THE GERMANS' GREAT BLOW

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 159, 25 March 1918, Page 5

THE GERMANS' GREAT BLOW

BRITISH .GIVE GROUND AT SOME POINTS ENEMY LOSSES EXCEPTIONALLY HEAVY 3y TeleeraiJi-Preßs A«eociation^Coj>irieht London, March 22. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "Fighting continued late last night on the whole front from the river Oisq to the river Sensee. Our troops continue to hold the enemy in battle positions. During yesterday's attacks the enemy's massed infantry offered remarkable targets to our rifles, machine-guns and , artillery, which took full advantage of their opportunities. All reports testify to the onemy's exceedingly heavy losses. No serious attack has developed this morning, but heavy fighting must still be expected." Sir Douglas Haig in a later report says: "About 8 o'clock this morning, after an intense bombardment with gas shells and high explosives on our forward positions and back areas, the enemy launched a powerful infantry attack on a front of over fifty miles, between the Oise River, near La Fere and the Sensee River, near Croisilles. Thero is hostile artillery fire on a wide front north of the La Bassee Oaual, and on the Ypres sector. It has been known for some timo past that an attack was being prepared. The enemy pressed on with the greatest vigour and determination all day. Thev broke through our outpost positions, and penetrated our battle positions in certain parts. The enemy attacked in masses, and their losses were exceptionally heavy. Severe fightine continues on the whole front. Large numbers of reinforcements woro observed behind the enemy's lines. Several divisions_ which had been specially trained for this groat attack have been identified, including Guards regiments. Maps have been captured, dopiclinsc tho enemy's intentions, and show that the Germans did not attain their objectives on any part of the front._ The enemy is advancing at several points between the Scarpe and St. Quentin. Tho infantry ponetrated at some points the front-line trenches north of Lagnicourfc and Louveral. Subsequent reports state that the Germans are advancing over the St. Quentin Ridge, which runs north and south on the edge of the Oambrai salient, and also through tho Ousiche Wood, in the same sector, and the brickfields near Croisilles. Thrillers and its approaches were heavily shelled. The latest reports dcsoribo a bombardment from south of the Scai-pe to below St. Quentin."--Cablo Assn.-Reuter. EMMY 'ATTACKS RENEWED IN GREAT STRENGTH. (Ilec. March 24, 6.5 p.m.) o- TV i tt • .* um, London, March 23. Sir Douglas ilaig reports: flio enemy this morning renewed his attacks in great strength, practically on the tfhole front. Fierce fighting is still continuing. The enemy has progressed at certain points. Elsewhore our coun-ter-attacks threw him back. Our lossos inevitably are considerable, but not out of proportion to the battlo's magnitude. Ropo'rts from all parts show the enemy losses continue to be very heavy. His advance everywhere wns made nfi a ereat; sacrifice. Our troops are fighting with tho greatest gallantry.

Exceptional gallantry was shown by the Twenty-fourth Division in their pro tracted dofouce of Lo Verguier, also by the Third Division, who maintain, ed their positions near Croisilles aiwl to the northward against repeated attacks. IJie I'irty-first Division made a most gallant fight near the BapauraeUmbrai Road against repeated attacks. Identification tags obtained show that the opening attack was delivered! by forty German divisions, supportec by a great nines of German artillery and Austrian batteries. Many othei German divisions have since participated in the fighting, and others are arriving, further most severe lighting is anticipated." Sir Douglas Haig in a later repoirt states: "Heavy fighting continuec on the whole front until late last nigftf. Powerful attacks with a grav weight of infantry and artillery this ail'ternoon broke our defensive system t< the west of St. Quentin. Wo are falling back in good order to prepared po sitions farther west. Our troops are holding their positions on the northeri portion of tho battlefront. Very heavy fighting by fresh hostile forces i: progressing. There is much air fighting:. Wo brought down 23 enemy ma chines. Three of our machines are missing. Our night fliers dropped 3£ tone of bombs on tho Bruges dockyards, and 3} tons on billets in Tournai. Al tho machines returned."