The Dardanelles.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 29, 10 January 1916, Page 5

The Dardanelles.

A TURKISH COMMUNIQUE.

Cmted Press Association

Amsterdam, January 8

A Turkish communique states: Our aeroplane shot .-down two French and English aeroplanes, and our aerial squadron successfully bombed positions at Sedd-ul-Bahr and the aerodrome at Imbros. Enemy cruisers have continuously bombarded the Anatolian coast and the Narrows.

PRESS COMMENT.

London, January 8

The Daily Telegraph's military correspondent says that General Hamilton went to Snvla Bay, where he found General Stopford still on board. The latter was dissatisfied that the divisional generals had not acted with greater energy, but neither General Stopford nor General Hamilton issued the positive orders which General Hamilton states were necessary, nor insisted on their execution. This confession is a reinarkable instance of candour, and it is clear that the greatest faults were committed by those who were highest in authority. General Hamilton ought to have proceeded to Suyla Bay with the first, troops and watched the' proceedings until he :was satisfmi ,t'i>t, has subordinate generals were acting according to the lector ami spirit of his ,>;structions. His despatch throws, heavy blame on |General Hamilton himself and his subordinate generals, but it may well be [questioned whether an operation of this [delicate nature gave enough promise of success to justify the attempt. It is very lamentable that the leaders of the highest units and their executive staff failed, but this is not surprising, remembering the utter contempt wherewith all executive staff work, practical and theoretical, was regarded by the armv chiefs before the war, and it is to be' hoped that the further ! progress of the war will show a vast I improvement in the executive.