WAR NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 18 April 1918, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

MONDAY.

Battle Unabated—Fierce German Attacks—British Holding Well— Fosh Waiting Opportunity — French Reserves on the Way.

The latest reports from the Flanders front are more favourable. The offensive has lulled somewhat, and the British line is holding well. Over 110 German Divisions have been engaged §g|pe March 21, and of them over flpTiave been thrown into the ba!itle two or three times.

Sir Douglas Haig has issued a special order to the forces in France, paying a tribute of admiration to the courage and selfsacrifice of the men opposing the advantage. He says that victory will be be with those holding out longest. The French are hurrying up supports in large numbers There must be no more retire" ment. With their backs to the wall the British must be prepared to fight to the last.

The enemy made a violent attack on the French line in the region of Hangard-en-Santerre, four miles south of the Somme. By constantly throwing in fresh troops he gained a footing in the village. Later the French counter-attacked, regaining command of the entire village.

TUESDAY Allied Confidence—Another Crisis Passed—Line Held in FlandersHeavy Fighting Continues — Enemy's Efforts Checked. Sir Douglas Haig reports that in spite of numerous strong attacks on all parts of the Lys battlefield, the British line remains intact. There has been severe fighting for the. possession of Neuve Eglise, but the British hold on the village and height remains firm. Heavy attacks in the direction of Bailleul have also been broken. Router's correspondent at British headquarters states that the situation in Flanders is most encouraging. The formidable thrust has been arrested for the present. The tactical position of the enemy is not good, and might easily become very bad. The battle has become more stationary, though as intense as ever. Considerable artillery activity continues on the French front, between Montdidier and Noyon. The French made effective raids north of St. Mihiel and in Lorraine. The Americans on the sector near St. Mihiel were subjected to an intense bombardment and an attack, which they respulsed.

WEDNESDAY

Increasing Defence—Attacks beaten |£)ff — Enemy Held at Neuve Eglise — Vain Assaults on Messines Ridge.

Correspondents agree Jthat the Germans have made insignificant progress since the occupation of Neuve Eglise. The objective was Mont Kemmel, three miles to the north, but they have not made any progress in that direction since Friday. Attacks on the Messines Ridge on Sunday were completely broken.

A French military critic states that French reserves have arrived on the Flanders front, but have not yet gone into action. The British, fighting with redoubled energy, were able to beat off the attacks. No fewei than seven assaults on the Merville sector were beaten back.

A French communique reports heavy artillery engagements south of the Somme, with raids between Montdiddier and Noyon.

Evidence of the severity of the German losses in recent fighting is accumulating, reports from Holland declaring that the casualties were three times as great as had been anticipated. According to other estimates, the German casualties already total 500,000.