—Aus.-N.Z. C:»le Assn.-Retiter. ■ GOOD WOEK BY BRITISH AIRMEN. (Roc.. March 25, >| 0.30 a.m.) on i it • i. „. ,-, - London, March 23. bir Douglas Haig reports:—"A thick jnonmig mist yesterday prevente< our aeroplanes leaving the ground during the early part 'of the day. Whei the mist cleared the aerial activity on the battlofront became very great Tho enemy's low-flying machines were particularly active, firing with machine guns on our forward troops. Tho enemy's massed troops offered a goo< target to our low-flying aeroplanes. The location of large bodies of troop: and transport was reported by our machines to the artillery, and successful]' engaged. Eight tons and a half of bombs were dropped on hostile railwai stations at the rear of the battlefront, also- on billets, high-velocity cuns troops, and transport."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Re-uter. BRITISH MET THE FIRST RUSH WITH. CUSTOMARY COOLNESS OFFICERS' AND MEN,'CONFIDENT. „„.,., , London, March 22. Von Hindenburg has apparently launched tho long-heralded offensive, fol lowing on a short bombardment along a front af forty-five miles. The enemy' high-velocity guns opened on tho towns far behind tho lines. As the battle be gan, the British met the first rusli with their customary coolness, bobbing ui after the barrage of gas shells and high explosives had passed. Gas-masks wer< adjusted, and machine-guns turned on tho advancing waves. Hand-to-hani fightingwas frequent, the Tommies holding strong pointe, fighting it ou with knives and bayonets. Tho stupendous German preparations prior to th attack were carried out with tho utmost secrecy. Sir Douglas Haig, however Irnew what was happening, for the airmon reported every new dump, railwaline, strategic road, and aerodrome as soon as it was commenced. Our pre cautious Sjere taken accordingly. If this bo the loudly-advertised drive! i comes_ according in specification. Our officers mid men are confident. Th situation is necessarily vague when fighting is -on such a wido front. Som hours, and probably days, may elapse before the- enemy's true intentions an i divined.—Aus.-N.Z. Cahlo Assn. J FRENCH PREMIER PLEASED WITH RESULTS (Rec. March 24, 5.5 p.m.) T , _. , , • Paris, March 23. in the Chamber, of Deputies, Mr. Clemenceau, the Premier, stated that th I Allied Staffs have every reason to he satisfied with the results of the firs great attack. M. Clemenceau said he was extremely pleased with the re suits.—-Reuter. i ______ ! GERMANS LOSE 80,000 MEN ON THE FIRST DAY. ! ■ ! (Rec. March 24, 5.5 p.m.) • T . . r,, ~ ~ , , „ London, March 23. It is reliably estimated that the Gorman losses on tho first dav wpr 80,000.—"The Times." x FIERCE FIGHTING NEAR HAM BRITISH RETIRE TO FRESH POSITIONS. (Rec. March 24, 5.25 p.m.) j . • London, March 23. I Iho Germans are pressing the British in the neighbourhood of Hair land there is fierce fighting there. Tho British have given up Flesquieret Ribecourt, and Demicourt. Between the Omignon and the Somme th British have been forced across the Crozet Canal.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. March 24, 5.5 p.m.) __...' . London, March 23. Ihe British have given up the Tillages of Morchies, Vaulx, and Vrav court. The British new positions three miles east of Bapaume are th pcene of furious, fighting. The Germans have been driven out of the villas <rf Mory, many being captured.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. TERRIFIC BATTLE ALONG NEW BRITISH POSITIONS ..-.„,, . , London, March 23. A terrinc battle continues alons the now British positions. The German h&ve been repulsed around Jussv.