THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1917, Page 2

THE WESTERN FRONT.

A GERMAN ADMISSION. PARIS, Nov. 27th.,, Wireless German official: Most violent artillerying has occurred between Houthulst Wood and Znndvoorde.

We were repulsed by tho French northwar of Prunay.

Fighting has actively increased between Samogbeux and Beaumont, astride the Ornes.

A GERMAN ORDER

LONDON, Nov. 27th

Headquarters report that a written German Order has been found stating that if soldiers were found lurking in a big dug-out, and did not come out immediately and fight, the lurking plate would be blown up, and further directing that the Order be read aloud to the whole battalion.

FIGHTING AT FONTAINE

A DARING ENGLISH RAID

rAUSTRALIAN A N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] LONDON, Nov. 27th.

Headquarters reports furious attacks and counter-attacks on the new battle front. We hammered away early in the morning into the northern portion of Fontaine Village between Bourlon and Cambrai. Attacking from the direction of Bourlon Wood we drove the Prussians by bayonets and bombs into the southern half of the village. During the attack a daring English raid on Bourlon Village succeeded in rescuing a party of officers and men isolated there during the night. A Prussian attack from the village against the Wood was completely cut up by machine-gun fire. v

A BRITISH ATTACK. ,

ADVANCE AT FONTAINE

r AUSTRALIAN ifc N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

it REUTER.]

(Received this day at 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 28

General Haig reports local attacks at Dawn in the neighbourhood of Fontaine, Notre Dame and Bourlon vill-

ages, led to severe fighting. The enemy strongly reinforced, contested the advance with threat stubbornness. The fight swayed backwards and forwards. We advanced our line and prisonered five hundred. We drove off in the afternoon an attempted attack on a' position on the Hindenburg line, on tho spur westward of Moeuvres.

There was great activity by enemy’s artillerying eastwards and north-east of Ypres. Our low flying machines on Monday constantly attacked enemy troops, batteries and transports. Over three tons of bombs were dropped on crossing,, at the Sensee river, and the rail—head near Cambrai and northward (ft DonaiNonurin stations. We clowned six enemy machines. FRENCH OPERATIONS. (Received this day at 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 28th. A French communique states there was vigorous artillerying at Juvincourt district and Bois le Chaume front. GERMAN REPORT. 1 ADMIRALTY—PER WIRELESS PRESS.] (Received this day at 12.80 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 28. German official: —Strong English attacks between Bourlon and Fontaine tailed. Bitter local engagements are progressing.

BITTER FIGHTING

LOSS OF FONTAINE,

Reuter’s Telegrams

Received, this day at 8.45 a.m. LONDON, Nov. 28

A Headquarters’ correspondent, writing on Tuesday, says there has been bitter fighting near Fontain e since the morning, covered by heavy bombardment, which was maintained the-wholc of the forenoon.

The British fought- their way right through the village in the face of the heaviest rifle and machine gun fire, sending back over 500 prisoners, captured in fortified houses and strong points. The Germans later in the morning 'counter-attacked t with new divisions, and under overwhelming numbers we slowly relinquished our footing in Fontaine, and it is not- clear whether we retain any portion of the ruins now.

It is certain the Germans have reorganised their defences wfith fresh troops, but wo still hold the high ground, and have a great tactical advantage, although the enemy is putting up a stiffer resistance, and there rs desperate fighting.

The weather remains abominable.

HOSTILE ARTILLERY AT WORK. fATTSTJIAT.IAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] & REUTER.] Received, this day at 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 28. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig reports there was hostile artillerying last night in the neighbourhood of Bourlon Wood, and further infantry action, and hostile artillerying eastward and northeastward of Ypres.

OFFICIAL AVAR NEWSWELLINGTON, This D.iy. The High Commissioner reports from London at 12.-10 a.m. on the 28tli: {British official.—There lias been severe fighting in our advance on the villages of Fontain and Bourlon, which were stubbornly contested. Our line lias been advanced, and we took over 500 prisoners.