TAKING BIG RISKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1917, Page 2

TAKING BIG RISKS.

ANZACS AND CAVALRY. GREAT WORK DONE IN PALESTINE. Renter's correspondent at British headquarters in Palestine, writing on Thursday, November 22, said:— Tn no series of operations of recent times have cavalry played a larger, more important, or more successful role than in the offensive in Palestine.' The Turks, in pinning their faith to the Gaza line, .were almost justified in believing that the position wis Impregnable to a frontal attack. Success in this direction might well lis too dearly purchased. Where the Turks made the mistake was in believing that th» position could not be turned. The long distances and the great heat of the desert sand were regarded ty the enemy as so many natural allies, and the surest guarantees for their left flank. It seemed impossible for covalry, much less for infantry, to operate in such an inhospitable region. However, as is known, the impossible happened. 4 Taking big risks—because failure might jeopardise the greater part of our cattle—a wide sweeping movement was made round the Turkish position. Beersbeba was captured, and the Turkish scheme of defence was completely disorganised. It was a strenuous period for all, and especially for the Ijorses, which were called upon to cover enormous distances. Nevertheless they surpassed expectations. They were employed to do scouting on the flank and to guard the mounted infantry work, and on two or three glorious occasions they were enabled to indulge in shock tactics. The charge of the Warwic'ks and Worcester at Huj has already been described, as well as the charge of the Bucks, Berks, and Dorsets at Mughar. It was the I'first-mentioned Yeomanry who had another opportunity for distinction at Abushushah on November 12. The Turks held a ridge of some strength. They were beginning to yield to our pressure and, as they streamed away down the opposite side this brigade charged them with the cold steel. It was a regular old-time piece of work—a charge in tho open—and the Turkish losses In killed were very heavy. They exceeded the prisonrs, who number 350, with two ma-chine-guns. Next day, however, was the day of the Anzacs.

'They were advancing on the centre with a mission to take Rami eh and Lydda. A certain amount of opposition was encountered, but was easily brushed aside until some four miles from Kamleh, when two fresh Turkish battalions came into action. They counter-at-tacked with much determination, getting within 15 yards of the New Zealand mounted troops, who were dismounted, and were advancing on foot. The Turks paid dearly for their temerity. It was a ease of "Up, lads, and at 'em." The Auckland and Wellington-Rifles, rising to their feet, charged with the bayonet, and practically wiped out the Turkish force.' Over 400, dead were counted before our lices. It. was a case where strength and skill met their reward. The Turks were utterly routed. A very few survivors continued their wa.y to their supports near Kamleh.

It was too late for the Anzacs to push on, but next morning they entered Ramleh without opposition and captured H-Oft prisoners. At Lydda a large amount ol war material was taken, the enemy having hurriedly retired during the night. On the following dny Jaffa was entered by the Anzacs.