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. .ESEMY ATTACK EXPECTED ON ANGLO-BELGIAN LEFT WIN( THE ALLIES EVERYWHERE PREPARED. (Rec; March 24, 5.5 p.m.) . Paris, March 23. _ borne newspapers opine that the enemy contemplates, after fixing th British reserves on the front attacked, to make a massive attack on th Anglto-Belgian left wing, in the direction of Calais, between the Yser an Arras, thus directly threatening Britain, but the Allies are everywhere pre paredl.—Reuter. ARTILLERY ACTIVITY ON THE BELGIAN FRONT. •a t> i • '• . , ~-, London, March 22. Aißelgian communique states:—"There was lively artillery activity yestei day. .ft. violent bombardment with poison gas shells against our batteries o the iwhble front lasted throughout to-day."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Rcutcr. FRENCH LINE HEAVILY BOMBARDED ENEMY ATTACKS REPULSED. London, March 21. A Frlench communique states: "Towards the end of the night there was ai intense and prolonged bombardment in the sectors north and south-east o Reims, aisd also at various points in the Champagne, where tho German made seveiral abortive attempts. The enemy bombardment on the right of th« Meuse became very violent yesterday evening, a strong sttack following be tween Cauirieres Wood and Bezonvaux (south of Ornes). After violent fight ing we drove the enemy hack from somo points which in the first rush b succeeded in penetrating. Wβ took some prisoners. After lively artiller; work the etneniy attacked at l.<Bo in the morning in the region of (north of lßancy), in Lorraine. Our fire repulsed him with serious losses. Th' attack was without result." London, March 22. A French communique states: "During the day the reciprocal artiller activity wa:S very violent between the Miette and Aisne Rivers, in the regioi of Reims, on the heights of the Champagne, and near Ville sur Tourbe. Threi successive aiHacks on the Hurlus sector (in the Champagne) broke down unde our fire. Railds were attempted east of Suippe, but wore completely defeated Our artillery caught and dispersed some German columns which were advanc ing Gouth of Mouthois. On the right of the Mouse, and at some points in tin Woeuvre, thib enemy intensely bombarded our first line."—Aus"-N.Z. Cabl Assn.-Reuter. APPRECIABLE LOSSES INFLICTED ON THE ENEMY. (Rec. March 24, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 23. 'K. French Communique states:—"We repulsed strong enemy coups d< main south of J'uvincourt, in the sector of Godat, north of Courcy, and norll of tho Aisne. At the two last points enemy detachments were driven out o our advanced elements after a lively fight, in which tho onemy suffered up preciable losses. An enemy attempt west of Mont Cornillet, in tho Cham pagne, also failerL There is fairly lively artillery activity in the region oi Monte, and at some points on tho right bank of the Meuse and in th Wocuvre." A later report ctates: "The artillery was active early in the day, and be carno very violent in tho afternoon, particularly north <f t.he Chcmin-dns-Dames, in the regions of Courcy and La Pompello, in the Champagne, am south of MoronvillWs. Three enemv coups do main north of Souvain and east of Teton were without result."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. • (Rec. March 25, 0.30 a.m.) London, March 23. A French comnitnnique states:—"The enemy spasmodically and fairly violently bombarded our front and rear lines to the north of Cliemin des Dames and in tho region of Reims and Lorraine. We dispersed an attack in the region of Bielercy anfl Woevre."—Aub.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Router. FRENCH &RMY ENGAGED ON A WIDE FRONT. (Rec. March 24, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 23. The French Army'"is now engaged along a wide front.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. London, March 23. The French south c|f St. Quontin are now engaged.--Reuter. GEtRMAN OFFICIAL REPORTS. London, March 21. A German official message states:—"The Bavarians, in a surprise atsaok south-west of Ornes (eight miles north-east of Verdun), overran the irst lines, and advanced as far as the Brule Ravine. We took 240 prisoners, iustrian and Hungarian troops are co-operating against the English and Frenoh in artillery work, in broad sectors of the Western front. ,, —Aub.-N.Z. ]able Assn.-Reuter.

