PALESTINE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1918, Page 3

PALESTINE.

SUCCESSFUL OPER ATTONS. i AROUND THE' DEAD SEA. I Received, th.» day at, 8.45 a.m. j CAIRO March 7. ( Air -Massey reports from Palestine headquarters on March 6th, that during the past week the Turks had much to think about on the various, sections of the line. Hardly a day pass, ed without the enemy being compelled to yield positions of value. The most important of our advances, were ' north and west of Birch three days ago when the Welsh and Home Counties ■ troops made a strong attack 'on both sides of Nablus road of a twelve miles front, and pushed back the enemy 11 miles. This operation, in tlie hill country was taken in conjunction with the capture of Jericho and the high ground west thereof, and gives an immensely strong, lines round Jerusalem.

Til continuation of the line westwards, the Irish troops forced the Turks from tlie broken country while .the enterprise of southwestern county soldiers in the foot of the hills was fully rewarded by the ground gained . One night Indians rushed a TOO feet bill and completely surprised the Turkish garrison. The aerial supremacy was maintained though German aviators now’ show signs of more activity, hut pay deaily for it. ' Tn the last- two days wo mane long flights over the Dead Sea. to harrass enemy communications with Hedzag and dropped many bombs ort-Katrani station, camps and aerodrome- west ol Morale. Excellent results were observed. Yesterday we bombed a station south of Katrani.