BATTLE IN EGYPT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 747, 20 February 1915, Page 5

BATTLE IN EGYPT.

ATTEMPT ON THE CANAL. RETREAT SIXTY MILES Received Friday, 8.55 p.m. Sydney, Friday. Captain Bean, cabling under yesterday's date, says it i 9 now certain the attacjc of February 3rd was not a reconnaissance, but a serious attempt to croßs the Canal by one-third or half tbe Turkish army, which concentrated at Palestine. Tbe Smyrna army did not participate, but thirty thousand troops marched aeross th.e desert to eamp at the mountains thirty miles east of Ismaiila, and waited while reconnaissances were made at Elkantara and Ismalia, On February 2nd a feint against Ismailia was suspended owing to a dust sotrrn. In the early hours of next morning the real attack started against the bank of the Canal between Toussoun and Serapetum by the main force of about fifteen thousand regulars, smaller forces simultaneously feinting against- Ismalia and Elkantara. It was very dark owing to the sandstorm. The Turkish brigade, with boats, reached the bank a little south of Toussoun, but sentries discovered the dark figures and fired on the enemy. The enemy managed to launch several boats, but were quickly driven back. They then lined the bank for one and a-half miles and opened a heavy fire. They fought well and remained in position all day of the 3rd and part of the 4th, when they were surrounded and surrendered.

The Turkish reserve waiting in the valley two miles away, retreated when our advancing force discovered them.

The forces at Elkantara also immediately retreated to the mountains, where they now are, at least sixty miles distant.

Further Turkish dea3 are found every day, the total now being over 600.* Our losses are about 20 killed and 100 wounded.