GENERAL HAIG’S REPORTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1918, Page 2

GENERAL HAIG’S REPORTS.

VIMY RIDGE AND ARRAS

DESIRED BY ENEMY. LONDON, March 30. Marshall Haig reports: North of tho Somme there has been local actions only. The enemy attacks yesterday at ,ucmum and Mezeres and south of the Somme pressed back our troops from the latter villageAll the enemy’s attacks at Demum broke down after sharp fighting lasting throughout the afternoon. Our cavalrv during the past week fought with great gallantry, 'both mounted and dismounted, and repulsed the enemy, inflicting heavy losses in numerous engagements, apart from local fighting, and at different points. The enemy to-day made futile attacks northwards of the Somme. We. gained ground at certain places. Heavy hostile attacks developed this morning southward of the Somme and in the neighbourhood of Mezieres and Demum. The fighting here continues. Captured documents show that the attack on Thursday astride of the Scarpe, aimed at the capture of Vimy Ridge and Arras, and was conducted by at least six divisions in support. Despite the force of the attack the enemy made inconsiderable impression on our battle position and it resulted in a severe enemy defeat. .In heavy fighting further south, between Boiry Korre, which had no greater success, eleven hostile divisions were identified. The majority of our aeroplane attacks were southward of the Somme, 1 where large concentrations of troops are constantly reported. Our aeroplanes continued the work till dark despite heavy rain storms and low clouds. They fired nearly 500,000 rounds. There has been much air fighting considering the number of British machines in the air, but on the battle front the fire from the ground was heavy. • We downed nine German machines, and drove five others uncontrollable, and the fire from tho ground downed two. Twelve of ours are missing.

A FURTHER REPORT. LONDON, March 20

Sir Douglas Haig reports that there were further strong enemy attacks yesterday morning and evening at several points. ' Northwards of the Somme we maintained our position and also gained at ground in several places by successful counter-attacks.

We captured many prisoners and ma-chine-guns. The enemy’s casualties are exceedingly heavy.

His frequent attacks have been pressed with great determination, all day, ho only gaining outpost lines after several hours of severe hand-to-hand fighting. His reserves were then sent forward against our battle positions,

,but were everywhere thrown back with great loss. Our machine guns, artillery and rifle fire aided in the greal execution.

Southward of the Somme there Was heavy .continuous fighting until late in the evening. After maintaining the line all day face of repeated assaults hv’ superior forces, we withdrew a short distance from our advanced positions.

COSTLY ATTACKS. LONDON. March 31

Sir Dougins Haig reports: North of the Somme, after a short, lull yesterday the, battle broke out afresh. This morning the enemy repeated his costly hut unsuccessful assaults in the region of T?oirv and Bovelles and immediately northward of the Somme, all of which, though delivered with fresh corps in considerable strength, were thrown hack with heavy lossps. Our positions are intnet. Wo made prisoners of a number. Heavy shelling of our defences eastward of Arras, accompanied the above attacks. South of the Somme and between the Somme and Avrp fighting continues incessantly. Attacks and counter-attacks are occurring at frequent intervals. The. enemv forced his way to Domnin this morning, hut. it. is h°ld up on the western outskirts of the village.

BRITISH LINE RESTORED. tondON. March 31

Sir Douglas Haig reports: A vigor, ous counter-attack restored our line in

the Oise Valley. We repulsed heavily two attacks on the front from Marceleave to the Somme. The enemy’b infantry yesterday attacked immediately northward of the Somme, it is believed in four waves. They were repulsed at all points by our outpost line. The enemy’s casualties were estimated at thousands. We carried out a local operation in the neigbourhood of Serre, advancing our line a short distance. We also advanced our line slightly elsewhere, taking prisoners. The hostile artillery was active last evening in the neighbourhood of , Bucquoy.

ATTACKS REPULSED. WELLINGTON, This D;>v. The High Commissioner reports from London 31st March at 12:30. p.m.— Sir Douglas Haig reports that we repulsed attacks at Marcillive, Somme and north of the Somme.

heavy fighting.

BRITISH HOLD OFT

'LONDON, March 31. Sir Douglas Haig reports that the enemy has not renewed his attacks northwards of the Somme, hut ‘heavy

hostile shelling has taken place at dif. ferent parts of this from*-. - Local "fighting has secured a few prisoners and machine guns. A hostile attack developed with considerable force at midday, southward of Peronn© and the Amiens road. Fighting has continued, and between the valleys of 'Luce and Avre for possession of the tactical features of tho woods, and villages. The weathefr completely broke at . midday on Saturday, but despite ttie driving rain our air pilots continued to participate in the battle south of the Somme, bombing and machine gunning until a late hour. /

There has been heavy air fighting between the low flying machines. ,We dawned twelve Germans and drove down three others. Our anti-aircraft guns shot down two. Five of ours are missing.