PHILIP GIBBS’ ACCOUNT.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1918, Page 3

PHILIP GIBBS’ ACCOUNT.

[PKU FBEBB ASSOCIATION. —COrYßlCilf.]

ABOUT new ZEALANDERS.

(Received This Dnv at 11.2-5. a.m.) LONDON, July 24. Mr Phillip Gibbs writes that there has l>cen no important infantry action between Amiens and Ypres since the capture of Meteren, but at several parts of this line' wo have been keeping • th 0 Germans tame and driving them off ground useful to us. The English and tho New Zealanaera have improved their position a good deal beUveen Ifebuterne, and Gornmecourt by nibbling forward nju leading the enemy such a hard life, that he had to draw back miserably. New Zealanders in this way captured Rossignel Wood, from which they say _ the Germans had to “do a bunk’’ on Sunday. 'Hie enemy is shelling hereabouts fiercely durmg the last few days. The ground for several miles is pitted with shell-chaters, among which tho New Zealanders sat without a sign of uneasiness, cleaning their rifles, writing letters, and playing cards. They paid no more attention to the ugly noises of whizzing shells than if they were buzzing gnats. New Zealanders made the most noise a little later when they, bombarded tbo enemy. “That’s the way to keep them unhappy,” said a gun officer. The Now Zealanders have been in tho offensive in a Small way, over since they arrived in tho neighbourhood on the 26th March. Gorman divisions in line aim suffering heavily elsewhere, ns well as here. If Prince Rupprecht decided to attack, lie must call on his reserves for those holding divisions aro worn out and war weary.