ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1918, Page 3

ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

ENEMY thrown back. LONDON, March 2. A French communique sav.—Tw enemy columns attacked yesternigh eastward 'of ChaVignon and wop thrown back with heavy losses site violent hand to hand fighting. Another attempt east of Cerbeny, was equally unsuccessful. There was lively mutual artdlerying between Miethe and the Aisne, and in the sector of Reims, whore a civil hospital was set on fire and systcmati- . cal bombarded during the fire. The enemy bombarded our first lines I in the Champagne at night notably the mountainous region of Suippe, and in the direction of Butte du Mesnul west, whereof the enemy attack was driven back except at one point. Simultaneously, a powerful enemy raid, east of Suippe, was completely defeated. There is considerable artillerying on the Woevre. One of our crews carried out a photograph reconnaissance as far as Marienburg, eiglit'ty kilemetres behind the lines. GENERAL HAIG’S REPORT. , VIOLENT ATTACK S. [AUSTRALIAN A N-Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION & REUTER.] (Received This Dav at 10.15. J . m.) LONDON, March 5. General Haig reports: W,e successfully raided south-ewestward of Arnientieres, and repulsed attempted raids in the neighbourhood of St. Quentin, Arltuxengohello and Pontrete, inflicting considerable casualties.

i A GERMAN REPORT. f admiralty—per wtreless rßEsa.j (Received This Dav at 10.15. au" > LONDON } March 3. / German official—-Eastward of Rheims we forced our way to Fort Cbmpellc, which was destroyed. We captured sections of trenches south-eastward 'of Vaviir, and stormed trenches' southward of Laucourt. We penetrated the American trenches north-eastward of Sicheprez, inflicting heavy casualties. We captured Gomel. The Ukrainians and Saxons have liberated Kieff. BIG GERMAN ATTACK. ON FRENCH FRONT. i ‘‘keuter’s” telegram.] Received, this day at 8.45 a.m. LONDON 'March 3. German attacks on the. French north of . Aisne and Champagne are extending altogether to 120 miles and are regarded as preluding a big German offensive any day. The fact that the attacks are conducted chiefly at night, suggests they are intended to mask bigger preparations.

It is not unlikely the Champagne will be chosen for the German 1 attempt to reach) Paris because the enemy woe 1 thus be able to \reinforce their flanks against the British attack on the coast or a French attack through Alsace.