WAR NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 26 July 1917, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

MONDAY, Struggle in Galicia—Strong German Offensive — Russians " Lack Stability "—Aisne Line Attacked —Germans Heavily Repulsed. The Germans have continued to make heavy attacks on the plateaux and crests which the French hold north of the Aisne. The fighting was very bitter and the enemy's losses were very severe. The. French still hold all the dominating positions. The Germans claim to be before Tarnopol, which lies 70 miles east and south of Lemberg, and 25 miles south-east of Zborvo one cf the points at which the Russians were attacking early in the month ; the Russians are filing back, burning the villages. iUto Russian statement is that their troops lacked stability and in some cases would not obey orders. The new German Chancellor, Dr Michaelis, has defined his policy by saying that Germany is willing to conclude an '"honourable" peace; but she cannot negotiate while the enemy demands portions of her territory.

TUESDAY Russians Yield 'Ground—Germans Reach Tarnopol—Fresh Fighting on Aisne Line — Aeroplane Raid on England. The breach made by the Germans in the Russian front east of Lemberg was eight miles broad and 10^j miles deep, but later news indicates it has been extended. The enemy has occupied one of the suburbs of Tarnopol, 70 miles east and south of Lemberg, affecting the whole Russian front as far as the Dniester. The Russians admit that, although they have superiority in numbers, their retreat has been almost uninterrupted owing to the instability of the troops and their disregard of orders.

The Germans have shifted the scene of their activities north of Verdun to the right bank of the Meuse. They made attacks near Bezonvaux, north of Douaumont, but were repulsed.

A squadron of between 15 and 20 aeroplanes raided Harwich, in Essex, and Felixstowe, in Suffolk The raiders were driven off by gunfire and chased out to sea by British aeroplanes, One raider was brought down. The casualties were 11 persons killed and 26 injured.

WEDNESDAY

Low Russian Morale — Counterstroke In Centre—Russians Gain Two Miles—Slam declares War on Germany. It is reported from London that the Germans have captured Tarnopol, but the latest German communique does not claim this, although the enemy has occupied heights immediately west of the town. The Russsians delivered . a counter-stroke in the centre of the line at Krevo, about 50 miles east and south of Vilna. They gained two miles towards Vilna, capturing 1000 prisoners. Most of the Russian uints on the south-western front are utterly disorganised, a-nd wholesale desertions are taking place. The Commander-in-Chief has ordered. - that deserters be fired on. Siam has declared war on Germany, and has seized German shipping. A cavalry action has taken place west of Beersheba, on the ' Palestine front, where New Zealand and Australian mounted men are engaged. Mounted troops drove back two enemy cavalry regiments.

THURSDAY Eastern Front Ablaze — Many Russian Attacks—Duel of Guns in Flanders—French Clear Californie Plateau.

Bitter fighting is taking place at many points, Icovering practically the whole of the Eastern front. The Russians have attacked at Jacobstadt and near Dvinsk, in the northern sector, Krevo and Smorgon, in the centre, in Galicia, and on the northern'sector of the Roumanian front. A tremendous artillery duel is proceeding in Flanders. A! German report says it has reached unprecedented intensity. The enemy is pouring reinforcements of men and guns into this region. The French have hit back north ofthe,Aisne. A couter-attack, delivered with great dash, drove fche Germans from the footing they had gained on Californie plateau, and advanced the line at several points.