(Rec. March 24, 5.5 p.m.) , „ „ . London, March 23. A German official report states:—"The strong artiUery clue! lias eonwiued on tlie Belgian and French lines in Flanders. Reconnoitring detachments penetrated frequently the enemy lines. We attacked the Ei-rlish positions southeast of Arras, as far as La Fero. Our infantry stormed in pioad sectors everywhere and captured the,first lines. The firing duel has increased in intensity on hoth sides at Reims and in the Champagne Prisoners were brought back "in many sectors. We have continued the destruction or juiantry positions and batteries before Vevthm." A later report states:—"Yesterday's successes between Arras and La J ere Have been extended. Sixteen thousand prisoners and 200 guns ro far have been reported."—Aus.-N.Z. Ci:ble Asxn.-Reuter. ' (Ree. March 24, 11.20 p.m.) . rl „ . , London, March 23. A German official report states :-"We stormed the heights north and north-west of Croisilles, and penetrated tnb second position between Fon-tninc-les-Croisilles and Moenvres. Wo captured Vaitk. Vrnucourt, and Morcines, also tno heights westward of Gcuzeaucourt, Hendicourt, and Villcrsleucon. Wo stormed Roisel and Marquaix, and encircled the Epeh'y Heights from north and south, and drove back strong counter-attacks and stormed t,he heights north of Vermand. The enemy evacuated positions southwest ot Ciimbrai. We pursued across Domicourt, Flesquiores. and Ribecourt. Wo crossed the heights of Snvy and Ronpy. We" al«o broke through the enemy lines south of the Sqmme, and drove the enemy over the Crozet Canal. The Jaegers crossed the Oise. and stormed the heights west ot La I , ere. We have taken prisoners up to the present 15.000, and captured 400 guns and 300 machiue-guns." A later message says:—"The first stage of the great battle has ended. Wo won engagements near St. Quentin, and La Fere. A considerable part of the English Army has Been beaten. We are fightino- approximately on one straight line north-east of Bapaume, Peronno; and Ham."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. THE KAISER WATCHING THE FIGHTING BULGARIAN TfiOOPS ACTING AS RESERVES. •'Rec. March 24, 5.5 p.m.) rp, _ . London, March 23. ine Ivaiser, accompanied by Von Hindenburg and Von'Ludendorff, is anxiously watching the progress of the fighting. Bulgarians are arrivii-g continuously to act as reserves. General von Steiner, Austrian Minister ot War, recently promised Von Hindenburg that the Austrians would concentrate- en the eastern French front when the offensive against the British was begun.—United Service. GERMAN PEOPLE FOLLOWING THE OFFENSIVE WITH FEVERISH INTEREST. Copenhagen, March 22. Jho "Tsiglisehe Rundschau" says:—"The German people will follow the offensive with feverish interest. Wo hove now entered upon a battle fur a decisive peace. A single combat between England and Germany will decide our future position in the world, and wheflier the Anglo-Saxons shall continue to press their will upon the world. , !—Ans.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. WAR CORRESPONDENTS' GRAPHIC ACCOUNTS FULLY FIFTY GERMAN DIVISIONS ENGAGED BACKBONE OP THE MASSED ATTACK BROKEN (R-ec. March 24, 11.20 p.m.) London, March 23. Mr. Philip Gibbs says: "Tho enemy did not make an infantry attack last night, but heavy fighting was resumed after the fog lifted this morning. Our troops are heavily engaged near St. Quentin. Thursday's offensive was on a colossal scale. Tho Germans flung the full weight of a great army, closely crowded, with supporting troops advancing mass after mass. At least fifty divisions were engaged, and forty of them have been identified. We were much outnumbered, so our troops had . v extremely hard fighting. The obstinacy of their resistance was a wonderful feat of courage, and their discipline was splendid under the fiercest ordeal British soldiers have faced. Nino German divisions were hurled against three British divisions in one sector, and elsewhere eight German divisions attacked two British divisions. All the Germans were storm troops, including Guards, who had been trained for many months for the great assault. The? wore brand new uniforms, and advanced without 'altering until shattered by our machine-gun fire. It was a return to the old methods of Mons and Lβ Cateau. The more Germans we shot down tho more seemed to come on, and if our wire was not cut German snippers got to work. Though continually,mown down by our fire, supporting waves advanced over the bodies of the dead and wounded. - Ruthless Sacrifico of Life by German Commanders. "Tho German commanders were ruthless in sacrificing life in the hope of overwhelming the British defence. Thoy had an exceeding power in guns, there being usually one gun to every twelve or fifteen yards. They had a thousand opposite three