PALESTINE.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1917, Page 5

PALESTINE.

A DARING EXPLOIT. WELSE OFFICER'S COUP, * TURKS WITHDRAW TO HEBRON. Received Dec. 7, 9.40 p.m. London, Dec. 6. Palestine headquarters details the following daring exploit connected with the incidental fighting during the present lull in our offensive: A company of dismounted Welsh Yeomanry advanced to tlie village of Beiturelfort, Which the Turk* were supposed to be holding lightly, but were surprised to, find a full battalion standing for evening parade. Though greatly outnumbered, the Welsh officer determined to attempt a coup. He posted his men, and sent an interpreter forward to inform the Turks they were surrounded by superior forces, also sending an order for their surrender. The Turks prepared to comply, when a German officer shouted: "Fight it out," and led a rush to the piled rifles. A sharp scrap followed, wherein the German officer and a number of Turks were knocked out. The remainder, about 500, sill-rendered.

The Welsh attempted to shepherd their captives towards our lines, but the Turkish posts in the vicinity apparently thought it was a British force, cpened Are and stampeded the prisoners, enabling some to escape, but over 300 were brought in.

The latest reports are to the effect that the Turks have been withdrawn to Hebron, but they are still holding Bethlehem in force. There are some troops and guns in the vicinity of Jerusalem.