapid that their-rearguard was cut off. None escaped. Eighty miles of light railway wore laid towards Basaria, over t a waterless desert. Tho work proceeded throughout the entire summer. Tha Senussi Army, weakened by malaria, and almost deprived of camels.by our attacks, moved to Siwai, subsisting on dates and olives. The coast being blockaded. tJio Senussi's resources were nob sufficient to maintain a formidable force, and their followers seemed to have lost faith."