A further attack on the 21st advanced the Anzac left
about three-quarters of a mile and "secured a system of strong knolls and under-features," but on the rest of the front, though the advanced Turkish trenches were stormed, our troops were unable to gain the summits in the centre of the enemy's position, and were withdrawn to their original front. Sir Ian Hamilton, after pointing out the great power of the modern defensive when once the advantage of surprise has been lost, states that the losses inflicted on the enemy are undoubtedly much heavier even than our own. He concludes : "The ground gained and held is of great value. But these facts must not lead the public to suppose that the true objective has been gained, or that further serious and costly efforts will not be required before a decisive victory has been won." In fine, the despatch, while it by no means justifies the pessimism entertained in some quarters, lends no support to the roseate unofficial reports which have recently appeared in the Press.
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