e troops, resulted in the turning of the Turkish
left flank and in an advance to the depth of nine miles through
an entrenched position defended by strong forces.

In this operation the Desert Mounted Corps, covering the
right flank and threatening the Turkish rear, forced the
Turks to begin a general retreat of their left flank.

4. The artillery attack of the XXIst Corps and of the
ships of the Royal Navy, skilfully arranged and carried out
with great accuracy, caused heavy loss to the enemy in the
Gaza sector of his defences. The success of this bombardment
was due to the loyal co-operation of the Rear-Admiral
S.N.O. Egypt and Red Sea, and the officers of the Royal
Navy, the careful preparation of plans by the Rear-Admiral
and the G.O.C. XXIst Corps, and the good shooting of the
Royal Navy, and of the heavy, siege, and field artillery of
the XXIst Corps.

5. The two attacks on the strong defences of Gaza, carried
out by the 52nd and 54th Divisions, were each completely
successful, thanks to the skill with which they were thought
out and prepared by the G.O.C. XXIst Corps, the Divisional
Commanders and the Brigade Commanders, and the great
gallantry displayed by the troops who carried out these
attacks.

6. The second attack resulted in the evacuation of Gaza
by the enemy and the turning of his right flank. The 52nd
and 75th Divisions at once began a pursuit which carried
them in three weeks from Gaza to within a few miles of
Jerusalem.

7. This pursuit, carried out by the Desert Mounted Corps
and these two Divisions of the XXIst Corps, first over the
sandhills of the coast, then over the Plains of Palestine and
the foothills, and finally in the rocky mountains of Judea,
required from all commanders rapid decisions and powers
to adapt their tactics to varying conditions of ground. The
troops were called upon to carry out very long marches in
great heat without water, to make attacks on stubborn
rearguards without time for reconnaissance, and finally to
suffer cold and privation in the mountains.

In these great operations Commanders carried out their
plans with boldness and determination, and the troops of all
arms and services responded with a devotion and gallantry
beyond praise.

8. The final operations of the XXth Corps which resulted
in the surrender of Jerusalem were a fitting climax to the
efforts of all ranks.