STORIES OF THE GREAT DEFENCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 191, 2 May 1918, Page 5

STORIES OF THE GREAT DEFENCE

HOW THE GERMAN ONSET WAS SMASHED London, April 30. Mr. Pereival Phillips writes: "Tho Ihreo days' lull preceding to-day's attack was obviously duo to tho interchange of German divisions, the rear, rangement r f artillery, and the necessity for carefully planning the next step in tho offensive against tho coast. It is apparent that the cneiny cannot afford to hold tho iino on Kemmol while we are on tho neighbouring heights. lie must have them without delay. Locro was tho first of to-day's objectives. The enemy gained ground on the plain, but was unable to push beyond the village. The French counter-attacked in tho morning and restored tho original line. Tho Belgians, though hard pressed, ijavo no ground. Tho enemy was hero confronted. by marshes, which made bis move, ments difficult and costly. ' The Germans aru pressing tho attack everywhere with iho greatest determination. During tho early fighting around the canal to tho east of Voormesseelc tho enemy tried to drive to tho north, but failed completely. Tho Borderers repelled four attacks beforo eleven in the morning, without giving a foot of ground. The Germans made an effort to drive a wedge between Schornenbcrg and Mont Rouge, and reached tlio crossroads to the north of Locro, but the French drove them back. Tho enemy's artillery firo is moro intense than in previous attacks. Evidently now heavy batteries have como'into position." One of Hindenburg's Worst Days. A United Press correspondent writes: "Yesterday was one of Hindenburg's worst days since tho commencement of tho offensive. Tho magnificent dnsh of tho French in recovering tho wholo of Locro and tho Locro hospital eastward of Mont Houge put the enemy into a, nasty pocket at the crossroads, known as 'Hyde Park Cornar.' It is doubtful if the Gormans still hold the crossroads. Marshall's attempt against the Belgians astride '.he Ypres-Staden railway yestcr. day pushed in 6omo outposts, but was thwarted 011 the main lino in tne vicinity of the canal. Tho British 25th, 19th, and 21st divisions further south repulsed ten attacks, tho 2otli alono smashing three by 10 o'clock and four by noon. Tha French stopped approximately the same number." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.