MR P. ROBINSON’S ACCOUNT.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1918, Page 2

MR P. ROBINSON’S ACCOUNT.

ANOTHER. ACCOUNT.

ENEMY’ GREAT THRUST

[LONDON TIMES SERVICE—COPYRIGHT]

Received, this day at 8.45 a.ln. LONDON, April 11. Mr Perry Robinson says the second phase of the German offensive seems more threatening in the north than the south, where owing to te stubborn stand on the Hanks, the enemy only succeeded in advancing on a narrow salient, as far as Lys and north-west ov Laventi, a maximum of four miles. Ho over-ran the advanced line north of Armentieres, near Warneton, forcing his way up the south end of Messines ridge, and reached Messines, where he wan driven back.

Fierco fighting continuos to the southward, where the enemy penetrated Ploegosteert and reached Vieppe, a maximum advance of three miles, a bit of ground of tactical importance, endangering the possession of Armentierof.. The prisoners affirm that the second great blow was intended to end the war and destroy the British Army. The immediate brunt fell on the Portuguese in the centre, who_ though in considerable strength, were quite unable to maintain their position under the massed attacks.

According to the prisoners, the Germans await the metorological experts’ prediction of misty mornings before attacking. Yesterday’s mist enabled the attackers to appTqach unseen, cut the wire and even surround and attack advanced posts with flammenwerfor, before they were detected. Under the tremendous weight of the impact, the Portuguese first line was forced back, small units continuing to fight desperately and hopeleaaly till

surrounded. Tho second and third lines wero similarly rushed. Battalions of Portuguese clung to the positions at Le Conture till a large proportion were killed. The Portuguese artillery was excellent, but they lost considerably in men and guns. Though a majority of the guns were smashed by the enemy fire, many continued fixing at close range till the masses were dose and the majority of the gunners were disabled, the remnant escaping after rendering the guns useless. British afI tillery officers loudly praise the way [ they stuck it.

. Although the Portuguese positions were well advanced in the battle zone, the breach in the centre threw* an enormous strain on tho 55th British Di vision, on the extreme right, holding the Givenchy positions. The Lancashire men threw, back their left, flanking that side, and then began a brilliant defence of Givenchy. Thrice the Germans forced an entry, but were thrown out by most dashing counter-attacks. The Lancashire 9 prisonered seven hundred. We retained Givency and the majority of the original line. The Germans reached Laventie at eleven, compelling the troops on the 55th’s left to swing round with their front to the north, where they held the enemy on a line west of 'Laventie, Estaires, Lys, geillyhac and St. Maur. Yesterday, the Germans penetrated Estaires and La Gorgue, but counterattacks threw them out. Further up close to Lys, he reached Croix du liac, but was driven back and penned on the east side of the little stream by troops thrusting southwards from Steenwercke. From here, to below Armentieres, the lines were held intact: Captured maps show the enemy aimed at the capture of Bethune.

Captured aviators say operations are only beginning of a great offensive on a. forty kilometre front. Information from the north is scanty. The enemy reached the village of Messines, but were thrown back, down the eastern slopes of the ridge. Fierce fighting continues in this sector. The heaviness of the bombardment here makes sleep impossible. It has not ceased, night or day.