A COMPARATIVELY QUIET DAY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 168, 5 April 1918, Page 5

A COMPARATIVELY QUIET DAY

AYETTE IN BRITISH HANDS ANXIETY IN GERMANY OVER HEAVY LOSSES The New Zealand High Commissioner reports: ■ _ London, April 8, 1.20 p.m. _ bir Douglas Haig reports: "In the neighbourhood of Ayette, which now 13 . 0 "«» we have taken a hundred prisoners and three machine-guns. In the neighbourhood of Fampoux a strong and determined enemy attack was repulsed, a number of the enemy being killed or taken prisoner."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. . ■ By Telegraph-Press AMociation-Copirjjlit (Rec. April 4, 8 p.m.) ' ■ ' . _ ' London, April 3. bir Douglas Haig reports: "The whole front is comparatively quiet. There was local fighting last night and this morning in the neighbourhood of J?euchy and Hebuterne.' Many of the enemy were killed and we captured ■ machine-guns and prisoners."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. THE SITUATION UNCHANGED.'' (Rec. April 4, 8 p.m.) '~_._ London, April 3, 11.45 p.m. ■ lhe Tress Bureau reports that the situation is unchanged.—Aus -N Z Cable Assn.-Reuter. BRITISH AIRMEN HARASS ENEMY TROOPS AND TRANSPORT AMERICAN , AVIATORS ■ RENDER INVALUABLE SERVICE. (Rec. April 4, 8.20 p.m.) en i tt • i • . London, April 3. feir Douglas Haig's aviation report states: "We'harassed enemy troops and transport with bombs and machine-guns. Hostile aeroplanes were active between Albert and Moreuil. We brought down 21 aeroplanes and three balloons. Seven of our machines are missing. Our night-bombers dropped four and a half tons on hostile billets and troops. The American air service during the past fortnight has rendered invaluable , service."—Aus -N Z Cable Assn.-R'euter. ' POSITION SOMEWHAT IMPROVED WHOLE FRONT REACHED A POSITION OF STABILITY MASSES OP ENEMY TROOPS GREATLY CONGESTED (Rec. April i, 7 p.m.) ..'.,. London, April 3. A high military authority" writes "There is no material change in the situation. We have somewhat improved our position, whilst the whole front irom Arras to the Oise has reached a position of stability after the recent series of gigantic battles. We still have the 1918 season in front of us, and it is futile to suppose that the operations have ended because the enemy for the time being, is checked. Two main masses of the enemy divided by the bomme are greatly congested, necessitating the enemy having to reduce the situation to some sort of order. This congestion is particularly severe in the northern area, where the splendid work of the Third Army enabled our more deliberate -withdrawal, and inflicting great punishment on the enemy.' As an instance of how we ietarded tho enemy advance, we blew up two enormous mines, and as wo fell back we mined the road between the craters, and it is now one enormous crater, into which our artillery is firing day and night, preventing ,the Germans bringing up divisions with iron rations. The Replacing of exhausted divisions has now reached a point where this process is inapplicable, and the enemy must devise means to bring up supplies of food and munitions a greater distance. . Although we have checked the enemy definitely, we must remember that he bas employed so far about half his army on the Western front. The ; enemy is probably sending up fresh divisions and sending down the tired ones. Ho may claim that he broke through the British prepared positions, and think that ho can now repeat the performance against the improvised ones, but the readjustment of the battlefield is only a matter of time. It is certain that the German losses were very considerably heavier than ours in our withdrawals. Many of our aerodromes , have been, destroyed but we had improvised new ones further back It might'still be said that we are a long way from haying the command of the air. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GALLANT FIGHT OF THE 51st DIVISION. o . . iic, London, April 3. Stories are narrated of the most gallant stands of the various divisions. The Germans were thrilled by the fighting of the 51st Division against great odds whilst astride the Bapaume-Cambrni,Rond. The Division fought the enemy to a standstill, and then received the following message attached to a paper balloon, sent up by the Germans : "Good old 51st, sticking it still, cheero! —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. INVALUABLE SERVICE OF CAREY'S CORPS. (Rec. April 4, 7 p.m.) "„ , _ London, April 3. Carey's Corps, under the command of Major-General Sandeman Carey, composed of labour men, mechanics, and signallers,'fought not for hours but days, on the eft of the Fifth Army. Under Major-General Carey's wonderful leadership and pluck, the men rendered invaluable services.