THE RAFA FIGHT.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1917, Page 1

THE RAFA FIGHT.

A Brilliant Aftair. (Australian & N C&Mo Association). LONDON, Jan. 15. Mi: Massey (the official correspondent at Brtish headquarters in Egypt), describing the ltafa fight, says it was one of the finest, achievements in the Egyptian campaign. A swift march brought the mounted men within striking distance, while the

enemy swept' on. The whole battle resembled old time warfare. Many ißdouins watched the fight, some tending their flocks between our firing line and the eneihy trenches, being either ignorant of their peril or submitting their fate to Allah. The New Zealanders who were detach from the column five miles south of (Rafa on the border of Syria rounded up and disarmed large numbers of Arabs, whoso attitude was unknown. Tlioy completed this operation before daylight and then made an enveloping movement from the east, with the Australians attacking from the south-east, and the Camel Corps from the south. The guns registered, and after deployment tho dismounted attack began an hour later. The New Zealanders moved ve 0 quickly over the grassy ridges direct on lltufa, which was lightly held, and immediately taken, the prisoners including tho fleeing camel men. One New Zealand regiment was sent well to the east to protect the flank. This proved a very wise precaution. The rapid taking of the town was a vaulable part of the day’s work and enabled the New Zealanders to get betroubling tho foe for the remainder the day.

While the fight was in progress, the approach of relief forces was reported at a citical moment.

The General called fo r an immediate effort, and beforo it reached some of the sections lines of trops were finishing their work in the enemy trenches.

The New Zealanders swooped into the Turks’ strongest position from the rear, and two Australian brigades juried the southeastern works. The Camel Corps gallantly assaulted the south-west, while the Yoemanfy kept the western side fully employed. Meanwhile the New Zealanders east of Rafa were holding a long crescent line, and although engaged by vastly superior forces trying to escape, threw them back. Great booty was secured.

Tho prisoners included eleven unwounded German machine gunners, while the Turkish prisoners included some from formations not previously used in South Syria.

In Uobredja.

ETROGRAD, Jan. 15. The enemy pressure in Walla cilia ana the Dobrudja has diminished owing to the Allies resistance and tho weather. The Danube plains are now immense swamps. General von Maekensen is demanding reinforcements from Bulgaria and Turkey, which they are unable to provide, Turkey fearing danger on tho Asian frontier, and her reserves are exhausted. Prisoners stato that tho army is excessively fatigued and the commanders sacrifice men freely. On the Tigris LONDON, Jan. 15. A Mesopotamia official message says: We progressed eastward and westward of Kut-el-Amara, anl except a small area north-east of Kut-el-Amara the whole of the right hank eatsward of Shatladhai has been cleaned. Africa’s Representative. LONDON, Jan. IS. Official.—Urgent affairs preventing General 'Botha (from leaving South Africa, the Imperial Government has to the Union Government’s request to release General Smuts from the East African command as early as 1 possible to enable him to represent South Africa at the War Conference.

A Warning. (Australia & N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, Jan. 15. Tho late Count Beckendorff’s recent letters homo contained striking warnings against the M. Stunner's clique. Ho wrote: “When I see liow Russia is being pushed t-o the edge of the abyss, by the hands of men whoso duty it is to save her, iny sufferings are inexpressible. Every mail from Pef.rograd plunges me deeper into dismal pessimism.” For Poland. PETROGRAD, Jan. 15. An authoritivo interpretation of theCzar’s promise has been published in Poland, declaring Poland will be united and free, with it own administration, parliament, and army and standing on an equal footing with other nations. Moving Troops. ’ AMSTERDAM, Jan. 15. Reports from the frontier assert that a great movement of troops and guns is in full swing westward. Austrians’ Food. ROME, Jan. 15. Tho reduction of rations to the Austrians in the Ti’eiitino caused tho liveliest dissatisfaction. A Bohemian regiment mutinied because tho bread was uneatable; a . number were • ■ -