THE WAR

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 October 1916, Page 3

THE WAR

[ELECTRIC TELKGItAI'H—COPYRIGHT.J (Australia-New Zealand Cable Service.) SIR DOUGLAS BAIG'S RIEVIEW. London, October 19. Sir Douglas Haig, summing up the operations since the last summary in the area between Thiepval and Le fe'ars, says:—"We have gradual/ly won a series of isttrong positions. The fighting lias been heavy and prolonged. Ihe enemy resisted stubbornly until surrounded in one place after another and large numbers were taken prisoner. We had to repel repeated coun-ter-attack". Generally these were stopped by artillery and machine gun fire, but where the enemy traversed our barrage and leachedi our lines he was thrown back by rifle fire with lituvy l; ss;s. Once or twice he gainid a foothold in our trench. Then lie was promptly driven out with the bayonet. Prisoners taken since tho i>j «ri:iniiicr . ,f July number 28,918. One of our divisions which previously had had many diys of hard fighting took pii oner in action on October 7th, rig' t offi<vr<s and 474 men. A- capture 1 document from German headquarters i t acknowledging the superiority of the British airmen, suggests methods of re-organization whereby [ it is hoped possible, at least for some fiours to contest tho Allies' supremacy of the air. Assisted by aeroplanes our artilery maintained a clear superiority over the eneiny. It supported the infantry and disorganized arrangements behind the enemy's front lines. It also hindered the arrival of rescuers and supplies and allowed him no rest during the day or night. Our airships materially assist in wearing down the morale of the enemy, and are vital to success in battle. The infantry has shown endurance and devotion. The captured documents bear clear testimony to the effect of our continuous artillery fire, and dash and discipline of the infantry attacks and the quality of the men." '

THE WEST FRONT. Londonj October '19. •Sir Douglas Haig reports:— There was heavy rain all morning. We slightly advanced our line at ißutte de Warlencourt. Our barrage stopped a counter-attack. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. London, Oct. 19. North of the Somme the Germans vainly attacked this afternoon the French • lines northwards andi eastward of Sailly Sailliscl. Our artillery fire: broke up the waves of assault causing appreciable losses. Southward of the Somme we made progress between Biaches and La Maisonette.

The comparative lull on the Somme continues. Nevertheless the offensive is progressing the whole time, as the big guns are slowly creeping nearer to the German positions. It takes immense labour to construct roads and railway tracks whereby the guns may be brought up. The capture of Sailly Sa.il liisel is most important, as the Germans had installed numerous ma-chine-guns, which greatly hampered the British advance at Le Transloy. RUMANIA'S TROUBLE. London, October 20. Though in some quarters it is considered that Rumania has passed the corner. some correspondents declare that the crisis has not yet permanently passed, as the Germans will surely continue to send reinforcements while the 1 weather permits. A confident feeling prevails in Bucharest military circles.