Turkish heliograph signallers from 'The Nations at War, a Current History' by Willis John Abbot, 1917 Edition. © Copyright by Newspaper Illustration, Ltd.
Heliograph signallers with the Turkish ArmyCopyright by Newspaper Illustration, Ltd.
"The British had to give up their attack from the north and east, and lost height 83 by a bayonet attack of the Turks. By 11 a.m. the relieving troops had established connection with the Gaza group.The British began to retreat to the west bank of Wadi Razze. They left a rear guard on the east bank, but withdrew it during the night so that by morning of the 28th the east bank of the Wadi was free from the enemy. . . .The Turks buried some 1,500 British dead. Twelve machine guns and twenty automatic rifles were captured by them. Among the Turkish troops the 125th Infantry had specially distinguished itself, and Major Tiller among the German officers."
Excerpts from German General Otto Liman von Sanders' account of the First Battle of Gaza, fought from March 26 to 28, 1917, ending in a British defeat. British forces had constructed roads and supply lines along the Mediterranean coast from Egypt to support an advance on Palestine.
Five Years in Turkey by Liman von Sanders, page 165, publisher: The Battery Press with War and Peace Books, publication date: 1928 (originally)
1917-03-28, 1917, March, Palestine, Gaza, First Battle of Gaza, Battle of Gaza
