PHILIP GIBBS’ ACCOUNT.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1918, Page 2

PHILIP GIBBS’ ACCOUNT.

, A GLOWING STORY HOLDING THE ENEMY. WORK OF THE TANKS. LONDON, March 31. Mr Phillip Gibbs states that after heavy fighting around Arras and some minor engagements north and south of the Somme there w-as a lull on the British front, the enemy reorganising and developing new plans. His violent efforts against Arras were repulsed with extremely heavy losses. A small party of men who were cut off at Roeux withdrew successfully. Yesterday our line were firmly held. The enemy’s only gain was south of the Somme, where he captured Marcelcave, and Menzieres. tVe made counter attacks here which the enemy’s machine gun fire held up. Nevertheless many Germans were killed. It is evident that during the last day or two the Germans are losing some of their spirit, and are becoming depressed and anxious as to the future of their wild gamble for a decisive victory. After the first overwhelming thrust, they no longer have much advantage, and their losses are increasing.

They have been hard hit in the last few days. At Hehuterne he tried , to rush the village, but gained the cemetery where he placed several machine guns. Our troops advanced to the cemetery but were checked by the machine guns and returned, and re-or-ganised. They then swept through the village and charged the enemy' line, smashing it to pieces in. fierce, hand to hand fighting, and bomb fighting, also bayonet fighting in the streets where many Germans were killed. Since the colossal bombardment o’ the 21st, our Tanks have done gallant work. Some were hidden in the woods behind our line, which was gravely threatened by advancing waves of the enemy. It was impossible to get all away rapidly, and the pilots blew them up. The Tanks were successfully utilised at various points and drove the enemy twice out of the village of Roisal, and covered our withdrawal to out new Ijjne. They fougjit gallant rearguard actions from Scrvcell, for two days, covering our withdrawal. Tho most courageous action of the the Tanks was at Vaux Yracourt, and south of Bullecourt. which the'enemy captured. Our aviators had reported heavy concentrations of the enemy, so tho Tanks, advanced accompanied by two companies of infantry. The enemy at close range opened fire with machine guns like field guns, as soon as tho tanks enmo into sight. They made straight for the German trenches and raked them. Our losses were not light, for the Tanks were close targets for the field guns, which were firing point blank, hut we inflicted heavy casualties and the enemy fled. Some Tanks which had been put out of action lay derelict among the German dead and dying, .hut maintained the fight for several hours, the survivors returning at midnight. On the 28th four Tanks fought a rearguard action between V araestoru hnd LpslYooufs without, (any infantry support, holding up the German waves and preventing the cutting off of our infantry. The Tanks slouched along tlio enemy lines raking mos* r « of storm troops in the open oountrv. and holding the hordes at bay. until they brought up field guns. Then it 'required all the skilled courage we possessed to manoeuvre with the Tanks, so as to avoid direct hits. Thev, however, fought their way. In all these fights tho pilots end crews fought with an utter disregard for, their lives. Our cavalry, that had long looked for a

chance in the vicinity of Ham and Noyon, streamed through Guiscard and did most gallant work.

ARRAS ATTACK FALLS.

GERMANS BADLY MAULED.

LONDON, March 31

Mr Phillip Gibbs continues:—-The Arras attack was prepared on a scale of enormous strength of divisions of great depth, heavy a bombardment. The enemy aimed at capturing Arras and Vimy Ridge. Seven , divisions were placed north of the river (Scarpe and twelve south and around Arras. The enemy’s plan was, while two" divisions with others were supporting, they attacked Arras with three divisions, composed of storm troops who would rush through, seizing the Vimy heights. Tho brunt of the attack fell on London troops. - Our guns, machine guns and rifles swept the enemy advancing lines to pieces. The enemy cAme again, and again, despite the massacre. Towards night the attacks died, hut such an utter "TTefeat will check the German efforts around Arras.