THE GRAND ATTACK.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 October 1917, Page 3

THE GRAND ATTACK.

AUSTRALIANS PART.

PHILLIP GIBB’S ACCOUNT

[AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

(Received this day at 12.30 a.m.)

LONDON, October 4. The Australians participated in the attack.

Corrsepondents tribute the steadiness and determination of their advance. They gained all the desired | ground, equalling their achievements on the 25th. and 26th. Mr. FhiUiup Gibbs says fortune was I on our side. The German High Command having seen the failure of the “pill-box” system of defence planned a big attack this, morning which was calculated by the Huns would take the wind out of our next attack, hut the German attack was an hour late. We had advanced through the German barrage which was laid down preparatory to their attack. Our attackers reached the first and second lines and annihilated the troops which were waiting to attack and inflicted a crushing defeat on his choice troops. It may be that it will the turning point of the war.

A COMPLETE VICTORY

much GROUND GA>

fAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

(Received This Day at 12.25. n • LONDON, October 1

Mr. PhUlip G'bbs describes the mor u ing attack as a battle. The broadside assault started from the ground captured on 26th. northward and southward of Polygon Wood. Wo advanced upon Paschendael Ridge, and apparently reached Graves,nerce and Abraham heights, which crown the western spur of the ridge and Brookskende, which is the high point and keystone of the enemy’s defeneve line beyond Zonnebeke. We are fighting south-west of this with good success. Between Cameron House and CuveUaro across Reutelbeke and its swampy ground down, beyond Polderhock to the south end of Menin road. Our wounded speak of the smashing blow dealt the Germans and the complete victory.

OFFICIAL REPORT. WELLINGTON, This Day. Thu High , Commissioner reports ’• — British official—'The Australians captured Molenaarels and secured the j- no and their, objectives eastwards. V q ui . a ttack anticipated bv a few min- | u tes an attack in force by live German, divisions, our barrage catching them, qjha Gorman infantry escaping the artillery were 'overwhelmed by our infantry. , , * , Six enemy counter attacks tailed and his losses were exceedingly heavy whilst ours were light. We captured a few guns and much material. gir Pouglas Haig reports there has bee® n° Go™* lll counter attack. We are consolidating.