Mesopotamia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 20, 18 December 1916, Page 5

Mesopotamia

OPERATIONS AT KUT. THE OFFENSIVE RESUMED. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, December 1(3. Official.—ln Mesopotamia we assumed the offensive on the 13th and 14th, and effectively bombed the position at Sennaiyat, and secured the left bank of the Hai River. Between A tab and Basrugiyeh we crossed the right bank, penetrating to a depth of eight to twelve furlongs. Cavalry cleared the Turks from their trenches at Kalauahajifahan, near Kut-el-Amara. Our casualties were slight. Communiques indicate that the British Tigris expedition has reached a point south-west of Kut, which must be occupied before an advance up the river is possible. Since tbe attempt to relieve General Townshend, railways have been built and the air service improved, and the medical and commissariat departments are now efficient.

Official.—Our forces, advancing northwards on both banks oi tin -Hal

River, established an outpost -v; < hin three-quarters of a mile «r rite ’I igi southward of Kut.