THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1917, Page 2

THE WESTERN FRONT.

PROGRESS REPORT. rACSTBALTIN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION & .REUTER.] LONDON, June 11. General Haig reports considerable reciprocal artillerying southward of Ypres and eastward of Epehey, where we dispersed hostile assemblies. We successfully raided southward of La Bassee, damaging trenches and mine galleries. Wo also raided eastward of Vereolles and southward of Armentieres.

Wo slightly advanced our line southward of Messines.

A FRENCH REPORT.

LONDON, J/une 11

A French communique reports considerable reciprocal artillerying north of the Somme and the region of Cer-ne-T -

GENERAL FLUMER’S THANKS

FOR FIN® WORK DONE.

QENEROUS PRAISE.

(LONDON, June 11

General ’Plwjmelr complimented all ranks on their solditrly conduct resulting the capture of Messines Ridge. The precision with which orders were carried out enabled the programme to he fulfilled to the last detail with a min 'imum of losses.

A wounded witness points out that the complexity of the plans leading up to tho battle shows only an estimate to be made of the part played by Australians and New Zealanders but it discloses the brilliance of their achievement. Although Messines will be historic as a most gigantic artillery and engineering ifiotory the mighty concussions would have accomplished little unless the troops had followed up, taking possession of thedesolatcd land.

Tlie Now Zealanders had been give n the most prominent mention because they were the first to enter Messines The Australians do not grudge them the honour for the Australians likewise had a definite part. They attacked and penetrated as far eastward as any of the English regiments which attacked on the northern half of tlie salient. The Australians and New Zealanders were responsible for the southern half. The New Zealanders faced the ridge at the point of the greatest rise opposite Messines. Two distinct bodies of Australians were engaged. The first which had q long record of fighting in France acted in support of troops behind tl\e Now Zealanders also supporting the English upon the New Zealanders left The other Australian body was given a complete stunt advancing unassisted at 'the southern, end of tho salient upon the New Zealanders’ ngm. These Australians had not boon long in France and won their first laurels They attacked with wonderful coolness and advanced steadily under the heaviest shell fire.

The officers are of opinion that the mine burst put the hoys in good humour and the whole line moved forward in the highest spirits. The New Zealanders, having seen Messines go skyward with tho great explosion, did not stop until they took the . trench line easward of the village, which was discovered to be a mass of bricks and broken walls although some houses are still habitable despite the ravages of many bombardments and the final mining upheaval. A few nerve shattered Germans crawled from the ruins and surrendered. The New Zealanders consolidated the position an dawaited the next stage of the operation. 1 lie Second 'Body of the Australians on their right had already made good pro gross on the flatter ground. The afternoons operations consisted of taking the two main trench lines farther eastward. The Australians supporting troops advanevod in wonderful ordor up tho ridge through a lively barrage ofheav y shells and passed tho New Zealanders and passed through them ,according to time-table. Then the Australians jumped off and carried out the attack allotted to them. Tho British guns continued to wreck tho trenches which the Australians were approaching,, tho restilt being that the enemy failed to show fight. The attackers found a few occupants. The Australians hastily consolidated the position.. The southern body of Australians meantime bad completed their advance. The English troops to the northwam had allso reached their objectives. At nightfall the line was straightened ana secured. , Tho casualties were greater during the last, part of the operations after tho trpop3 had passed the village. The Germans in addition to their big stuff showered achrapnel. The New Zealanders did not flinch although after they had reached their objectives they had still to hold the line nhdor torrjble shell fire until the Australians came through. Unlike Bullecourt tho casualties at Messines were phenomally light, and many were very lightly wounded.

CHANGED THE MAP,

made A huge cemetery.

[“BEUTER’s” TELEGRAM.]

LONDON, June 11

Describing the effect of the Messines explosion, which wrecked Hill 60, a correspondent says it filled up the marshes, changed a wood with a lake, and changed the geography of two centuries. It also transferred an enormous area intd a cemetery. Hourß after tho attack, there were repeated dull sounds 'in the earth below. In some cases Germans were dug out half

suffocated. "V. Since then along the whole ridge soldiers are listening between tho crash of shells for tho cries of frightened humanity from the underworld.

GERMAN DEFEAT. PARIS, June 11. The correspondent of the “Petit” Parisien” on the British front, states that the German commanders throughout knew that eldest was certain at Mess-

ines. Their chief preoccupation was to save the guns without alarming the infantry. Tho latter were fooled to the end. The generals actually arranged a comody of false signals for tho artillery to which thoro was no response, the guns really being hurried to the rear. This explains why it was necessary to separate tho prisoners in some cases owing to mutual accusations of treachery.