PALESTINE.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1918, Page 3

PALESTINE.

GENERAL ALLENBY’S DESPATCH. HOW JERUSALEM WAS TAKEN. LONDON, Jan. 25. The “Gazette” publishes General Allenhy’s despatch covering the operations from 2Rth June 1917 to the fall of Jeru-

snlem. Tt emphasises the transport, difficulties and water shortage. The routes for transport were extremely limited, and practically the whole available transport, including thirty tnousand camels, had to bo allotted to ono portion of the Eastern forces. The despatch tells bow. before the fall of Gaza, th enemy, who were strongly entrenched, kept guessing as t.o the whereabouts of the main attack, namely Hareira, and Slieria ; therefore large scale operations against Gaza were prepared. The despatch showed that there was the most rapid consolidation of British gains in the passes of the Judean hills, before the Turks could rally. That insured the surrender of Jerusalem.

The New Zealand Rifles, on November 14th had a smart engagement at Ayankara, six miles south of Jaffa. The Turks counter-attacked determined, lv, and got. within fifteen yards of our line, when a. bayonet attack drove them back with heavy loss. Our infantry commenced to advance against Jerusalem on November, 19th one portion advancing on the main road towards Kurketelnab, which wa s captured on the 20th. The enemy’s attack on the 29th penetrated the outpost line north-east of Jaffa ; hut were driven out. The despatch mentions General Chauvel. Commander of the Mounteds for his invariable successeg in the attack and pursuit, and also his. co-operation. Other aims were always ready and loyal, and contributed greatly to t.h> victory.