WAR NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 23 May 1918, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

MONDAY.

Intense Air Fighting—Enemy suffer Heavy Loss—Submarine Exploits in Baltic—German Plot in Ireland Foiled—Sinn Fein Leaders Arrested. With the exception of a successful raid at Beaumont Hamel, '^Jtorth of Albert, and another at Bierris, Sir Douglas Haig's latest report describes only air fighting. Thirty-seven enemy machines were accounted for, while the British lost five. Many tons of bombs were dropped on military objectives. Recent air fighting has been the great feature of the British achievements. Between May 9 and 15, 71 enemy aeroplanes were brought down in flames, for the loss of 19 British machines. The Admiralty account of the operations of British submarines in the Baltic shows that they destroyed a German battleship, the Prinz Albert, and a cruiser, also a large number of merchantmen. A German plot in Ireland has been disclosed, and the British Government has taken drastic measures. Leading members of the Sinn Fein have been arrested This action is stated to have prevented another outbreak of rebellion. Documents revealing a vast conspiracy have reached the War Cabinet.

TUESDAY

Enemy Concentrations — General Foch Firmly Confident — Village Taken by Australians — Five Hundred Arrests in Ireland.'

The opinion is firmly held in France that the next phase of the German offensive is at hand. General^Foch has refused to state any opinion, beyond declaring that his confidence remained unshaken. It is stated that vast enemy forces are concentrated, with re-organised transport, for a tremendous blow, with the intention of following it by a war of movement.

Sir Douglas Haig reports a number of successful raids, including one by the Australians in the Morlancourt sector, and others north-west of Albert and north of Aethune. A*non-official report states that Australian troops captured Ville-sur-Ancre, taking 230 prisoners and 20 machine-guns.

.Some reports state that over 500 arrests have been made in connection with the German plot in Ireland. The anests were made quickly and almost without trouble, all those taken into custody being placed on a transport at Kingstown.

WEDNESDAY

Flanders Line Improved—Successful French Operation—Gain on 4000 Yards Front—Aeroplane Raid on London—More Arrests in Ireland.

Sir Douglas Haig reports that the French troops in Flanders carried out a successful operation in the Kemmel area, on a front of 4000 yards, gaining all their objectives and taking over 400 prisoners.

The capture by the Australians of Ville-sur-Ancre, south of Albert, is officially confirmed.

The British aviation report states that on. Sunday 27 German machines were brought down and three driven down for the loss of 12 British. Raiding and bombing was prosecuted vigorously.

Enemy accounts admit the seriousness of the raid made on Cologne on Saturday.

Two squadrons of enemy aircraft on Sunday, crossed the coasts of Kent and Essex, and though badly harassed by gunfire, reached London and dropped a number of bombs. In London district 37 people, including six children, were killed, and 155 injured. Four of the raiders were brought down.

Further arrests have been made but Ireland remains generally calm.