—Au's.-NZ Cable Assn.TERRIFIC SLAUGHTER OF GERMANS DEAD AND WOUNDED PILED IN HEAPS AT HEBUTERNE. 'iiv At -711 , , ~ London, April 3. Australian and New Zealand wounded soldiers in London relate stories of the terrific slaughter of Germans. The Australians at Hebuterno after capturing German patrols, took up their positions in the trendies and were undisturbed for twenty-four hours. Then they were attacked by thick waves of Germans, who presented a magnificent mark against the setting sun. Tho first wave was decimated, i.ut the Germans repeatedly re-formed and attacked in fresh waves. The dead and wounded were piled in heaps, but the fight continued all night. It is estimated that there were two thousand casualties when the enemy retired. The New Zealanders, who were holding tho flank, were similarly successful in beating back attacks.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. i THE GERMAN INFANTRY CASUALTIES. (Rec. April 4, 11.5 p.m.) London, April 4. Calculations based upon captured data respecting fifteen divisions suggest that the total German infantry casualties are probably between a quarter nf a million and three hundred thousand.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE PROSPECTS OF A SECOND OFFENSIVE TERRIFIC ATTACK PREDICTED. London, April 3. The newspapers comment reservedly on the prospects of a second offensive.. The "Pall Mall Gazette" states that there could not he a greater delusion than to regard the crisis as over. The Germans havo tested tho Allies' line at all points and havo doubtless chosen tho point supposed to be weakest for a terrific attack which will probably ho the most formidable ever delivered, backed by great reserves, the heaviest artillery, and the cream of tho air service.—Aus.-N.Z.. Cable Assn. FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORTS ARTILLERY ACTIVITY INCREASING IN THE SOOTH i London, April 3. A French communique states: "There is growing reciprocal artillery activity on the southern front. An enomy attack south, of Moreuil, between Moreuil and Mailly-R'aineval, gained a footing at one point of our advanced line.. Elsewhere it was repulsed. We also repulsed an attack north of Nollet. By a minor operation north of Plemont we have widened our positions."— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Renter. (Rec. April 4, 8.20 p.m.) London, April 4, 12.80 a.m. A French communique states: "There has been no infantry action today. The artillery duel has continued somewhat violent in the region north of Montdidier, especially jbetween Demuin and Hangard-en-Santerre."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Keuter. RAID BY FRENCH AIRMEN. London, April 3. A French communique states: 'Our air squadrons on March 31 dropped 12,000 kilogrammes of explosives on the railway and cantonments 'at Ham, Chauny, and Noyon. A great fire was caused at the railway station at Chaulnes."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. A GERMAN LONG-RANGE GUN BLOWN UP. Paris, April 3. Prisoners report that one of the long-range guns blew up and killed five gunners.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE GERMAN REPORT "STRONG ENEMY ATTACKS DRIVEN BACK" CLERMONT-AMIENS RAILWAY UNDER ARTILLERY FIRE (Rec. April 4, 8 p.m.) ; London, April 3. A German official report states: "Our counter-attacks repulsed a nocturnal English, thrust against Ayette. Strong enemy forces attacked in the evening between Marcelcave and Luce, and were heavily driven hack. We took possession of a_ height south-westof Moreuil. Our successful thrust south-west of Hizbach brought prisoners."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (R«c. April 4, 7 p.m.) Amsterdam, April 3. A Berlin semi-official report claims that Compiegne and the railway connecting Clermont and Amiens are under fire, and that airmen are bombarding Compiegne and Soissons.—United Service. A RUSSIAN LEGION BEING FORMED. • (Rec. April 4, 8.20 p.m.) London, April 4. The Press Bureau states: The Russian General Lohvicky, who is serving in France, is forming a Russian legion of volunteers to fight against the Central Powers until a lawful Russian Government, recognised by the Allies, makes peace conjointly with the latter.