Mesopotamia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 91, 23 March 1916, Page 5

Mesopotamia.

MARCHING TO KUT. United Pbess ASSOOIaT.OW. Loudon March 4 20. Mr Candler telegraphs that the British are still 23 miles from Kut-el-Amara. This clears up General Lake's telegram regarding the retreat on Essinn.

(The retreating column has thus travelled sixteen miles down the Tigris since General Aylmer' unsuccessfully attacked the Turks in the Essinn position about a fortnight ago. Subsequently a British force under Sir Percy Lake Commander-in-Chief in Mesopotamia, attacked an advanced Turkish position, but at the time the locality of this engagement was not stated). FORTY-EIGHT HOURS' FIGHTING London, March 22. Mr Candler reports that three columns marched on the night of March 8 and attacked Dujilah redoubt, southeast of the Turkish position at Essinn. The enemy were completely surprised when our artillery opened fire at dawn. A series of attacks were delivered during the day, but the position was held in great strength, and our columns returned to the main camp uninterrupted. The operations were carried out in waterless country, the troops being heavily laden, carrying entrenching tools and extra ammunition during the march. They fought for fortyeight hours without rest, displaying the highest courage, tenacity and endurance.