WITH THE NEW ZEALANDERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3562, 23 September 1916, Page 3

WITH THE NEW ZEALANDERS.

RECENT SPLENDID ACHIEVE-

MENTS.

FIELD ARTILLERY'S FINE

SHOOTING.

(Special from the N.Z. Official War Correspondent.)

September 18. Having gained their objective, on the loth tho New Zealand Artillery were ,able to send their teams, limber up, and rush their guns to new positions behind what had been our front line. This for them was a supreme moment. For. the first time in the war they experienced the glorious sensation' of fulnlling their true functions of Field Artillery. Their shooting had been splendid. The Switch Trench, which the Infantry captured so brilliantly, was in many places obliterated. Many Germans"must have been killed, and oven buried, by our shelling. The wire had been well cut all along the line; this was all the more creditable because the Switch Trench could not be seen, and the gunners wero firing by map. « After tho first day's long advance, the Germans' threatened counter-attack was repulsed by our artillery, which was promptly switched on to the ground across which the enemy were likely to advance. Later another counter-attack was dispersed by our infantry firing and rushing forward with their* bayonets ; tho Germans . turned and ran." We now hold not only half our allotted line, but also portion of tho line further on tho right. The Corps Commander thanked tho New Zealanders for this sporting and timely action. Following up their succors ot September 15, the New Zealanders. on the second day, again pushed gallantly on and captured and held other German positions.' This attack fell to the First Brigade, which fought with the same dash and determination as the others. Oiir troops wore ready to push, stil! further, but the general situation in the' immediate vicinity did riot permit of this. Our losses, though seyorcy wero not so honvy as might have been,expected. , considering the extent .of the ground 'won Wo penetrated ho German lines to depth of about 3000 yards. - Tho Commander-in-Chief telegraphed his- congratulations and thanked the Now Zoalanders for their successful attacks, adding that they showed fine fighting' spirit and admirable energy and dash. Several Army and Corps Commanders also wired congratulations upon the brilliant achievements of the New Zealanders. " '