LOCAL ATTACKS ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 71, 17 December 1917, Page 5

LOCAL ATTACKS ON THE WESTERN FRONT

BRITISH POSITION NEAR BULLECOURT IMPROVED ENEMY GAINS FEW YARDS ON TRENCH NEAR POLDERHOEK London, December 14. Sir Douglas LImV reports: "As the result of tho bomb fighting reported last night, wo slightly improved the position east of Bullecourt. Tho enemy raided a post south of Pronville, and a fow men are missing."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu.-Reuter. (Hoc. December 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 15. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "Thero has been local lighting south-east of Polygon Wood. Before dawn tho enomy attacked our positions in tho neighbourhood of Polderhoek Chateau, but was repulsed except at one point, where he entered our front trench en a front of about three hundred yards. The hostile artillery is very active." _ A later message announced that a considerable portion of the trench had been regained.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-ltouter.

GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. London, December 14. A German official report states: "We beat back an attempt to recapture the trenches east of Bullecourt. A powerful mine which we fired unexpectedly caused a violent surprise, and did heavy damage, south of St. Quentin." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.J?outer. THE CAMBRAI BLUNDER FLANKS NEGLECTED IN ATTEMPTING TO ENLARGE CESSNew York, December 14. Mr. Frank Simonds, writing to tho "New York Tribune," says that General Byng neglected his flanks on tho Scheldt in an attempt to reasonably ( punreasonably) enlarge his success. This was the blunder. Even Sir Douglas Haig may find his personal position insecure.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ON THE FRENCH FRONT London, December 14. A French communique states: "There are violent artillery actions in the regions of Maisons des Ohampagno east of Suippes, and in Alsace."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.