British divisions. Each German battalion was provided with many trench mortars for wire-cutting. During the four hours' bombardment they also used a number of • long-range guns brought from the High Seas Fleet, and these shelled to a distance of 28 miles behind our lines. In tho final hour of the bombardment tho Germans poured gas shells and also concentrated gas on our batteries, reserves and trenches all day long. The defenders' many weeks' training with gas masks, proved a priceless help. Many of them wore the masks for hours and fought in them. One battalion on 'the left wing wore them for eijrht hours. The new respirators proved quite efficacious, and there were only six cases of gassing at one of the large clearing stations. The main object of the enemy's attack on the left hvas probably to bite off the Bullecourt salient and pierce the three main lines of defence below Croisilles and St. Leger. thus turning the line and enabling him to capture Hennisle and the old Hindenburg tunnel trench. A little to the right lay tho Bullecourt salient, smothered with flame, smoke, and earth. Outposts Fall Back to Stronger Defensive Positions. "No wiro could withstand the storm and no.men hold on, and eventually, as was long foreseen, the outposts had to fall back to battle positions where there were stronger defensive positions, in order to rally for a counterattack. The withdrawal was carried out in good order and with magnificent courage, in view of the intense enemy barrage. When the enemy followed up, bringing light artillery, our guns smashed his ranks and left masses of dead on the field. Airmen say that a large number of German dead lay heaped in the debris of our wire, but others came on with fanatical courage, filling the gaps. Our guns and machine-guns could not kill fast enough. After hard fighting at Bnllecourt, Ecmist, and Noreuil, 3000 of the enemy were seen in a sunken road between Noreuil and Lagnicourt. This fact apparently meant that the defenders of Nbreuil had been pushed back, and the survivors, after a strong, heroic defence, were obliged to retire to a line running from Beaumetz to Vaulx and Morchies. . . • Attackers Gut Down in Swathes, "Another enemy attack was made in the afternoon, in massed formation, down the slopes of the Seiisee Valley, from Cherisy to Fontaine Wood. The guns fired with open sights, cutting the attackers down in swathes and checking tho assault. There was fierce fighting at St. Leger, where we took prisoners and machine-guns. The fighting was equally intense from Noreuil to Lagnicourt, on tie bend of the Carabrai salient. Our outposts were withdrawn in good order. The enemy, by great sacrifices, penetrated our defensive system near Lagnicourt, Bouries, and Hargicourt, but after that they wero held. The tanks brilliantly counter-attacked on Thursday evening, recapturing some ground at Doignies. Owing to our withdrawal behind the canal between St. Quentin and the Oise, the enemy is now confronted by a watery, marshy waste in that sector. The spirit of our troops is magnificent, despite the hars fighting, and thoy are proud.that they have broksn the backbone of the massed attack whereon the German hopes were fastened." Enemy Hoped to Recover the Hindenburg Trenches. Mr. Percival Phillips writes:—"The attack is apparently the beginning of the great offensive. There is no doubt that tho enemy hopes, by attacking the forces west and south-west of Cambrai, to form a junction, cut off a considerable slice of the British front, and take back all the Hindenburg trenches fie lost four months ago. Tho preliminary wire-cutting bombardment began in the early morning, between the Scarpe and Vendeuil, southward pf St. Quentin. Tho first infantry attack" came soon after daylight. The enemy displayed great vigour and determination. The Position Better Than Anticipated. "There is reason to believe that the position is better than anticipated. In the north wo are holding a line some hundreds of yards eastward of the villages of Vaulx, Vraucourt, Morchies, and Beaumetz, the enemy's penetra'tion varying from 2200 yards at the greatest point, iu the neighbourhood oT Croisillos, to 500 to 600 yards eastward oFtfoignies. We are occupying what was generally our front liiifi beforo tho November advance, except that wo still hold Havrincourt. The enemy's gains eastward of the Scheldt CanaT, between Gouzenucourt and St. Quentin, include some villages behind our former line. The German Staff experts appear to be surprised to know how much we knew of their preparations, their mimic battles, their intensive training, thoir tank-men, their mobile arfiflery, their long night marches, their promises to tho soldiers that the success would justify tho heavy sacrifices, and the incalculable amount of work done in the building