PALESTINE.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1918, Page 8

PALESTINE.

TRIUMPHANT CAPTURE OF AMMAN. BRILLIANT CAPTURE OP ES SALT PASS. NEW ZEAL ADDERS TAKE A PROMINENT SHARE. Received Sept. 29, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 27. Mr. Massey writes: i have just returned from witnessing the mounted men's triumphant capture of Amman, a position which the enemy considered of high importance. At the moment when General Allenby's plans overwhelmed the two Turkish armies in Palestine, the Anzacs began a movement to harass the Turkish 4th Army over the Jordan, and had to get across several miles of flat under enemy observation and enter the Gilead mountain chain, which is almost impenetrable except for one pass to Es Salt. Until this pass was won only pack transport was possible. The cavalry moved up the goat tracks and were in Es Salt on the third day after the operations began east of the Jordan. The enemy, fearing an advance against the town months ago, made a strategic road east of Es Salt, and had wired one valley, and all the approaches thereto were covered by many machineguns. The New Zealanders declined a frontal attack, got over Gragg'9 Hill, threatened the enemy flank, and compejed a retirement on the town. There was not much fighting at Es Salt. Between 000 and 700 prisoners were taken, the pass from the Jordan to Es Salt beingistrewn with litter.

The Australian Light. Hoi'se. moved from the right of Ainsir, continually driving over a rough plateau the Turkish cavalry ami infantry. A small, parly got astride the railway north of Amman and removed two of the rails as a train approached and saw it derailed. The troops got out and escaped in the hills. While our little demolition party walked awav, the New Zealand Mounted Rifles attacked the town, which jp on high hills. Our rapid movements in the mountains only permitted mountain artillery to be brought up for the attack. By three o'clock the New Zealanders rushed into the town and. their patrols crept up the south-east hill, followed by the main body, who forced the enemy, chiefly relying on maqWiia-gun fire, from the crest and the town. The inhabitants, lining the roofs of the houses, were keenLy,. interested in the British' arrival, tljere being many signs of welcome. ; Maipfrisoners were captured. The work of the Anzaes in this difficult region was very creditable. They have borne a heavy share of the defence of the Jordan valley during the tremendous heat of the summer, but this left no mark on tlieir physique. Their spirits a rc as wonderfiU as their enhtusiasm ill taking part, in fJeneral Allenbys army s great victory. —AuN.Z. Cable A^soc.

ALLENBY CONGRATULATED. EFFECT OF THE DECISIVE VICTORY. Received Sept. 20, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 27. The War Cabinet has congratulated General Allenby and his troops on their brilliant and decisive victory, which is not only an unrivalled feat of arms, but will have a profound effect on the situation in the Near and Middle East. —Aus. N,Z. Cable Assoc, and Reutcr.