THE BRITISH VICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1917, Page 2

THE BRITISH VICTORY.

GENERAL HAIGS COMMENT. PR AISE FOR ALL RANKS. [ AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] & REUTER.] (Received Yesterday at 11.10. p.m.) LONDON November 26. General Haig, reports severe fighting to-day westward of Cambrai. The enemy at midday, strongly attacked in the neighbourhod of Bourlon and pressed us back from portions of the ullage.

Our positions in Bourlon Wood and Lhe high ground are intact. Fighting in the Hindenburg support line westward of Moeuvrcs yielded us prisoners .

'Tlie total since Thursday is now 9,774 including 182 officers. General Haig in an Order of the Day, warmly congratulates General Byng and hi s commanders and staffs for the manner they prepared and carried out the operations. He also expresses his obligation to the staff’s services at General Headquarters on the successful way they met the severe strain imposed by the arrangements of these operations, in addition to the sudden movement of the troops toward Italy. The operations on the Third Army front would, in all probability have miscarried, if -the gnemy had gained a timely warning of our intentions. The most satisfactory feature to note in connection with these operations is the complete secrecy which was maintained.

CAPTURE OF .'BOURLON.

CROWNS SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS. [AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION & REUTER.] [Received this day at 1.20 a.m.y) LONDON, November 26. General Haig in Orders of the Day, says the capture of the important Bourlon positions crowns a most successfid operation and opens the way to further exploitation. The advantages already gained, and the manner in which the Third Army adapted themselves to the new conditions was in all respects admirable and the results gained, have far-reach'ing importance Tanks, for the first time have been afforded an opportunity of working in large numbers showing their special value under suitable conditions. With out them the complete surprise gained would not have been possible. Their performance entirely justified the trust placed in them. General Haig pays a tribute to the splendid services of all arms in the field especially the co-operation of the cavalry