Second Edition.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1918, Page 4

Second Edition.

LATEST WAR NEWS.

GENERA L HAIG’S LATEST REPORT

PARTICULARS OF THE BATTLE.

fAUSTRALIAN it N’.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

(Received This Dav at 10.15. a.m.) LONDON, March 22.

Earlier reports state the enemy wore advancing at several points between the Scarpe river and St. Quentin. The infantry penetrated some points of the line trenches, northwards of Lagnicourt and Louveral.

Subsequent reports state the Germans are advancing over St. Quentin ridge, running north and south, on the edge of Cambrai salient, also through. Cauoli Wood 011 the same sector, and the brickfields near Croiselles. Urvillers and approaches were heavilv shelled.

The latest report states there is a bombardment southwards of the Scarpe to below St. Quentin.

GENERAL HAIG’S REPORT. .Received Ties Itev at 11 2d. a.i11.) LONDON, March 22\ General Haig reports about eight in the morning after an intense bombardment by gas shells and high explosives, on the forward positions an hack areas, the enemy launched a powerful infantry attack, on a front of over fifty miles between Oise river, near La Fere, and Sensce river, near Croisclle.

Then* was hostile artillerving on a wide front., northward of Labasse canal and Yores sector.

It was known for some time past that the attack was being prepared. The enemy pressed with the greatest vigor and determination all day long, and broke through our outpost positions, and penetrated battle positions at certain parts. The enemy attacked in masses, and his losses were exceptionally heavy. Severe fighting continues on the whole front.

Large numbers of reinforcements were observed behind the enemy’s lines. Several divisions, which were specially trained for this great, attack, were identified, including Guards. Maps that were captured depicting the enemy’s intentions show they have not attained their objectives 011 any part of the front.

PERCIVAL PHILLIPS

ACCOUNT.

(Received This Dnv at 11.25. a.m.) LONDON, March 22.

Pcrcivnl Phillips writes that the attack is apparently the beginning of the great offensive. No doubt tlie enemy hopes in attacking forces westward and south-westward of Cambrai that they will form a junction, cutting olf a considerable slice of the British front, and taking, hack all the. Hindenburg trenches‘lost four months ago. The preliminary wire cutting bombardment began early in the morning, between the Scarpe and Vencine, southward of St. Quentin. The first infantry attack came soon after dnyiinght, the displaying great vigor and determination. The correspondent is unable to confirm the reported appearance of enemy tanks.

The weather is line and there lias been great aerial activity. Many troops were trained for open warfare, well supported by light and heavy artillery a lid and a host of trench mortars, which were intended to advance steadily with the advancing infantry.

GERMAN REPORT. (Received This Day at 11.25. a.m.) LONDON, March 22. German official. —We penetrated a portion of the English positions between Cambrai and Lit Fere. BELGIAN REPORT. LONDON, Marein-22. ’ A Belgian communique states there was lively artillery activity yesterday. During the naval engagement last night olf Dunkirk, enemy vessels bombarded o-ur coast towards Lopaime. A violent bombardment of the position by gas shells against the batteries on the whole front, lasted throughout the day.

PHILLIP GIBBS’S REPORT. (Received TGs h-v nt 1 1 25. a.m ' LONDON, March 22. Phillip Gibbs writes that there was an intense bombardment between five o'clock in the morning from Southward of the Scarpe and fo westward of Tlulleeourt near Croiselles, and far south i'- our right flank. Then followed an infantry attack against strategic points of «■ twenty-five miles’ front, between Scarpe and Lagincourt. Whether they attacked further south I don’t know. Among the places chiefly attacked are Bullecourt, where the Australians, Scots and Londoners fought last year, nnd Lagnicourt and Nortiul. The enemy suffered immense losses, owing to their massed formation. The attack slackened early in the morning.

MASSING TROOPS. (Received Th’s Dnv at, 11.25. a.m.; LONDON, March 22. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Milan correspondent reports that news from Switzerland states Germany is continually massing troops on both the West front and Italian front. Germans are withdrawing civilians from frontier towns and Austrians-are doing the same at Bellnno, Cividale and other invaded towns.

I THE DECIDING BATTLE, j AT FEVER HEAT. 1 (Received Tlda Dnv at 11.25. a.m.) j LONDON, March . 22. i The. “ Tagliclier Undsclinf ’* states the ! German people follow the offensive with feverish interest. ! We have now entered upon the batik; for decisive peace. A single combat I between the English and Germany will I decide our future position in the world, and whether Anglo-Saxons shall cou. tiime to press their will upon the world