ANZAC CRITICISED

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1927, Page 3

ANZAC CRITICISED

general monash hits back. (Australian it N.Z. Cable Association.) SYDNEY, Oct. 7. The cabled statement in reference to the Anzac at Gallipoli arose out of the receipt of the- proof sheets of the British “Official History of the Gallipoli Operations,” which were received at Canberra, wherein it is stated that the Australian troops who landed at Anzac were herded together on the beach and that they allowed other men to storm the heights. This has aroused a storm of indignation in all of the States.

Air IV. AI. Hughes, speaking at Canberra, said: “The man who wrote that statement was guilty of an infamous libel on the courage of soldiers whose deeds will live forever.”

General Monash, at Melbourne, said: ‘‘There were no other people at Anzae Beach to do the fighting but tho Australians and the Necv Zealanders. They were the only troops there for weeks, and so it is impossible that any others fought for them while they were huddled on the beach. There is no question that tho landing was magnificent and an unparalclled feat in arms.”

General Mon ash added: “If there he any comparisons drawn between the Dominion and tho English troops on Gallipoli, T may say that the Dominion Generals were unfortunately compelled to form a very poor opinion of tho British troops there, with the exception of the Twenty-ninth Division at Cape Holies, which was a magnificent formation of veteian regiments of the British Aimy. I refer however, particularly to those British troops which attempted to land at iSuvla on August 6th, 191 b, nnd to such troops as the Territorials. None of these were comparable in efficiency, in discipline, or m leadership with the Australians and New Zealanders. I have the best reasons for knowing these facts, as I bail many of these British units under my command at various times.” Mr Bruce (Premier) stated he had not yet seen the manuscr.pt but he would make inquiries as to its natiu. He said that it was deplorable that after thirteen years an argument should arise as to what the Aust.a-li-ins did on landing at Anzae. The Returned Sailors’ and fco Imperial League has annoyed that the statements are libellous, and stated they av.uld in.medmte 1 , ca from the official history.