PERCIVAL PHILLIP’S STORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 October 1918, Page 1

PERCIVAL PHILLIP’S STORY.

A GRAPHIC TALE. [per press ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.! LONDON, Sept. 30. Air. Pereival Phillips writes: Today defeat fell upon the Hun, when the last remaining fragment of the Hindenburg line was wrenched from the German front. Troops from the British Isles. Australasia, and America broke Llm surviving -limb of the Wotan-Sieg-fried fortress almost at a single stride. He continues: “I don’t see how the three German armies opposite us can hope to repair their fortunes. The story is full of thrilling interest, but must be told piecemeal. Take the first breaking of the ITindenhurg line, southward of Yendhuille. The Australians and Americans drove frontally through the main support systems, and over one . tunnel of the canal dividing them. They attacked from the old German outpost line, a mile westward of the canal, through six layers of deep trenches, protected by broad banks and wire, the whole forming the strongest defensive system erected by the enemy on the west front. It was never assaulted before, and was manned by a good German division ordered to hold on until they died, in the knowledge ihat the immediate future of.their anny depended on their exertions. But no troops, however stout, could offer much resistance after such a bombardment as proceeded the attack. The Americans wore first through the battered defences. and found themselves in the German main defences when they had gone 1200 yards. Only isolated machine-gun tire hindered the Americans to any extent. until they came against the vil-la-ms of Bony and Bolieourfc which were strongly fortified, hut the Americans had passed both before eight o’clock, when they were reported to bo •• still lighting eastward of the canal tunnel, along the railway ridge, between Lacatj.let and Alenvoy. Afore opposition.was cneounterod here, hut the tog lifted and yielded a fresh surprise. 'i lie Australians came over broken holds, and struck, hard at the German line. It wavered, and then fell back further towards the next lino, consisting; of a village and a half-dug trench system, running southward towards Estroes. .Meanwile the New Zealanders had a wonderful success. They attacked at ihrco in the morning, spreading fanwise as they advanced. They reached one plateau and wood on the Alasnie-les-Cambrai road, and then encountered a strong point at Lavaquario, into which they worked from the northward and southward, along roads. lhey pinched off the village, taking over 1000 prisoners. They were later reported t<> he still going strong. Tho prisoners represent every battalion in ihe 18th Prussian Division.