Mesopotamia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 52, 7 February 1916, Page 5

Mesopotamia.

WEATHER CONDITIONS IMPROVE THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE CAMPAIGN.

(Received 8.5 a.m.) London, February 6

General Candler, telegraphing from Basra on the 2nd said: “The rains have ceased, the Tigris is falling, and clear cold weather has succeeded. The column advancing up the Tigris is in good condition despite exposure to the severity of the weather. The relieving forces are faced with formidable difficulties, as Turkish defences anj swampy areas necessitate a frontal attack across a mile of flat coverless ground and the enemy’s trenches are generally invisible through mirage. In few campaigns are an army of British and Indian so' hardly tried, but so valiantly proved.” ERZEROUM EVACUATED. THE TURKS RETIRE. Petrograd, February 4. The Novoe Vremya states that the Turks have evacuated Erzeroum. GENERAL AYLMER’S POSITION. Delhi, February 4. Official: General Aylmer’s force is in a strong position on the Tigris. The recent floods render an advance impracticable.