GUNS WON AT GAZA.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 31 May 1917, Page 6

GUNS WON AT GAZA.

NEW ZEALANDERS’ FEAT. MANY PRISONERS TAKEN. LONDON, April 20. In the fighting against the Turks hi the neighbourhood of Gaza during the’ middle of March the Now Zealanders performed great deeds. Writing on March 27th, Mr. W. T. Massey'says: The New- Zealanders got to close quarters towards sunset, and had desperate fighting till the close approach of reinforcements to the enemy necessitated the cavalry’s withdrawal, as it was between two fires. This ccmplished without casualties before morning. Of the many deeds which will stir Britons’ blood I will describe two, though they are. not the only gallant efforts worthy of record during those days. One concerns the New Zealanders, whose brigade got to the sea north of the position. Ordered to assist the infantry attack at" half-past four with the Yeomanry, they took an important ridge, and pro ceedcd across the flats strongly opposed by the enemy in pits behind dense cactus hedges, very deadly obstacles, but quickly carried them. The New Zealanders went ou, got into the position, rushed the enemy battery, and captured 200 men and some howitzers, which the enemy made frequent desperate attempts to regain. Finally, the enemy gunners and some infantry into a country house a hundred yards off. and

endeavoured to prevent the removal of the guns. The Ncav Zealanders refused to leave the guns, loaded them, and trained them against the house until it was demolished and the occupants killed. Then the Turkish infantry tried to rush the guns, but were driven off Avith the bayonet. Darkness now set in. The New Zea,-. landers ordered to retire, but Avould not come aAvay Avithout the guns. They brought them back to our lines this morning. Their casualties during the day Avere tryo. killed and 29 wounded. They took 225 prisoners and,, probably killed and Avoundcd as manv more. ——•«*.