27 FEBRUARY 1915, Page 1

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

AMOVEMENT which will appeal to many people as the most significant and romantic in the war was begun on Friday week, when an Anglo-French fleet appeared off the Dardanelles and bombarded the forts. Early in the morning Cape Relies and Kum Kaleh were bombarded with deliberate long-range fire. Considerable effect was produced on two of the forts. Two others were frequently hit, but as they were open earthworks it was difficult to estimate the damage. The forts, being outranged, were not able to reply. At 2.45 p.m. some of the battleships were ordered to engage the forts at closer range with secondary armament. The forts on both sides of the entrance then opened fire, and were engaged at moderate ranges. The forts on the European ride were apparently silenced. No ships were hit. The bombardment was aided by seaplanes and aeroplanes. The Turks issued from Constantinople one of their characteristic statements which one never knows whether to regard as more pitiable or humorous. They said that a soldier had been hurt by a stone dislodged during the bombardment. Last Saturday the bombardment was continued, but it was afterwards interrupted by bad weather.