PALESTINE

Taihape Daily Times, 8 December 1917, Page 5

PALESTINE

A DARING EXPLOIT. LONDON, December 6. Palestine Headquarters gives details of a daring exploit connected with incidental fighting during the present lull in our offensive. A company of dismounted Welsh Yeomanry advanced on the village of Beitur-el-Fort, which the Turks were supposed to Be holding lightly. They were surprised to find a full battalion standing for evening parade. Though greatly outnumbered, the Welsh officer determined to attempt a coup. He posted his men and sent an interpreter forward to inform the ‘Turks that they were surrounded by superior forces, and ordered them to surrender. The Turks prepared to comply when a German officer shouted “Fight It out” and led a rush to the piled rifles. A sharp scrap followed. The German officer and a number of Turks being knocked out, and the remainder —about officer and a number of Turks were 500 —surrendered. The Welsh attempted to shepherd the captives to wards our lines. Turkish posts in the vicinity apparently thought it was a British force, for they opened fire and stampeded the prisoners, enabling some to escape, but over 300 were brought in. Latest reports state that the Turks have withdrawn from Hebron, but arc still holding Bethlehem in force, Some troops and guns arc in the vicinify of Jerusalem.