LA RASSEE OƑENSIVE

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1918, Page 2

L A RASSEE OƑENSIVE

A GREAT STRUGGLE

ENEMY ATTACK FIERCELY

LONDON, April 10

A message from Headquarters on the

evening of the 10th, states that throughout the day the struggle north of Be* thune waxed and waned. The artillery duel has developed further southwards, and the infantry battle has extended to the vicinity of Wytschaete.

During the two days’ fighting the enemy has pressed us back in certain places, necessitating a readjustment of our line elsewhere.

The enemy is flinging his main might into the battle with the endeavour to destroy the fighting powers of the British. This morning the Germans were reported to ■’be in the village of Messines and Ploogsteert; Wood, although, probably in only small numbers.

The enemy obtained a footing in Estaires this morning, hut it is reported he was driven out later. Our troops are fighting magnificently, and are well supported by the artillery. The enemy employed at least eight divisions. The spearhead of the enemy assault was in the centre of the Portuguese front. Here, owing to tliickness of the weather, considerable numbers of Germans trickled through, whilst tn« alarm was heiug given. Conscqueut.lv the enemy attacked in the rear as well as with i dense waves frontally. The Portuguese were forced to retire. They brilliantly fought a rearguard action and averted a serious menace on this front ; but a retiring movement became inevitable.

Givenchy, which is valuable tactically, was captured by the enemy and counter attacks drove him out; hut this was not in sufficient numbers to withstand the, oncoming waves, and early this morning the Germans re-carried Givenchy.

Just before dark the Fifty "Fifth D : - vision, consisting mainly of Lancashire Territorials, made a fine charge, again restoring Givenchy. To-day there has been little disposition to ' further the attack along the southern flank of yesterday’s thrust. The battle is setting northwards.

The Germans are shelling nil the towns and villages from a long way hack, and also the roads, with steady insistence, and employing fo the utmost their great hauls of artillery from other fronts.