BATTLE INCIDENTS ON THE SOMME

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2827, 19 July 1916, Page 5

BATTLE INCIDENTS ON THE SOMME

VALIANT MEN OF KENT "DEATH AND GLORY" STAND IN TRONES WOOD Australian-Xow Zealand Coble Association. London, July 17. An oye-witness states that tlio West Kents' historic stand in tho Trones Wood was one of the finest exploit's of the war. An- intense German artillery fire, followed up by desperate attacks with fresh infantry, had forced back the British troops on both- flanks. The Kentishmen, early on the second day, found tlifit retreat was impossible. A wounded Kent reached the main British lines with a. message that the defenders were haul pressed on all sides, but could hold out longer if it was essential. A message was sent that Telief was coming. Meanwhile the Kents wore fighting ina blazing furnace. The trenches were pounded to dust by the liigb. explosives, jets of flam© and gas were turned 011 at intervals, and constant bomb attacks were made. A band of picked Germans oneo penetrated tho trenches, but their triumph was short-lived, for the Kents staggered them with, a bayonet charge/ took a number' of prisoners, and drove out the rest by close quarters fighting of the deadliest charactor. When tho Kentish line was broken, tlio Germans woro so sure of victory that they dashed forward, calling out: "Surrender, Kents!" "Come and take us!" was tho.scornful reply. Many of tho German shells fell 6lioi't, and exploded among tho attackers, until the disordered column disappeared in uttor rout. '* As tlio second day wore 011 tho Kents heard the shouts bf their comrades fighting their way to the beleaguered lines. This stirred up the enemy to a final effort. A column of infajitry renewed the attack, but the Kents only rolled up their sleoves and settled down to tlio last round. The Kents had an immense reception in. the British lines after they, were relieved. Their work was particularly brilliant, as many of tlio lads were under fire for the first time.