FIGHT FOR JERUSALEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1918, Page 4

FIGHT FOR JERUSALEM.

TURKS CUT DOWN WITH THE SABRE. (From W. T. Massey.) Fa r.ESTINE lIEAIJQUARTERS, Nov 26

When our mounted troops were directed on Ramleh (south-east of Joppa), bofore that important place could' be occupied a hill to the south east had to be cleared. This was Abu Shusheh Hill, 756 ft high, which commanded the RamlehJerusalem and Gaza-Jerusalem roads and all the approaches to Ramleh from the south and southeast. The hill lies in a triangle and was held by a considerable body of the enemy.

Infantry attacked cleverly Rom the west, while the Berks, Bucks, j and Dorset Yeomanry moved to : the south-east to turn -the hill. I Perhaps tire story of the gallant charge of the previous day had reached the defenders ; at any rate, while the western attack developed the Yeomanry noticed that many of the enemy were trying to get away, and the hill was carried with a rush while the Turks were streaming down the southern slope The turning troops got the order to charge and sWept over the level gr.ouud at a terrific pace and got among the enemy with the sabre. His dead here all bore sword wounds. He was completely routed, and besides a great number of dead, 350 prisoners were taken.

Meantime the Anzacs moved on Ramleh and L,)'dda from the southwest, meeting with considerable opposition, which was beaten off till El Hemadt was reached, where the enemy, reinforced by two new battalions, made a most determined counter-attack against the New Zealanders. Running very quickly behind somewhat strong gunfire, the Turks got to within 15 yards of our line, attacking with bombs and rifles, when the whole line— Auckland and some Wellington Mounted Rifles—rushed forward with the bayonet aud met the enemy with tremendous force aud smashed up the counter-attack most completely. The Turks broke and fled to their supports at Ramleh, leaving over 400 dead as the result of the bayonet charge alone.

It was too late that day to take Ramleh, but their heavy losses and the vigour of our mounted troops orompted the enemy to get as far as possible to the rear, and Ramleh was occupied by us next morning at dawn, when another 300 prisoners were taken. 5 Not least important among the Australian captures were many ammunition stores.