GALLIPOLI

Hokitika Guardian, 6 October 1928, Page 5

GALLIPOLI

THROUGH GERMAN EYES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, Oct. 5. “Gallipoli through German ‘ eyes,” is revealed in a book by General Kannengiesser, who served throughout the important part of the operations, and translated by Major C. Ball, who throughout the campaign • served on the Twenty-ninth Division. Kamtongiesser has no hesitation in ascribing the reasons of the Allied failure, firstly to the many headed War Council in London, stating the leadership in war Cannot be entrusted tO' a limited liability company. Conversation minutes and -reports always preceded decisive meetings, which again postponed vital decision, and so valuable time was, lost and at the Front that moment was lost which contained the possibility of success. While fully tributing the courage and excellent services of the overseas troops and territorials, Kannengiesser says the (English lacked ability to extract the utmost from them the success met. The composing, units lacked a systematic peace training, consequently they did not know the grip of victory was so often near them.

The author stresses that only a professional soldier can be expected to have ,that instinctive feeling, which sometimes should be preferred to the rules of warfare. LONDON, October 5. Kannegiesser expresses the opinion that the long month between the opening cannonade from the fleet and the landing of the first British troops, almost ruined the chances of success. The enemy prepared feverishly and thoroughly.

Kannegiesser dramatically describes the hardships their antagonists jointly suffered under the bhvfing sun on the barren strip. Then in August, 191.5, came the second landing and twentyfour hours delay in pressing the stirprised and unreinforced Turks. During the whole of August 9th the Goddes oif Victory held the door of success wide open for Stopforcl,- but he would not enter. There was a moment when Kannegiesser claims he and his staff officers stood on the vital ridge overlooking Sulva Bay and saw the British infantry only five hundred yards away. Two men with revolvers were the sole opposition to the occupation of the heights, yet the attack was delayed until the enemy was rushed up by forced marches and firmly entrenched.