GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3057, 19 April 1917, Page 5

GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORTS

ONE .OF THE GREATEST BATTLES OF THE WAR. ~ • TO - i „• : London, 'April 17. • Admiralty per Wireless Press: German official messages state.—"One of the greatest battles of this mighty war, and therefore in the history-of the world, is progressing on the Aiene. Since April 6 the artillery fire and minethrowing has been of unprecedented duration and'intensity. Yesterday morning the French ift deep column attacked from Sopi to Betheny (on the outskirts of Reims). During tho afternoon the French threw in fresh masses carrying out lateral attacks botweon the Oise and Oonde-sur-Aisne. The arljillory firing continued to-day, levell ing positions and rendering an obstinate defence -no longer . possible. The fighting is no longer 'against a line, hut over a deep irregular fortified zone. Tho battle s-tvsi-yed backwards and forwards around the foremost position our object being, even if war material was lost, to spare" tho lives of our forces and inflict losses on the enemy. This was achieved. Thanks to our lieroio moil, the French attempt to break through failed. Wo inllictod sanguinary losses and took over 2100 prisoners. Where ' tho enemy peuotrated our line the fighting continues, and fresh attacks are expected. Fighting between I'niny and Auberive (19 miles east of Reims) developed the battle line, which therefore extends from tho Oise into the Champagne. Wo havo entire confidence in the coming heavy fighting."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Renter. (Rec. April 18, 7.30 p.m.) - • London, April 17. A German wireless official report states: "After their failure, with heavy losses, to break through onr lines on the Aisne, tho Froncli did not renew their attacks; There has been bitter fighting all day by both sides at Atiherive, in Champagne,'-'—Aue.-N.Z. Oablo Assn.-Reuter.