BRITISH RESUME OFFENSIVE IN MESOPOTAMIA

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2954, 18 December 1916, Page 7

BRITISH RESUME OFFENSIVE IN MESOPOTAMIA

TURKS DRIVEN FROM THE TRENCHES KUT-EL-AMARA THE IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVE (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, December-15-Official from Mesopotamia.—"We assumed the offensive ou the 13th and 14th. Wo effectively bombed the position at Sennaiyat, and secured the left bank of the Shatt-el-Hai River, between Atah and Basrufiiveh, and crossed to the right bank, penetrating to a depth of eight to twelve furlongs. Cavalry oleared the Turks from the trenches at Kalanhajifahan, near Kut-el-Amara. Our casualties were slight.—Rcuter. WITHIN THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILE OF THE TIGRIS. (Rec- December 17, 5.5 p.m.) s London, December 16. Official Mesopotamia.—"Our forces are advancing northwards _pn both banks of the Sha.tt-el-Hai River. We have established an outpost within threequarters of a mile of the Tigris, southward of Kut."—Router. KUT MUST FIRST BE OCCUPIED BEFORE FURTHER ADVANCE. (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) . London, December 15. Communiques indicate that the British on the Tigris have reached a. point south-west of Kut, which must be occupied before an advance up the river is possible. Since the attempt to Telieve General Townshend, railways have been built, and the air service improved. The medical and commissariat departments, are efficient.—Aus.-N-Z; Cable Assn.' INITIAL ADVANTAGES CONSOLIDATED. The High Commissioner reports 1 London, December 16. 6.55 p.m. Mesopotamia, Thursday.—Tho initial advantage secured through our operations on Wednesday was steadily improved. We are'adva.nc.itig northwards on both sides of the Rai River. A' British outpost' is established three-quarters of a mile from the Tigris, southwards or Kut.