of bridges, light railways, magazines, aerodromes, and field hospitals. Our heavy guns before Bullecourt were safely withdrawn, the Germans only capturing there possibly a few field batteries. A British division southward of St. Quentin withstood six German divisions' attacks all day, finally withdrawing behind the St. Quentin and the Oiso Canal. According to prisoners, some German divisions lost fifty per cent, of their sirengfh yesterday." Enemy Failed to Reach a Single Objective. The United Press correspondent says:—"The British aro holding the Germans everywhere, and driving them back at some places. The enemy has not reached a single objective. We captured a map which shows that their objectives included llerniies and Achiet-le-PeMt. A British counter-attack with Hanks yesterday evening expelled tlie Germans from Doignies, which tho British occupy this morning. The Germans have not used tanks on this front thus far. Tho enemy's attack was carried out with tremendous BtrengETi, at least nineteen divisions bo far having been identified, including Rome Guards. The artillery opened at 5 o'clock in the morning, the infantry in tlireo waves attacked at 8.30, and then came specially-trained divisional storm, troops. The. enemy beforo 10.20 had made a strong series of attacks isf.ride the Canal du Nord and the whole front to the north-west as far as : 3uDcaonrt, inclusive. He had succeeded by noon ; n penetrating our first, ind second systems on a section in the northern front attack. From Bonrsies, inclusive, to the Canal du Nord tho attack was repulsed. Eastvard of the canal ho obtained a footinjr on a narrow front in the British ine trench. Tho Germans at 5 o'clock in the afternoon attacked heavily :o the north-west from Fontaine and Croisilles, hut our machine-guns mowid them down, holding up the attack. The weather was foggy throughout the day." Aeroplanes Take Part in the Fighting. In a later message the correspondent states: —"The fighting continues m the entire front. When the fog lifted this afternoon the advancing Sormans made the finest target. Aeroplanes on both sides swarmed out", ighting each other and engaging tho troops on the ground. Prince Rispirecht is huiling unprecedented massos forward. Six divisions havo already Jeon identified on a eevon-mile fi;ont northward of tho Oise, while above

this, along a twelve-mile front, eight more have, been identified. The enemy is now pressing hardest on the British right, lie has succeeded in gaining somo ground, though tho general situation, is hazy. It is reported wo have taken some German guns ; but it is too early to state the number. Tho German storm-troops crossed No Man's Land in thick waves, the officers behind forcing them to keep a straight line. They became cannon fodder when they reached our wire." "Cermany Will Find More Than Her Match." The French military writer, M. Marcel Hutin, writing from Paris, states that Prince Eupprecht has considerable reserves, including the finest divisions of fiie Prussian Guard. 'Die attacking of sucli a vast front is -an indication that the Germans counted on an important initial success* It cannot yet be affirmed whether Germany is determined to play a decisive role here; but she will find more than her match.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Enemy Cains "of No Real Strategic Importance, neuter's correspondent at British Headquarters says:—"The offensive ie proceeding. The weather is glorious. Definite details arc still unobtainable. Despite cur giving ground under-the unprecedented weight of men and guns, the enemy gains are nowhere of real strategic importance. Tho withdrawal everywhere was carried out in .111 orderly manner, after exacting a fearful price. Our airmen report that the ground in the enemy's rear is strewn with grey corpses. It has been noted that all the attacking troops were clad in new '.nuforms, and it is remc'iliored in that regard that, Von Hindonburg boasted that he would be in Paris on Anril 1. Anyway, he is certainly essaying to break through in record time, and ss the divisions melt away under the torrents of shells and bullets fresh ones r.re flung in. Forty enemy divisions, including four_Guards divisions, have been identified.. In the front line attack by last night already somo troops had been relieved. British Troops Withstand the Ordeal Magnificently. "Itespousible quarters are gratified at tho magnificent manner in which our troops are withstanding the ordeal. Not a single division has failed or faltered. Against one sector of 10,000 yards it has been estimated that the Germans employed one gun for every fifteen yards, not counting trench mortars. It is noteworthy that some actual retirements were made only upon orders after the troops had held the trenches intact through