FIERCE FIGHTING.

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

FIERCE FIGHTING.

LONDON, September 26. Mr Phillip Gibbs, writing in the "Daily Chronicle," says: — ''The oueruy massed many machineguns against us. It was hard and fierce fighting, as they did not yield easily- on their first and second lines, though afterwards, when our, men got up to them, some ran, if they could;

"The enemy guns were quick to barrage our lines. Our men along the Morval-Les Bceofs Road went through a curtain of fire, and took the trenches and the viifcges in rapid and irresistible assault.

" The trenches were attacked by a body of troops already sorely tried by great and, successful achievements elsewhere. They ■ were . tired 'in the body ? but in spirit they were alert and keen, and advanced grandly.

" The whole operation* was carried out without heavy casualties except at one point, where machine-guns in a strong emplacement caused a temporary cheek.

"By /3.30 all the ground to the Fouth-westward of Morval and • tho whole village of Les Boaufs were-in our hands. . &

"At 5 o'clock our airmen reported that tho Germans were withdraw! nfi; batteries higher Tip between Le,s Broufs and Gueudocourt. Wo had not then progressed so much, and the t'licmy was lhie to mniit tin ilii (to fence oi' the lillipp of Gi!ett<;lef oxu i, thoupih thr British for#ed tlieir \ n to tlio otitskuti ir tho fa o nt MiclniH gun fire."