STORIES FROM THE BATTLEFIELD

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 7, 3 October 1918, Page 6

STORIES FROM THE BATTLEFIELD

THE CANAL CROSSING

FURTHER DETAILS OF GREAT EXPLOIT

(Rec. October,2, 5.30 p.m.) London, October 1. Sir. Keith Murdoch, writing from Australian' Headquarters on September 30, says: "Tiie great battle begun yesterday sundered the Mindenburg line for a distance of three miles on our front, which, combined with the successes at Cambrni, is certain to hare a far-reaching effoiti" Referring to the feat of the English troops at tho crossing of the canal, he says: "They succeeded in a seemingly impossible task. This daring crossing of the steep-banked tunnelled entrenched canal was one of the finest feats of the war. The men 'went out equipped with lifebelts, ladders, light bridges, and things like firemen's apparatus. Other divisions thought they would be compelled to abandon the attempt and work northwards, filtering through the gap mad 6 by the American mid Australian advance, buti not so tliis division, which was confident throughout. Thej; took 4000 prisoners. 'At tho same moment that these British troops advanced the Americans started behind the barrage, accompanied by nearly a hundred tanks for a cfetant objective. Every battalion was full of .hope and enthusiastic confidence. Theirs wa3 one of tho hardest jobs that could bo given to comparatively inexperienced troops. Tlic German positionn here seemed to be absolutely brittle. The old wire belts of tho Hindonburg linowere broken through, the artillery had cut lanes through it, and tho tanks broke further pathways. Bitter fighting followed, resulting in the capture of Nauroy, thus seizing the second line cf the Hindenburg system. The Australians marched through this gap four hours later with their own artillery, equipped for a now battle, and linked tip between, the Americans'and the British. All day and all. night long fighting continued round Nauroy and the Hindenburg system to the northwest. The number of German dead shows the bitterness of the fighting. It is believed that 500 prisoners, sent back by the Americans from Goiiy, freed themselves on the , way* back, joined others from dug-outs, and filterthrough the valleys down the eld trench systems, and thus regarrisoned some positions. Tho German fighting was skilful, resourceful, mid brave. One machine-gunner is holding out noar Quennemont Farm. His pat-pat of fire can be heard every,few minutes, hut though nearly surrounded lie remains uncnvght. The Australian losses wore light, but the Americans, with prodigal bravery, generosity, _ great clash, and enthusiasm, shed their blood j-esly."—United 'Service. AMERICAN SENATE ■ VOTES OUT WOMAN. SUFFRAGE PRESIDENT "WILSON WRITES TO THE' OPPOSITION MEMBERS. (Rec> ■ October 3, 0.30.a.m.) " Washington, October 1. By a vote , -of fifty-three against thirtyone, file Senate •''ailed "to accord tho necessary two-thirds majority for the resolution ifa\winiiig the adoption of Mr. Anthony's a n.tendment to the Constitution .provWiiig ■for woman suffrage. President "\Vil3 an has written to tho opposition memb srs, asking them to changi , their attitude. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.' NORWAY : ANDTKE U-BOATS PBOTEOTITE , MINEFIELD IN TERRITORIAL WATERS. (R(sc. October 2, 7.35 p.m.) Oft? istianla, October 1. Norway is laying mines in territorial waters as : jv protection against German submarines.—Reuter.. INDIAN GOVERNORSHIPS APPOINTMENTS :■ TO BOMBAY AND .MADRAS.. (Rec. October 2, 7.45 p.m.). ', lonticn, October 1. The Press Bureau states; that Captain George Lloyil, M.P., has been appointed Governor; of Bombay, in succession to Lord Willingdon, who becomes Governor of Madras, in succession to Lord Pentlaud.—Ans.-N.Z. Cable Assm.-Reut°r. BRITISH MINISTRY OF INFORMATION (Rec. Oc'tcfer 2, 7.35 p.m.) {.ondon, October 1. Mr. Roderick Jogies lias resigned tho position of Chief o'r' Staff at.the Ministry of Information. Mr, Arnold. Bennett (the well-known, author) will succeed him.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable'Assn. CLYDE SHIPWRIGHTS RESUME (Rec. October 2, 10,40 p.mi) London, October 1. The Clyde siripnraghl's resumed.* work to-day.—Reuter. BRITISH REVENUE (Rec. October 2, 10UO p.nr,) London, October 1. The quarter's revenue totalled £187,667,338. The Customs- leU'rucl £24,698,000; excise, £14',t8a,000 ; stamps, £2,993,000; income tax, £34,545,000; excess profits tax, £70,723,000. MINE ACCIDENT AT JOHANNESBURG NINETEEN PEOPLE KILLED. (Rec. October 2, 7.45 p.m.) Capo Town, October .1. An accident in tho East Rand Pro-; prietary mine at Johannesburg 1 cause} by tho overwinding skip breaking its. shackle, killed nineteen natives .ind seriously •■■injured twenty.—Aus.-ij? .Z. ; Cable Assn.