on the western front, to the command of the Egyptian expeditionary
forces. He immediately began to lay plans for an offensive into
Palestine, with the city of Jerusalem as his main objective. The Turks
were strongly fortified in southern Palestine, on a line extending from
the coast city of Gaza to the inland city of Beersheba. Allenby's plan
was to attack the left flank of the enemies' line, capturing Beersheba,
where he counted on renewing his water supply. To aid the successful
advancement of his main offense, he sent a small body of troops toward
the city of Gaza, situated on the enemies' right flank. This was done
to draw the Turkish reserves toward Gaza, where they would expect the
main offense to take place. The British warships in the Mediterranean
helped in this movement, by bombarding the town as the land forces
approached it. The plan was put into effect on October 30. On the
next day the city of Beersheba was taken by surprise, and the Turkish
left flank was routed. After renewing his supply of water at
Beersheba, General Allenby advanced on Gaza, which was captured with
little resistance. Although greatly hampered by poor water supply and
tremendous transportation difficulties, he drove the Turks north and by
a successful engagement at Junction Station cut their forces in two.

By this time the Turks in Jerusalem were becoming greatly disturbed by
Allenby's rapid advance. Enver Pasha, the famous Turkish commander,
rushed to the city to rally his generals, but after studying the
situation, he left the city the next day. Soon after Enver's hurried
departure, General Falkenhayn arrived. Military supplies were moved
north of the city and the Germans prepared to leave. The remaining
Turks were under the command of Ali Fuad Pasha, who by proclamations
and entreaties, tried to rally the people of the city.

Meanwhile General Allenby had moved north and captured the city of
Jaffa, situated on the Mediterranean, a little northwest of Jerusalem.
From Jaffa, by hard fighting he advanced through the Judean hills,
towards the Holy City. Jerusalem was occupied by English troops on
December 9, 1917, and General Allenby made his official entrance on
December 11. Soon after the occupation of the city by the English, a
proclamation was read, amidst great cheering, announcing freedom of
worship.

[Illustration: The official entry of General Allenby into Jerusalem,
December 11, 1917. With the exception of a