THE WAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1917, Page 2

THE WAR.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYTfcGHT.] THE WESTERN FRONT. FRENCH OPERATIONS. LONDON October 16. A French communique reports on tho Aisne front reciprocal artillery mg was loss intense. On the left of the Meuse we repulsed an attack on Hill 304. On the right of the Meuse the artillery duel was particularly lively north of Bois de Auliers. HUDDLED LIKE PUPPIES. HOW THE ANZACS KEPT WARM. HOT STEW IN FIRING LINE. LONDON, Oct. 16. Mr. Gilmour says at the Anaac headquarters, some Australians and Now/ Zealanders have just com© back from the front line. They tell how they slept in shell/holes, huddled on top of on© another like puppies. It was the only way of beeping warm. It speaks volume 8 of the thoughtful care of the Commanders that many of the troops were provided with hot meals within a few yards of the Huns Thick, wholesome stew was earned up in thermos flasks packed in strawlined oases. Pack mules could not get up so hot rations men handled it in. the last stage of the journey. After a night’s sleep in the rear the Anzacs were as merry as sandboys. They were in such good spirits, after tho ordeal, that they even stopped having their baths and shaving, in order to cheer passing aeroplanes, ...which were low enough to hear. Some of the British aviators replied with a -special overhead display. HAIG’S PROGRESS. LONDON, October 17. Hatig rdports: Our patrols drive brought in a few prisoners. There is considerable reciprocal artillerying ' and clearer weather. | There is much effective counterbattery work south of Midlanders.

We raided trenches yesterday in the neighbourhood of Roeux.

We inflicted casualties -in another raid northward of Lens*. which yielded us a few prisoners. Our fire early this morning repulsed a strong raiding party southwest of Acheville.

Our aeroplanes yesterday machinegunned the infantry from low altitudes, and dropped two tons of bombs on a large dump at Countrai and other targets. We downed five machines. Three of ours are missing.

GAI-LANT EFFORTS. HEROIC RECONNOITRING,

LONDON, October 16,

Mr. Murdoch states that since Friday comparative quiet has reigned in the battlefield. The rifle fire is gradually diminishing as the new positions have been made secure. The Hun is licking his wounds and not attempting to counter-attack.

The weather is bright and drying. Referring to the New Zealanders attack at Bellevue spur, he says: They were held up despite the most gallant efforts of the men and the haroid reconnoitring by officers, in -.solving death of three distinguished seniors.

WORK OF NURSES.

LONDON, October 16. Mr. Gilmour describes the nurses at the Anzace advance posts in the .recent fighting regaining the lines as a result of their aid and dainng. working in recovering the' wounded. The Germans got very few Australian prisoners and practically no New Zealanders. LLOYD GEORGE’S MESSAGE fAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION it REUTER.] LONDON, October 16. The Press Bureau stated that Lloyd George has sent the following message to Marshal Haig: “The War Cabinet desire to congratulate you and tho troops on the achievement of the armies in Flanders in the great battle raging since 21st July. Starting from positions, wherein every advantage rested with the enemy, and hampered by t>he unfavourable! weather vou and your men nevertheless have continuously driven the enemy back with skill, courage, and pertinacity commanding the grateful admiration of the peoples of the Empire, and filling the enemy with alarm. “I desire to renew by personal assurance of confidence in your leadership and the devotion to those you command. FRENCH OPERATIONS. f AUSTRALIAN It N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] A REUTER.] (Received thus day at 1.20 LONDON Oct 17 A French communique says:—After a lively bombardment there were seval enemy raids on the Aisne- front south of Countercon, which we repulsed. There was a lively artillery "duel in the region of the Plateaux. ANZACS AGATN. FORCE A WITHDRAWAL. (United Service Telegrams.) (Received thU .lay at 1.20 a.m.,} LONDON, Oct 17. Mr. Phillips says the only altera- . tion nn the German front, since the battle, is a further withdrawal below Broodsoinde, onr outposts forcing the evacuation of nearly all the wooded slopes eastward of Nordomshoex. The Australians are chiefly responsible for this. NOTHING NEW. (Received This Day at 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 17. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig •tates there is nothing of interest to report.