THE DARDANELLES

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 58, 8 July 1915, Page 5

THE DARDANELLES

ALLIES’ INFANTRY IN AGTI ON

Unitkd Press Association. • Athens, July 7

After a.heavy bombardment from the land 'battery, the Allies’ inlantry at the Dardanelles at noon on .Monday an attack which lasted into the evening. Ten thousand Arabs have arrived at Constantinople, and the majority have been sent to Gallipoli. British aircraft dropped bombs on Smvrna.

SIR lAN HAMILTON’S REPORT,

ENGLISH PRESS COMMENT.

London, July 7

The Times, referring to Sir fan Hamilton’s Dardanelles report, says the despatch is one of the most important and nobly-worded documents in European history. It is now evident that it was impossible to land at Dulair, because the cliffs were too high, and steep. The most northerly landing judged practicable was the spot at which the Australiahs and New Zealanders disembarked, and even there is was impossible to get ashore heavy artillery and supplies. The main force of the Colonials scrambled ashore and remained a thorn in the side of the Turks, but the principal army, with its heavy impedimenta was bound to land at the extreme end of the peninsula. The enterprise was extremely difficult, but was not a “wild cat” scheme, and with the exer--cise of patience, skill, and heroism, (those engaged may look for final success. The first overwhelming thought which surges up on reading Sir lan Hamilton’s stirring words is one of pride of admiration for the gallantry and devotion of our heroic troops and those of France. General Hamilton’s references are vague, but really mean the transports carrying war material were ordered hack to Alexandria because they were defectively loaded, and the contents had to he taken out and re-arranged. The public are entitled to know what excuse, if any, can he offered, for the fundamental mistake of trying to force the Straits without military aid. Apparently, Mr WinstOn Churchill is responsible, but the truth can have no effect on the present stage of the operations. We may require patience, but the unflinching courage which inspired the troops iii the narrow and fire-swept trenches will carry them to their goal. The Morning Post says the landing must rank as one of the finest feats of arms in history. The Dublins, Munsters, Hampshires, Australians, and New Zealanders, added to the imperishable traditions of the army achievements, and were worthy of their forefathers.

The Daily Express states that Sir lan Hamilton’s tribute to the Australians, New Zealanders and Indians Is fine and just, being neither exaggerated nor understated. The expedition’s object is not yet fully understood by the general public, but when it is the invasion of Gallipoli will rank as the most astonishing feature of all this astonishing war. The Daily Mail says: All the world knows the expedition was bungled. Despite the unprecedented bravery of the British," French, Australians, New Zealanders and Indians, we have hardly advanced through the hills and ravines from the landing at Gallipoli. The expedition was started by politicians who were not aware that the Germans had a submarine capable of travelling to the Dardanelles.

"UNPARALLELED DARING."

(Received 8.5 a.m.) London, July 7

The Daily News -says that the landing was a feat of unparalleled daring. Hitherto, storming the heights of Abraham was regarded as the most romantic achievement in British audacity, hut it offers no parity to the stupendous triumph Sir lan Hamilton records. Only the immensity of the stakes a tissue could have made the challenge thinkable.

"VIVID HUMAN DOCUMENT."

The Daily Telegraph says that the despatch is a vivid human document, it lifts the veil completely, and the heavy losses are admitted and explained. Through the long dignified narrative runs a golden thread of heroism.

“HEROES ALL.” The Daily Mirror says that whether the men came from Lancashire, Australia, Worcester, or New Zealand, each and everyone was a hero. The glorious days of Drake have been out-

distanced by the splendour and bravery of the men on the rocky natural fortress of Gallipoli.

ENEMY LOSSES TOTAL 180,000. (Received 9.35 a.in.) London, July 7. The Athens’ correspondent of the Daily News states that advices from Constantinople give the Turkish losses on Gallipoli Peninsula at 180,000. MISSING NEW ZEALANDER. (Received 10.10 a.m.) Sydney. July 8. Private G. W. Dawson, who is reported missing, was formerly iw New Zenland.

WSSE ADVICE.

THE PUBLIC’S PLAIN DUTY. United Press Association. {Received 9.45 a.in.) London. July 7. The Westminster Gazette deprecates seeking scapegoats over the Dardanelles, and states the operations would not have been undertaken unless a good many people shared the responsibility. it was the public’s duty to support the Government in giving all possible aid to the gallant troops, and not to waste time in recriminations.

TREATMENT OF WOUNDED.

ADEQUATE ARRANGEMENTS.

(Received 10.55 a.tn.)

London. July 7

Mr Tennant, in the House of Commons, said there were adequate arrangements at Alexandria for the treatment of wounded, and seven military and three naval hospital ships were plying between the Dardanelles, Alexandria and Britain.