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reutor. WITH THE NEW ZEALANDERS CHANGED CONDITIONS OF WARFARE DESCRIPTION OF THE HEBUTERNE ATTACK (Special from the New Zealand Official "War Correspondent, Captain Malcolm Ross,) ~,, .. By cable—March 27. lhe New Zealanders are now in the great battle. They wero keen to take part in it, and one unit when told they were to trek south received the announcement with cheers. To-day -I have been watching the different units' concentration. The men look well, aro keen, and in good form and spirits, though rather tired with marching. They look forward to some good shooting amongst the oncoming masses of the Germans. „ ', . Later. Our men have como m contact with the enemy, and so far have been successful. They havo already taken prisoners and killed and wounded others. A War of Movement. _ 7 , March 28. We aro right m tho biggest battle in the world's history. <It is a war of movement such as we have never yet seen. Everyone is keen and the interest is intense. So rapid are our moves that I have little time for writing at present. Even Divisional Headquarters Staffs havo been snatching brie! intervals of sleep and food when they can. 'Scarcely anyone has had his clothes or even boots off for three dnye and nights, but everyono is cheerful and hard at work. Already much has been accomplished. The difficulties of concentration were rapidly ovorcome. Our troops filled a gap and established a front lino without any loss of time. The artillery now is moving np—indeed in our own limited sphere we have achieved a triumph of rapid organisation. Some of tho units marched 24 miles, and after only a brief lying out on tho cold'ground without blankets went straight into action. Not only that, but they have beaten tho enemy back from advanced positions that ho was endeavouring to hold by machine-guns and rifle fire. When onr men got to close quarters with the enemy at ono place he ran for his life, except where ho had strong points with machine-guns. Yesterday the Now Zealanders captured over ,40 prisoners and 11 machine-guns. Strange Fulfilment of a German Promise. "Prisoners state they were told that after they had advanced fifteen kilometres they would be withdrawn, and they were going eyes out to do the distance in quick timo, and had already done ten kilometres when they bumped up against the Now Zealanders. Then tho promise made to them was fulfilled, and they wero withdrawn—but it was not to the German sido of the line thoy wont. Since then other prisoners have been trickling in. An hour ago I passed between thirty and forty coming through a village that was even then under shell-fire. Some of tho prisoners are sturdy fellows, but a few are mere 1 boys. Wherever they had machine-guns they fought determinedly. Great Endurance and Indomitable Spirit Displayed. March 28. Having advanced to fill a place in the lino, the New Zealanders established themselves on the front, and wore ready to attempt to stem tho German rush in that particular section. Too much praise cannot ho accorded our troops for what in the first instance they have accomplished under exceptional difficulties. After a long journey they came, some by motor transport and some on foot, a long distance to the concentration point. Thonce they marched further miles straight into the firing line, and were almost at once engaged with the enemy. In some instances they did this without practically any rest, proving their great endurance and' indomitable spirit. Enemy Attacks Driver. Off with Loss. Yesterday the enemy attacked our line at two places. In each instance the onslaught was met with uiiflinohing courage and the enemy driven off with loss. Last night one of our units was again at close grips with the enemy, who advanced boldly and established himself in a small section of our line. This morning between 5 and Q o'clock the artillery on our front came into action in order to stave oft other threatened attacks. ' Apparently this bombardment had the desired result, for the enemy did not come on, anil any concentration he may have had in the area must'have suffered severely, for in this open country cover is scarce. Our own artillery performed a notable feat. After marching between 30 and 40 miles they went straight into action, and were shooting the same day. Tanks rendered material assistance as we wero taking up our line. At the moment we seem to have gained a slight mastery over the enemy, but further attacks on our line on his part may be expected. Tho long spell of fine weather, which has favoured the attackers, has now broken, with cold wind and rain. I The New Zoalanders' Front Secure, March 30. ■ The weather has again cleared, so that the enemy will not be unduly hampered in getting up his guns and ammunition. Up to the present, tho front the New Zealanders have established remains secure, and there is no gap through which tho enemy can advance unhindered. He will he met with artillery, machine-sun, and rifle fire, and also with trench