CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 126, 14 February 1918, Page 5

CALM BEFORE THE STORM

MUSTERING OF THE ENEMY'S MASSES PREPARATIONS SEEN BY THE AIRMEN By Telegraph-Press Aesociation-Copjright London, February 12. Mr. Percival Phillips reports that it is clear, springlike weather, and the ground is drying steadily; yet their front is unnaturally calm. The ostentatious idleness of the Germans is intended to deceive us, hut our aeroplanes see their storming troops rehearsing open warfare, and it is impossible to conceal the steady stream of fresh divisions and new concentrations of heavy ar-tillery."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ATTACK ON THE FRENCH FRONT ' GERMANS REPULSED ON THE MEUSE. London, February 12. A French communiquo states: "An attempted coup de main in the' Juvincourt region was stopped by our firo. The Germans on the right bank of tho Meuse, after a furious bombardment, attacked our front in the Cauriercs Wood, but were repulsed, leaving dead, after a lively fight. The artillery is active in Alsace."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. February 14, 1.30 a.m.) London, February 12. A French official communique speaKs of reconnoitring raids by both sidles; successful French raids on the outskirts of Bouconville, north of the Ailette, and also in the Woevro; and the failure of German attempts between Bezonvaux and the Bois des Fossos, and also in Champagne, the Wocvre, and the Vosges—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn .-Renter. ON THE NEW ZEALAND FRONT GOOD WORK OF THE GUNNERS. (Special Dispatch from the New Zealand Official War Correspondent, Captain Malcolm Ross.) October 10. Our operations vary little from day to day. What casualties are reported come almost entirely from the shelling, but the enemy must suffer much more. Recently the Germans caused several casualties in one of our working parties, but few of our cases were serious. One German division, recently arrived from the Russian front, received a stirring welcome from our gunners that, must have inflicted many casualties and further destroyed its somewhat poor morale. At noon the heavy guns vigorously bombarded their area, and later in the day the field artillery joined with the "heavies" in a further intense bombardment. In all over four thousand rounds were fired, including some gas shells. Subsequently some unique shooting was done by one of our field batteries. One of the keenest of our battery commanders in a forward observation post spotted two Germans, and telephoned the range and position down to the guns for shrapnel fire. An excellent shot kined one of the men. The other sheltered •behind a tree trunk, from which further shrapnel failed to dislodge him. A further telephone message brought up one or two rounds of high explosive, and the second German was blown up. A third German came out and bravely endeavoured to draw his companion into the shelter. In response to another cajj from the battery commander more shrapnel arrived, and the third German disappeared from view. There is still considerable niglit patrolling, and our working parties are busy ■ in various places. Yesterday the general opened th e nut presented to the Y.M.C.A. by the New Zealand Freemasons. This hut is being devoted to tho. artillery brigades, who heartily appreciate this pie ce of Masonic generosity. Everything possible is being done for the comfort 0 f the officers and men at the front. The food is good, hot meals being carried right up to the trenches through the shelled area. Lectures, entertainments, and church services continue behind the lines, and a library has been opened, -while the daily news sheet is much appreciated. Our football team an d the divisional theatrical company will shortly visit Paris. 1