PERSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 December 1915, Page 5

PERSIA.

1 . | BRITISH RETIRE. ifIFTER HEAVY CASUALTIES. The High Commissioner reports, under date London, Dec. 4, 4.10 p.m.: — In Mesopotamia General Townshend remained in possession of the battlefield at Ctesiphon, beating off counter-attacks till the removal of the wounded and 1600 prisoners had been accomplished; but in view of our heavy losses and the arrival of reinforcements he then withdrew. Our total casualties were 4567. On Tuesday night General Townshend's forces fought a rearguard action against greatly superior Turkish forces, Our casualties are estimated at 150. Our river boats were disabled and ' abandoned,' their guns and engines being rendered useless to the enemy. General Townshend in his report rci marks on the steadiness of the troops. They are now within a few miles of Kutelamara, whither they are retiring. | BRITISH REMOVE WOUNDED. TURKISH REPORT OF THE BATTLE. ENEMY IN PURSUIT. Received Deci 5, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 4. Before retiring, General Townshend completed the removal of the wounded and sixteen hundred prisoners. I A Turkish communique, dated Dc--1 eember 2, has been released for publication. It says that the troops on the Irak front are conducting a vigorous pursuit ia order to complete the English defeat. It is ascertained that the enemy from November 23 to 26 lost over 5000, and sent about 2400 wounded aWay by steamer in one day. The enemy tried to arrest the retreat with the rearguard, under protection of monitors, fifteen kilometres south-west of Azizie, but on the night of November 30 a surprise attack forced him to with- ' draw in the direction of Kutelamara. We captured one hundred camels, provisions, ammunition, various war materials, and three small vessels. Another/ Turkish communique, dated Decemlber 4, says:—On the Irak front the enemy's attempts to evade our pursuit, and seeking the protection of their gunboats, has always failed owing to our energetic attacks. We have captured several hundred prisoners, two transport vessels laden with provisions, jind two gunboats named the Kamed and Firkills, and much war material. Our forces which were despatched to Kutelamara are attacking the retreating enemy, inflicting severe losses. TURKS CAPTURE JOUR 'AIRSHIPS. Received Dec. 5, 5.50 p.m. London, Dec. 5. A Turkish communique mentions that the Turks have captured four aeroplanes at Aziezie, three of which were repaired and are being used against the enemy. > "