A GREAT VICTORY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3566, 28 September 1916, Page 5

A GREAT VICTORY.

PARIS, September 27

The Allies celebrated the anniversary ul' die offensives in Artois and Champagne by a biiliiant advance, culminating in the capture of Comblos and Thiopvnl. This 12 miles' offensive was the most extended yet attempted on the Somme, and included a double movement against Bapauine ami Peronno. The first two days ,of the bat tin formed an excellent example of the clos^ co-oporation attained by General Foch's and Sir Douglas Haig's armies. Ie is impossible for the Germans'to .plead that it was n surprise attack. The SO hours'*- cannonade gave them the most ample warning, yet the enemy in a few hours lost two important fortresses, five fortified villages, eight miles of trenches, and between 4000 and 5000 prisoners, apart from the garrisons of Combles and Thiopval, the number of whom is still unknown. Lastly, tfte. offensive has driven a deep wedge into the angle of the high roads leading to Bapaurae, whereupon the whole German position on the Somnic is pivoted. .The British have advanced their posts now to within three miles of Bapaume.

The Regulars, the Territorials, and the men from . overseas all shared in the victory. As a whole,, the victory was a cheap one.

The rapidity of the Allied success wns due to the fact that the British 1 were reaping the advantage of the capture of the heights from Thiepval to Combles earlier in the month.. ,

Tho weather was glorious, and was excellent for aerial work.