The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1916. THE EVACUATION OF GALLIPOLI.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1916. THE EVACUATION OF GALLIPOLI.

Following closely upon the withdrawal of She Allied forces from f-iuvla nml Anzac lias come tlie news of the complete evacuation of Gallipoli. Jt is interesting' as well (is amusing to note that in both cases the Turks claim to have driven out the enemy with great losses, and to have captured extensive quantities of booty. These Turkish versions enable us to better realise the value of the news emanating both from Constantinople and Amsterdam. The British oflieial statements concerning both withdrawals were definite, precise, and reliable as well as comforting, for they were curried out practically without loss of either men or guns. Perhaps it was only natural to expect, that the Turks should eagerly embrace the opportunity for claiming that they drove the enemy into the sea as the result of a violent battle, inflicting proat losses, but the fact remains that the withdrawals were completed with unparalleled suecess, and it is probable that the Turkish violent battle was a tornado of rifle and

shell fire :i,t empty trenches and evacuated positions. It is with a feeling of thankfulness that the news of tho abandonment of the Gallipoli campaign will be received throughout the Empire. While it adds a glorious chapter to our military history and abounds in .stories of heroism and unprecedented valor, it will certainly prove the downfall of more than one reputation. The Turks proved to be valiant and clean lighters — : a greaib contrast to their German masters and will no doubt have a future opportunity of conflict with our forces in the open and then they will know what it is to war against the British Empire. For tho present they may claim the honors attaching to tho withdrawal of our forces and are welcome to derive as much prestige as they can therefrom. We are not only content, but thankful that the campaign was closed without further loss—one British soldier wounded being the only casualty. The fact that the campaign has been productive of heavy casualties makes the successful completion of tho withdrawal all the more gratifying, and the officers responsible for carrying out these delicate niove- , writs are deserving of the highest honors. Hereafter it will be the work of the Navy to watch over the Gallipoli J eiiinsuli and its seaway wii.ii the sam* vigilance and success as it has manifested in assisting the land operations. The campaign served a useful purpose and ithe scenes of tho memorable exploits by the forces of the Empire, and especially of the New Zealanders and Australians will ever be held in honored remembrance. The Anzac heroes sealed the last sacrifice with splendid heroism — They did not yield the ground that they had won; Rude tombs that stare against the pitiless sun Are monuments of duty, simply done. By hearts that never stayed to question why— Gallipoli, Gallipoli, good-bye!