An Attempt Fails,

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1917, Page 1

An Attempt Fails,

Gallant Lanoashires. (Australian & N Z. Cable Association and Rimer.) LONDON, March 26. The third pontoon got almost across when it was bombed and sank. Then crew after crew pushed oil to certain death )the pontoons drifting down the Tigris' and past the British camp with a freight of dead. After this failure at tho bridgonemi passage the order for attempts on the second night was made with equal gallantry. This time a bombardment preceded attack and our barrage raised such a dust as formed a certain behind,which ten boats crossed. They succeeded in crossing butt the parties were exterminated when cue curtain of dust lifted. However, a footing was secured and one pontoon drifted backs when a sergeant called for volunteers to gather in the wounded and all these twelvo who volunteered were kill ed. Sixty Lancashire men were now established on tho opposite shore and commenced bombarding along the bank although heavily pressed by the Turks on both flanks. Fortunately he Lancashires discuveied a break in the river bend, innui formed a half-moon on the landward side, protected by a neighbouring grove . of mulberries and palms. Here tho sixty Lancaslires held out through the whole night and next day. and next night against the repeated and determned attacks. The Turks once reached the top or the parapet, but though our garrison was reduced to forty they drove back tho attackers. The garrison was now reduced almost to its last clip of cartridges and a single bomb when the British crossing was completed. Finally our cavalry and two infantry columns threatened to cut the . Tukrs who hurriedly retreated.

German Socialises. i ] AMSTERDAM, March 26 ] The Gorman socialist party has pub- < lished a programme including a speedy i conclusion on a peace bases', abandoning , all annexations by all the belligerents., AMSTERDAM, a larch 26. Wilhehnshaven harbour is closed for a fortnight, but the reason is not known.. Submarine School AMSTERDAM, March 26. j A submarine school has been opened i at Constantinople managed by German . naval officers, who teach Turkish offi- t cers and sailors to command and man ; submarines. ] Many students are attending the i opening course. j