IN MESOPOTAMIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1916, Page 5

IN MESOPOTAMIA.

h A NEW COMMANDER, ■ til nfl] SIR PERCY LAKE TAKES CHARGE. TURKS RETREAT. London, Jan. 10. General Sir Percy Lake lias been appointed to command the British forces in Mesopotamia, where the last accounts stated the Turks were in full retreat. (Sir IPercy Lake has been Chief of the General Staff in India since, 1912. Bora in 1855, he was gazetted to the 59th Foot in 1873. and served in the Afghan War of 1878-79 and the Soudan Expedition of 1885.)

ON THE BANKS OF THE TIGRIS. VERY HEAVY FIGHTING. Received Jan. 11. 5.5 p.m. London, .Tan. 10. In the House of Commons, Mr. Chamberlain stated that there had been heavy fighting orf both banks of the Tigris. On January 7 General Campbell's column on the right bank carried positions, capturtng two guns and 700 prisoners. General Ayliner, on the left bank, was opposed by three Turkish divisions. General Asmer was delayed by the enemy frv'ng to outflank him, but finally the Turks lied. General Nixon returns to England on account of ill-health.

AN IMPORTANT VICTORY. BRITISH IX PURSUIT. Received Jan. 11, 9.55 p.m. London, Jan. 10. The Turks finally fled. The victory is regarded as most important. The principal fighting occupied the Tigris bank for three miles below Sheikhshad. The Kemballi column, which was adjacent, was also operating against the enemy. On January 9 General Aylmer reported that the enemy was retreating" and that he was pursuing, 'but that heavy rain was hindering the pursuit. The enemy has fallen back on Orali, HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. Wellington, Jan. 11. The High Commissioner reports under date London, January 10, 4.55 p.jn.:— Mr. Chamberlain, in the House of Commons, announced that heavy fighting had occurred on both banks of the Tigris on Friday, when two of the enemy guns and 700 prisoners were taken by the British. The enemy was in full retreat on Sunday, and the British were pursuing. '

TURKS BEING REINFORCED. EGYPT PROJECT PREMATURE. Received Jan. 11. 11.15 p.m. Rome, .Jan. 11. It is believed that the Mesopotamia expedition, which the Turks are largely reinforcing, is replacing that against Egypt, which the Germans now consider to be premature. An attack on Salonika is expected shortly.