PALESTINE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1917, Page 3

PALESTINE.

CAPTURE OF BETHLEHEM. WORK OF WELSHMEN. i (Received This Day at noon.) LONDON December 23. ! M r . Massey telegraphs that owing to > the vigorous progress of Welsh and Home j Counties troops, a direct attack on Bethlehem was unnecessary. The Welshmen were particularly proud of their part in tho historic victory. In order to advanco from Khupilfeh to Hebron Road, they bad to make a road through the mountains. It was typical rear-guard fighting, m country enabling the cavalry to delay progress. Some cavalry were seen but the march was rapid, the British occupying a strong line at the southern end of Ragel Shcrifeh without opposition thus securing the highest points in Die southern Palestine. ' Sli'crifeh had an elaborate" system of j defences with traverses and breast ■ works. The road beyond, took a bend westward exposing it and the defences southward of Bethlehem. It became necessary to secure the hills to the eastward of the road, before advauc ing. . j It was a desperately had bit of coun- j try and it was impossible to get the | mules up. . ! The Cheshires climbed one mountain j without their great coats, blankets or j rations. It .rained heavily all night j and tho cold was intense, yet next day ; when they were relieved the battalion ! march whistling and happy almost fro- ; -7071 i

The troops at Shcrifeh under cover of a fog wandered to Solomon’s knoll within rifle range of tho enemy’s trenches. The Commander decided tit last to make Jala avoiding lighting around ihe hallowed snot of Bethlehem. The London Yeomanry occupied Jala and experienced another bad night. Daybreak revealed that the enemy bad abandoned Bethlehem. The advance on Jerusalem began immediately.