a whole day of violent assaults. The first dense waves of yesterday's attacks were frequently heldup by our wire. The Germans halted, but hacked their way tlirough, whilst ou'r riflemen and gunners were making veritable shambles of tho The enemy fought with sturdy valour, for his picked divisions were participating. At one place eight German divisions attacked a front held by eight battalions. Our front line here had been destroyed by the weight of metal, but supports achieved a great defence, and not only* held tho_ enemy, but compelled the withdrawal yesterday evening of some of their divisions. The Germans lost a certain number of guns through entering our barrage. Gas shells have been largely used. We am employing projectors, and neutralising whole battories thereby."—Reutor. Enemy's Initial Successes Not Creater Than Anticipated. Mr. H. Perry Robinson eays:— "Below the main Camhrai front an enormous number of troops were used. In all, something like one-third of tho whole German Army was engaged. The first attack penetrated our front line on considerable sectors. At others, where we held liim completely, -we drew back with comfort. Tho retirement elsewhere on this part of the front is general. Fighting has now been resumed on this reserve line. Nowhero were the initial successes greater than anticipated. Our machine-guns and field guns decimated the solid masses at close range. Eastward of Flcsquieres the attack was a total failure. South of St. Queiitin one division boat off six enemy divisions, and withdrew reluctantly. The meri were worn out with mere slaughtering. There was a scono of bloody fighting at Deciorisy and Noreuil, where nine German divisions on a 12,000 yards' front succeeded in advancing 3000 vards, but suffered enormously. An adjoining attack iras wiped out on No Man's Land. Succeeding waves were also killed. When finally the troops fell back with' the right, others continued fisrhting, holding the. advancing waves in check. Following the stubborn afternoon fieht on the reserve line the enemy advance at Fontaine Wood and in the Sensee Valley was completely checked with great losses. The fiercest battle is now racing on tho front from Beaumetz, Morchies, and Valux to Vraucourt. The whole battle has hardly begun. Not the Smallest Sign of a Break Through. "It is necessary to be very sane and temperate in attempting a judgment on an operation fraught with such grave' , -issues. The Germans attacked with tremendous strength and gained ground, prisoners and guns. We also have taken prisoners. Our line, if withdrawn, holds absolutely firm on the whole front, and there is not the smallest sign yet of any break through; The morale of the British troops is magnificent. The enemy's losses are vastly in excess of ours. The Germans will, of course, trumpet a gigantic victory, but we are just as cool as when the attack began, and have left nothing ■undone to secure victory."—"The Times." PARIS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN SHELLED March 24, 5.5 p.m.) • London, March 23. The Germans are firing at Paris with long-range guns. The Germans, using 240-millimetre (noarly 10 inches) guns, killed many people in Paris. The shells travelled sixty miles. Paris was under bombardment for ' nine hours continuously.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, , . (Eec. March 24, 11.20 p.m.) Paris, March 23. An official report, states:—"The enemy is shelling Paris suburbs with a long-range 340-millimetre (nearly 14 inches) gun, firing every quarter of an hour. A dozen people were killed and fifteen wounded. Counter-measuree are being taken.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reutcr. - DOUBTS CAST ON THE REPOKT. ; i 'Sec. March 24, 5.25 p.m.) New York, March 23. American experts, suggest that there is some error about the long-range bombardment, though it is officially given out in Paris. Guns of a-sixty-mile range have been unknown hitherto.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AEROPLANE RAID ON PARIS (Rec. March 24, 11.20 p.m.) Paris, March 23. An official report states:—"Several enemy aeroplanes flew over Paris at 8.30 this morning. There were several casualties. They were chased off by our airmen. 'All clear' was announced at 4.20 this afternoon."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. • ■'■'•' '-' ; BRITISH BOMBARDMENT OF OSTEND . London, March 22, 1.5 a.m. The New Zealand High Commissioner reports:—The Admiralty reports: ."Ostend was successfully bombarded by the British." C' AMERICA BUILDING AN IMMENSE NUMBER OF BATTLEPLANES . Washington, March 22. Aviation officials state that by September the .United,(States will have completed more than twice the number of battleplanes now used by Germany and the Allies on the West front.—Aus .-N.Z. Cable Assn."