The Dardanelles

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 232, 10 March 1915, Page 5

The Dardanelles

MINEFIELD DEFIED. FORTS REDUCED IX AN HOUR. Received March it, 8.45 p.m. London, March 0. Admiral Peirso, operating at Syinrn.i, reports that his squadron swept its way through minefields until it drew the fire of the subsidiary batteries armed with 0-inch and 4inch guns and many smaller concealed guns along the shore. All were silenced after an hour's bombardment. The Euryalus and one battleship were hit by a sixineh shell. A mine-sweejvr was hit by shell fragments. Tlie casualties were slight. The operations continue. THREE FORTS AFIRE. Received Mareli 10, 1.35 am. ATHENS, March 0. It is reported that forts Erenkeny, Kilidibahr, and Namazar caught fire, "Vfter vigorously replying to the Allies' bombardment. The Ooelien'-s 11-inch guns have been mounted ni'ar Nagara. The majoritv of the Turkish troops in Smyrna have withdrawn. The remainder are in a pitiable condition. TI'RCO-GERMAN LYING REPORT. Received March 0, 10.30 p.m. London, March 0. An official message from Constantinople, via Berlin, says that the enemy's armoured cruisers bombarded the Dardanelles fortrescs. A French cruiser was put out of action and an English erni«er damaged. The ships ceased firing and withdrew. The Turkish batteries suffered no damage of any description. ADMIRAL CARDEN'S REPORT. BRITISH SEAPLANES WOUNDED. Received March !), 5.5 p.m. London, March 8. Admiral Carden reports that the Gaul-" ois, Lord Nelson, and Agamemnon were struck three times. The latter had three wounded. Seaplanes reconnoitring were compelled to fly low. One dived into the 6ea, and both officers were hurt. Another were shot at, and Lieutenant Douglas was wounded. Two other seaplanes were hit, twenty-eight and eight times. IN THE BLACK SEA. RUSSIAN FLEET ACTIVE.

Received March 0, 10.30 p.m. Petrograd, March fl.

Th Russian Black Sea fleet bombarded the coast in th vicinity of Ercgli, silenced the enemy's batteries, and destroyed coal quays and sheds. Eight steamers and a large sailor were sunk. Our casualties were three wounded. The Black Sea bombardment is likely to interfere with Constantinople's coal supply. SUPPORT FOR THE ALLIES. Received March 0, 5.30 p.m. London, March n. Speaking at Ismalia, Khejruliabbeq, chief of the powerful Auladali tribe, eon gratulated the British upon their victory over the Turks, who were being used by the oppressive and despotic Germans to destroy the countrv.

■ TURKS REMOVING GOLD. Constantinople, March S. Eight million sterling has been transferred to Konia, also the large sums deposited in the German banks, despite the bitter's resistance. Renter reports that Abdul Hamid, the late Sultan, has been removed to Konia (Asia Minori. London, March S. Cairo reports that former residents of Constantinople disbelieve the German story that the Porte intends to retire to Adrianople. Tliey consider that tin* lurks if they propo-e to adopt a di •- hard attitude will retire in the direction of Konia. Copenhagen. March 8. The authorities wil: permit the Blcndati to sail if sin* goes direct to Dcdcagatch. The captain refuses to sail. The cargo consists of 3000 automatic guns. London, March 8. The Daily Mail correspondent at Sofia says the success in the Dardanelles ha« elated the Bulgarians and Roumanians. Reuter's Sofiin correspondent says the defence of Constantinople has been ontrusted to General von Sanders, while Bedri Bey, Prefect of Police, has been invested with powers equivalent to of a Viceroy. All the troops at Adrianople and Dimotiea have been hurried to Callipoli. Later reports of Ibc ,\*waz engagement show that the enemy's losses were (100 killed, including several important sheikhs.

THE SMYRNA OPERATIONS.