MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1917, Page 3

MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES.

(Received This Dav at 12.25. p.m 1 TjONDON November 20.

General Murray’s despatch describes the prominent part the Australians and New Zealand monnteds took in the attacks oil Gaza in March and April. The Second Australian Light, Horse rested on their right on the sea northward of Gaza.

On the 26th of March the New Zea:landcrs on their left were closing the exit of Gaza, but the coup-de-main failed owing to the fog and the waterless nature of the country. The enemy’s casualties totalled 3000, and ours were 4000.

The attacks on the 17th and 20th of April failed owing to the enemies reinforcements, and new trenches preventing the encircling by cavalry movement.

Their machine guns held up our infantry. hut the mounteds gained their objectives. Tbe Fourth Australian Light Horse were later compelled to give ground, while the Third Light Horse suffered heavy casualties. Our csualties totalled 7,000.

General Murray reluctantly decided that it was necessary to await reinforce ments. It is unnecessary to reiterate the praises of the Australian and New Zealand mounteds who always come up to their high reputation. Tbe Imperial Camel Corps, whose personoll was Australian, New Zealand and British proved themselves the “corps de-lite,” possessing quite a remarkable spirit and gallantry. The health of the troops throughout was singularly good, the Australian Medical Corps, being remarkable for efficiency and unremitting devotion.