Topic: BatzO - Emptsa
Emptsa
North Russia, 29 August 1919
The Times, 5 September 1919
The account is transcribed below.
The Times, 5 September 1919, p. 10
OUR TROOPS IN NORTH RUSSIA.
WITHDRAWAL ASSURANCE.
Although operations continue on the Archangel and Murmansk fronts - the latest communiqué records an unsuccessful attack by the Bolshevists upon our positions on the Vaga - it is authoritatively stated that there has been no alteration in the definite policy of the Government to withdraw our troops from that region before conditions render it necessary to maintain them there for another winter. A great deal, it is pointed out, depends upon circumstances as to when the actual withdrawal will take place, but this withdrawal cannot now be long delayed as the harbours will be closed at any rate during next month.
The recent operations have (it is stated) been planned and carried out with the intention of leaving the Russian population who have depended upon us for protection against the Bolshevists in as good a situation as possible, and the blows that have been delivered against the enemy have been with the object of putting it outside the realm of possibility immediately to turn upon the forces of the North Russian Government and to knock them out.
The tactics which are now being employed are considered the best for the protection of those who will be left behind. There is no doubt whatever as to the withdrawal of the British troops, 'but it is considered necessary to leave the situation there as easy as possible for the people left behind.
CONSCRIPTS LEAVE ARCHANGEL.
ARCHANGEL, Sept. 3. - All the members of the Embassies, Consulates, British and foreign, have proceeded to England to-day on the Kildonan Castle. The same vessel is also taking the last batch of conscript British troops who were here last winter. - Reuter.
BOLSHEVIST ATTACK FAILS.
The War Office issued the following communiqué yesterday:
The Bolshevists made an unsuccessful attack on our positions on the River Vaga on September 1. They are reported to have lost 15 killed and seven prisoners.
The number of Bolshevist prisoners captured since August 29 in the operations on the Vologda Railway and Seletskoe fronts now amounts to over 800.
BOLSHEVIST MILITARY REPORT, September 3:
In the inter-lake region, in the direction of Murmansk, we captured an enemy aeroplane which was obliged to land, taking the airman, an Englishman, prisoner.
In the Gulf of Finland, one of our submarines successfully discharged a torpedo at an enemy torpedo boat. Wireless Press.
This report has reference to the sinking of the destroyer Vittoria on August 30, and reported by the Admiralty on Monday last.
Further Reading:
North Russian Campaign, Contents
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: Emptsa, North Russia, The Times, 5 September 1919