mortars and ordinary bombs. Yesterday two brigades of the enemy were reported advancing in close formation, but our guns got on to them, and they disappeared into a valley from which thoy did not emerge. A further concentration this morninp; was also promptly broken up by artillery fire. In illustration of the nature of the present warfare, it is worth mentioning that at one. part of the British line this morning a General and a Chief of Staff, with an A.D.C. and orderlies, reconnoitred the forward positions on horseback, galloping across the country close up to the observation points, from which they wild closely examine large portions of tho battle area. It was reminiscent of the old South African days or of a ride on manoeuvres during; peace time. The Operations at Hebutema Described. After a qiret night; the Now Zoalanders attacked part of the enemy front-line system this afternoon. The result was to straighten out their own lino and to obtain better observation. Tho troops engaged wero from the Riilo Brigade and the Wellington and Auoldaud Regiments. The operations commenced at 2 p.m., with .a bombardment by field guns and heavy artillery. In two minutes our men were over the top, and five minutes later a party on tho left reported that their objective was gained. Our shells burst with good effect in thn enemy territory, hut his reply was somewhat fr.oble, uidiratint; a possible shortage of ammunition or that he had not yet heeii able to get up much of his artillery. From tho right front came considerable machinegun lire, but this gradually died down, and then ceased altogether. Very soon the Wellingtons reported that the-j had their whole objective. The Rifle* got well into an enemy strong point, hut thore was a gap on one side, with

the enemy in an intervening part of the trench. A rigorous bombing fight ensued. The Germans stuck to it well, but in tho end our men proved themselves tliQ better lighters, and the wholo trench was won. Attack Completely Successful. Prisoners began to come bnok in considerable numbers, indicating complete success on our part. Every German who resisted was killed; all the others were, made prisoner. By tho time tho fight was over we had captured Mi prisoners, 40 machine-guns, and one light mine-thrower. The total of prisoners since the operations began now numbers 410, a splendid result for such limited operations. The enemy was token by surprise. Among the prisoners was a forward observing officer, who was asleep when tho attack began. ' An Extraordinary Spectacle. Our men are having what they describe as tho time of their lives. In order to increase their fighting efficiency, they came into battle without packs and overcoats, though most had their leather jerkins and waterproof sheets. The nights were bitterly cold, and, as a good deal of rain had fallen, they got rather wet and muddy. The relieved men behind the front line present an extraordinary, and even amusing Epoctacle, clothed in a variety of garments salved from the battlefield. Soino are- wearing Gorman overcoats, others overcoats of the labour battalions, who have gono further back, and oven civilian corduroy. Yesterday one hnmorist, a {pinner, clad in khaki, but wearing a tall silk hat, was unloading ammunition, apparently unconscious of we amusement ho was creating. Needless to say, the Maori battalion, which is energetically digging in the support line, 'is not behindhand in this new phase of open operations. Officers and Men In High Spirits. Officers and nioa are in. high spirits. Ono young officer has been distinguishing himself by taking a bombing party, complete in detail, up the German saps in search of adventure. In the darkness the other night some animal was seen dimly wandβring just beyond the front line. Before takin" action it was thought desirable to get a proper identification. "If," said a second lieutenant, "it's a bullock, we'll shoot him. If it's a cow we'll make her prisoner and milk her." The spirit of our men is splendid. Many go up from the support to the front line just to seo what is doing. Biscuits, bully beef, and even fresh meat and bread and jam find their way to. the firing line, and the water supply is well maintained. A lorry load of cigarettes has arrived. _ Our mails are coming from London, and altogether things are much brighter than might be expected during what our men humorously describe as "The Retreat from Moscow." Some Strange Rumours. Strange rumours fly from end to end of the line. One was that Americans had taken Ostend. A New Zealand subaltern sent a message to his superior officer to know if there was any truth in it, and promptly back came the reply: "Yes; and we are now marching on Archangel." Thus it will bo seen that fun and the spirit of novel adventure, which are characteristics of our men, provide an appropriate light to the shade of grim tragedy that is inseparable from any battlfield. March 31. . Last night passed quietly. The aun is again shining. Everyone is elated with yesterday's success. Reinforcements to fill the gaps mado by casualties are marching up, and the strength of the force will be well maintained. Congratulatory Messages. April 2. "Wannest congratulations upon your fine success of yesterday," runs a telegram from another divisional commander at the battlefront to the General Commanding the New Zealand Division. Congratulations have aiso bsen received from army and corps commanders with whom we had previously been fighting. At present our front is comparatively quiet, but- our roll of prisoners and machine-guns steadily increases. The King while in the battle zone the other day saw the New Zealand reinforcements marching up. Our whole force is in good heart. THE QUIETEST DAY YET ENEMY TEMPORARILY ABANDONS HIS AMIENS EFFORTS EVIDENCE OF THE ENEMY'S GREAT LOSSES (Itec. April 4, 11.5 p.m.) ' . . . 1 London, April 4. Mr. H. Perry Robinson, writing at 1.40 a.m., says yesterday was the quietest day yet. The enemy has temporarily abandoned his Amiens efforts, and also seems to realise that our line is firm from the Somme to the Ancre at Albert. The artillery firing on the Scarpe suggests a renewed attack on Arras and Vimy. The Germans are digging -in industriously in other parts. Fresh captured documents and prisoners' statements endorse- the reports of the great enemy losses, averaging 40 to 60 per cent, of the effectives in fifteen divisions. The roginients have been reduced from 50 to 60. One regiment lost 800 men at Arras, and others were annihilated.—"The Times." Successful Minor Operations. Mr. Percival Phillips writes: "We succeeded in several minor offensive operations beween Arras and Albert. The enemy succeeded in none, and would have been content to remain quiet, but our men insist on attacking and raiding villages and harrying the infantry, which is trying to dig in in favourable ground while awaiting drafts and further orders." German Reserves' Forced Night Marches. The "Morning Post's" correspondent on the French front says the Germans during the advance brought up their reserves mainly by forced night marches, ono division •undertaking eight consecutively. The prisoners are mostly young. Their morale is good, but they complained of lack of food, owing tq ammunition having preference of transport. They confirm the statement that tho losses wore slight during the first two days, but tremendous subsequently. The French military authorities anticipate fluctuations between Lassigny and Montdidier, but do not entertain the possibility of the Germans breaking tho line.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. German Losses Disquieting the Fatherland. Renter , r correspondent _nt the French front gives an idea of the German losses, which are already disquieting the Fatherland. He says that the statements of prisoners have been carefully checked, and they show that the losses in several German divisions which the correspondent names, chiefly Guards and Bavarians, ranged from 25 to 45, and even 75 per cent, of their strength.—Renter. BRIGADING OF AMERICAN TROOPS PROOF OF AMERICA'S SINGLENESS OF PURPOSE GREAT' ENTHUSIASM AT THE FRONT London, April 3. The brigading cf the American troops with the British, and their taking an immediate fighting hand in the war, has created intense interest at the front. Officers and men are immensely pleased with tho announcement, whion has aroused as much enthusiasm as_ a big enemy defeat. Britieh officers declare that if proof of American singleness of purpose were needed this merging of identity with English and French units furnishes it in the most dazzling fashion. The' Canadians especially are pleased. Everybody believes that Von Ludendorff's taunt, that the Americans do not count because they can neither swim nor fly, will soon bo rammed down his throat.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

HASTENING FOBWABD REINFORCEMENTS. New York, April 3. The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times" states that the President is resolved that reinforcements shall go to France faster than under the present arrangement. The United Press correspondent at Washington states:—America will send the hest-traTned divisions direct to Franco'; others will go to England for the completion of their training.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. {