ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1918, Page 3

ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

[PER rREBB ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.] FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORTS.

ATTACK NEAR RHEIMS. I AUSTRALIAN & N.z. CABLE ASSOCIATION <fc BELTER.] LONDON, June 23. A French communique says we carried out several coups do main between Montdidier and the Oise. Germans attacked Blighny Hill, between the Marne and Rheims, and succeeded momentarily in seizing the summit. Italians shortly afterwards violently counter-at-tacked and drove the enemy off and took prisoners. Our line is now com- ! pletely restored. ! BOMBING ACTIVITY. ! i LONDON, June 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports that cloudy rain and winds, hindered air activity i yesterday. Fifteen tons of explosives ! were dropped on various targets, includ- j ing Bruges docks. j Sir Douglas Haig in a later message I states that there is nothing to report. 1

AMERICAN REPORT. LONDON, Juno 24. An American official message states that despite the oppositon we improved pur positions north-west of Chateau Thierry and repulsed a raid in the Vosges. MORE AMERICAN TROOPS. NEW YORK, June 23. General Marche's weekly statement showed that" during last week, one hundred thousand American troops have landed in France, or were on their way. The total figures of troops in Franc© or going to Frniibo, General Marche shows that the United States is fivo months ahead of the schedule for placing its army in France. lie said all branches of the American Army, so bo far engaged on the battle front have made good now. GERMAN SHOCK TROOPS. NEW YORK June 23.

The New York “Times’s” Washington correspondent states that authoritative cables from France say that German infantry ,which composed shock troops, lost two thirds of their men within six weeks in. the Somme and Aisnc battles.

GERMAN FEELING (United Servico Telegrams). LONDON, June 23. The Gorman public is exasperated at General von Hindenburg’s delays and describe his campaign as a failure. This feeling is accentuated by the-Austrian fiasco. A desperate attempt to redeem the situation is expected shortly. It is reported that von Ludendorff is resorting to every means to keep up the fighting strength of his armies. German prisoners from Russia have already reached the West Front. AN AUSTRALIAN RAID. (Received thig day at 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 24. Mr Percival states the Australians made two successful raids near Morlancourt on Saturday night, and brought back prisoners. i

A NEW FEATURE. (Received this day at 12.31) a.m.) LONDON, June 24

Mr Phillip Gibbs writes that during a raid near Bucquoy, the British introduced a new feature in this kind of warfare, sending out tanks to open the way j for the infantry. The latter were unable to go as far as they intended, owing to the enemy being in strong force, but they got heavy and machino guns to work. j PARISIAN PREPARATIONS. (Received This Dav at 9.25 a.m.) PARIS, June 24. The newspapers continue to discuss the possibility of a general bombardment of the city. Asylums for incurables and children’s hospitals aro being cleared, but it is announced that all other hospitals will carry on. USING TANKS. j

[“REUTEIt’s” TELEGRAM.] (Received This Day at 9.J5 a.m.) LONDON, Tune 24. British Headquarters reports that Tanks were used for the first time in raiding, in an operation near Bucquoy. They proved satisfactory, penetrating the enemy lines unhindered and opening a path for a subsequent infantry attack.

FLAG FOR POLISH ARMY. French Headquarters reported that President Poincare has pesented a flag to the new Polish army mainly of Poles who fought in France sine the beginning of the war. THE COMING BLOW. LONDON, June 24. Hon Lloyd George says another heavy German blow is imminent. The next few months will be anxiously anticipated. THE AMERICAN LINE. (Received this day at 1.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 24. Despatches from France state the Americans have lightly improved their position around Chateau Thierry. They also repulsed an enemy raid in Vosges region. HAIG’S REPORT. LONDON, June 24. General Haig reports we carried out a minor enterprise ft night south of Meteren, and also inflicted casualties in raids, and by patrols in other parts.