FURTHER ADVANCE AT MESSINES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3110, 14 June 1917, Page 5

FURTHER ADVANCE AT MESSINES

PROGRESS ON TWO MILES OF FRONT • ENEMY'S ARTILLERY VERY ACTIVE Q The High Commissioner reports:— London, June 12. ll.oil |i.in. Sir Douglas Jiaig reports:—"North of Ncurn Cliapolle during the night we siwcttisflillv raided the onomy lines, and took thirteen prisoners. Southward of Nouvc Chapellc, eastward of Arracnliercfi, and northward of Ypres hostile raiders were Tcpiilsed A number of tho enemy wore killed and a few prisoners were taken." Ily TcleKraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. June 13, 11.20 ji.ra.) London, Juno 12; Sir Douglas Haig reports:—"Wo havo gained further ground eastward and north-east of Jlossines, on a. front of nearly two miles, and occupied the hamlet of Guapard. We have also advanced our lino slightly astrirto tlio Souchez Rivor. There is considerable enemy artillory activity north-cast of Gouzeaucourt, south and north of the Scarpe, and in tho neighbourhood of Lens and Ypres.' Our aeroplanes yesterday (lid iisoful work in spito of unfavourable weather."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Keuter. "NOTHING CAN SAVE THEM FROM DEFEAT" SIR DOUGLAS HAIG ON THE MOIIAL OF MESSINES. k«ndon, Juno 12. Reuters correspondent at Hcadquart rs roports that Sir Duiigias llaig, in his address to tho 2nd Amay (Oonoral Plum r's) says:— "Tho complete success oi u. u .n tl — under General Plumer is au earnest of oventual final victory for Hie Allies' cause." After referring to tho great t>-tron lr th and strategical valuo of the position occupied by tho Germans, he adds: "Our D prcparation for tho attack, ensured him ample warning of oinr intentions. - Ho was, therefore, fully prepared to meet it. Ho had further tho advantago of experience gained in many previous defeats in battles such as tho Somine, the Vncre Arras, and tho Viiny Ridge. On the lessons drawn from these ho issued carefully thought-out instructions. In. spite of all these advantages, tho enemy was completely defeated in the space of a few hours. All our objectives were "ained. The full effect of tho victory cannot be estimated yet, but that it is very !Veat is certain. Nothing can save tho enemy from complete defeat. Tho Germans are brave and tenacious, but it is only a question of how much longer they can endure such blows. Ou.r losses were gratifyingly light, considering the magnitude of the battle." . '. Sir Douglas Haig expresses deep appreciation of the splendid work of all the arms and all the means at our disposal, combined with skill, devotion, and bravery beyond all praise. "A great success has been gained, and it has brought us a long step nearer the final and victorius end of tho war. Tho Empire can justly bo proud of the troops who have added such fresh lustro to its arms."— Router. •' * BEATEN GERMAN ARMY NOT YET REORGANISED London, Juno 12. Tho United Tress correspondent at Headquarters stales that patrols aro operating well to the eastward of tho positions gained in the Battle of Messincs. The beaten Gorman Army has not yet been reorganised. The patrols yesterday captured seven field guns," whoso crows bolted at tho .sight of tho British soldiers. —Aus.-N.Z. Gable Assn. _ EXTRAORDINARY ACTIVITY ALONG THE BATTLE FRONT. London, Ju,no 12. Renter's correspondent at Headquarters states that the intermittent shelling east and north-east of Ypres does not appear to indicate anything definite, but rather suggests jumpiness. Extraordinary activity prevails on practically tho whole of the present battle front—Renter. THE GERMAN REPORT London, June 12. A German official report states:"English cavalry advanced eastward of Mossincs, but only remnants returned. Our counter-attack repulsed the British infantry s'outh of Messines. Five French counter-attacks, against the trenches west of Cerny occupied by ns on Sunday, failed."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Eeuter.