THE DARDANELLES

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1915, Page 5

THE DARDANELLES

SOME ANCIENT HISTORY. LANDING AT (JABA TEPE. GALLANTRY 01'' THE COLONIALS. London, August IG. Vice-Admiral De Robcck, describing the landing north of Gaba Tcpu on April 23, says the beach was vcrv narrow and continuously under shell tire. The service called for great determination and coolness under lire, and the success achieved indicated the spirit animating all concerned, He specially mentions the extraordinary gallanti-v, and dasli of the 3rd Australian Infantry Brigade, who formed flie covering force. He eulogises the good service of the vessels in landing the covering force. and says that the seamanship displayed was deserving of the highest praise. After detailing the operations on August 25 and 2U the Admiral says that from the very first the co-operation between the army and nan' was most happy. The difficulties -arising were quickly surmounted and nothing could have exceeded the tactfulness and forethought of Sir lan Hamilton and his staff. Admiral Gue Pratte's loval support simplified the task of landing the Allied armies simultaneously. When committees of both services were working out the details of the landing at Mudros the keeness displayed by officers and men resulted in a "good standa.rd of efficiency, especially in the case of the Australian and New Zealand Corps, who appeared to be natural boatmen. Such action as the storming of Sedd- • lil-Balir by the 29tli Division must live- *

in history for ever, ■■lnnumerable" deeds of' heroism and daring were performed and the gallantry and absolute contempt of death displayed alone made the operations possible." The landing at Gaba Tcpe and the dash of the Australian Brigade for the cliffs wero magnificent. Nothing could stop sucli men. In their first tattle the Australian and New Zealand ArmyCorps set a standard as high as any army in history and one of which their countrymen have every reason to be proud. DISTINGUISHED SERVICES. The Admiralty specially recommends the following, all of whom luve been awarded the Victoria Cross:— Edwin Unwin, commander of the River Clyde, who, under a murderous fire endeavored to get the landing lighters in position till the cold due to his immersion obliged him to return to the ship. Wrapped in blankets he somewhat recovered, and against the doctor's orders returned to complete his work. Later, though he had three abrasions from bullets, he rescued wounded men lying in shallow water, till physical exhaustion forced him to stop. Midshipman George Drewry, who was wounded in the head, .continued to work. Ha twice attempted to swim from lighter to lighter with a line. Midshipman Wilfred Malleson, after Drewry failed, swam with a line and succeeded. The line broke and he made two further unsuccessful effort*. Seaman William Williamson held on to a line in the water for over an hour under a heavy fire until killed. Seaman George Sampson worked on a lighter all day long under fire, attending to wounded and getting outlines. He was dangerously wounded by Maxim fire.

Admiral Dc Robot* speak-; of tin; invaluable service of Rear-Admirals R. Wcymss, C. Thursby. and S. Nicholson. He specially recommends a surgeon, two lieutenant-commanders, two lieutenants, a boatswain, and ten midshipmen. All these midshipmen have received the D.5.0., and twenty the Distingniihcd Service Cross. A large number of medals of commendation have been awarded to seamen.

DE ROBECK'S DESPATCH. ENGLISH COMMENT. Received August 17, 11.40 p.m. London, August 17. The newspapers give prominence to Admiral de Robeck's references to the Australians and New Zealandcrs. The Times says that the real interest of Admiral de Robeck's story is the rllusions to acts of individual gallantry, 'wherewith the whole conflict in the Dardanelles teemed. The details give just a glimpse only of the character of the Dardanelles operations, where every man who fought on sea and land deserves the name of hero. The publication of the despatch is a timely sequel to tlio announcement of the fresh landing northward of the Anzae zone, where the Australians and New Zealandcrs are fighting with so much desperate valor and determination. It is evidently possible from the new vantage point to work round through easier country to the northward of Sari Bahr heights.

LANDING AT SUVLA. EASILY EFFECTED. Received August: 17, 5.3 p.m. Alliens, August 17. There are few Turks .it present at Siivla. The British who landed sustained few casualties, and the force advanced rapidly and quickly entrenched. Tile Turks later brought up forces, which were easily repulsed with serious loss. ENVER'S CONFIDENCE. CAN HOLD THE ALLIES. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) Received August 17, 7.40 p.m. London, August Ifi. Enver Pasha told an American journalist.:—'T am firmly convinced that we can keep the enemy in cheek, even I though he further reinforces himself. | Tim action of the Allies did not take us by surprise. We are in the majority ;•.{,■ Gallipoli, and will maintain it." BOMBARDMENT OF SMYRNA. Athens, Augu.st 10. It Is reported that the Allies' bombardment did considerable damage to the coast towns in [he Smyrna region. The Tuvki-h encampments were dispersed and the 'Mussulman population *n panic fled into the interior.