THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1917, Page 3

THE WESTERN FRONT.

WEST FRONT OPERATIONS.

COMPLETE AFFAIRS.

LONDON, September 13,

Though there are no major operations on the British front local fighting

continues. The “Morinng Post’s” correspondent describes a typical affair arising out of a German attempt to-retako Inverness Copse by means of storm troops. The Germans are no longer able to rely on their ordinary line regiments to ateault the British lines and tho necessity of storm troops is striking proof of the decadence of the army. The bulk of the Germans are only fit to hold the multitude of concrete forts, which the Hindenburg lino and the farms in Flanders are studded while picked storm troops enter the barrage the infantry remain idle in the trenches and craters. Tho attack on Inverness Copse was carefully planned and rehearsed by Bavarian stormers and flame machine men. ‘ The ground had been accurately surveyed by. means of aeroplanes pnotographs. Tho Bavarian charge scoured a few small trenches but our ordinary troops counter attacking a few hours later quickly flung them out. Sjuch incidents monvin.ee our men that they are more than a match lor the best of Germany’s infantry . General Yon. Arnim is industriously training the Fourth Army opposite Ypresin new open warfare, which is developed from the shell hole system of defence. Tho Germans are being accustomd to live on the naked battlefield with only a strip of canvas cloth across the shell holes to scroen them firom aerital observation.

A BOMBING RAID

LONDON, Sept. 14

The Admiralty report naval aircraft on Wednesday night bombed Ghomellos and Thourout aerodromes. All returned.

FRENCH REPORT.

(Received This Dav at 10.15. a in.) LONDON, Sep. 14. A French communiquo states after n violent bombardment tho Germans at dawn attacked Casements’ Plateau. The enemy were driven back with heavy losses, after hnnd-to-hand fighting.

GERMAN REPORT. Received, this day at 8.45 a.m. LONDON, Sep. 14. Wireless German official. —We drovo the enemy out of tho .wood section northward of Landemarck, ar *d prisonered numerous English. We penetrated the French lines westwards of Auignicourt, taking pn»oners.

APPRECIABLE GAINS

LONDON, Sep. 14

A French eastern communique states that the French and Russians following up their success captured tho village of progradeo on the south-west bank of Lake Ochnida. They drove the enemy hack four ■ kilometres north of Progradee.