In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 67, 16 October 1916, Page 5

In the West

THE ALLIES' ADVANCE. TOWARDS BAPAUME. REAL RESULT UNDISCLOSED. Press Association—Copyright, Au* rattan and N.Z. Cable Association. Paris, October 14. The Allied operations that were commenced on Thursday resulted in progress north-west of Gueudecourt, in the direction of Bapaume and Le Transloy. The precarious position of Le Transloy, which has been incessantly bombarded for ten days, is aggravated by this advance. It is reported that the British already occupy the outskirts of Le Transloy, which is being defended desperately. Its fall will compel the enemy to abandon his line on the heights between Gueudecourt and Morval. Wednesday's attack brought Us to the outskirts of Le Transloy. The

German artillery occupied very good hill positions on the Bapaume-l'eron-ne road and made the most of their advantage. 1 Hard lighting continues at !<<" Transloy, which the Pomeranian regiment is obstinately defending. -Meanwhile the enemy is making frantic efforts to dig a fresh line of trenches and fortify the villages for the defence of Bapaume, employing larg? numbers of Russian prisoners, eontir.ry to the rules of war. I Semi-official: The British yesterday really made more serious progress than their discreet communique indicates, but the Allies are anxious I only to announce confirmed results. Moreover the battle continues. The Times' correspondent at headquarters states that without giving the cnenry any rest, the British struck again, and, after consolidating, are still further driving back the enemy "u the right from Eaucourt to the Warlincotirt road on a lour mile front.

The French are co-operating beyond Les Boeufs.

We advanced within five hundred yards of Le Transloy cemetery, gaining a thousand yards, forming her-, a. new north-westerly zig-zag line to Flers, Ligny, and the Thellay road, where fighting is still proceeding. Our artillery and aeroplanes wore again magnificent. The latter continuing circling the enemy's lines, ignoring their air guns and constant fusilading.

GENERAL FRENCH'S MOVEMENTS.

Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. Paris, October 13. General French inspected the defences of Paris and is proceeding to the front.

FURTHER FRENCH SUCCESS. ALLIES TAKE PRISONERS. The High Commissioner reports:— London, October 14 (8.55 p.m.") A French official report states: Northwards of the Somme we progressed to Malassise ridge. Southwards of the Somme, the Germans, following a violent barrage, powerfully attacked Ablaincourt, which enabled them to re-occupy part of the- village and also the trenches to the north-east, but they were completely driven out by our counter-at-tacks immediately afterwards. London, October 14 (11.45 p.m.)

A French official message reports: Two most successful attacks were made. West of Belloy, we captured the first enemy trench on a mile and a-quarter front, and north-east of Ablaincourt we took over 17 officers and 600 men prisoners. A British official message says: Our position in the neighbourhood of Sohwaben Redoubt, south of the Ancre, was considerably improved. We took 200 prisoners

HEAVY ENEMY LOSSES.

The High Commissioner reports:— London, October 15 (3.10 p.m.)

A British official report says: Further reports show that the enterprise of yesterday against Stuff and Schwaben Redoubts was highly successful. There were heavy losses to the enemy.

FRENCH CAINS MAINTAINED.

Press Association—Copyright, Austra. lian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 10.50 a.m.) London, Octob.-r 15. A French communique states: We smashed all counter-attacks and maintained yesterday's gains.

ENEMY TRENCHES ENTERED.

(Received 11.15 a.m.)

London, October 15

General Haig states: A single company cleared two hundred yards of communication trenches northward of Stuff Redoubt. The 'enemy at Schwahen Redoubt suffered heavily. We entered the trenches In the regions of Serene, Coligeourt, Festubort, and \euve Chappi'Hc

GERMAN ADMISSIONS.

ALLIES' FIRM FOOTHOLD.

Press Association—Copyright, Ausira

lian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received 11.55 a.m.)

London, October 15

A German communique states;— English attacks north of Thiepval led to hand-to-hand fighting. The enemy got a firm foothoid at one point, l)iit elsewhere were heavily impulsed. The French obtained a [('.(ithold in the village sugar relinery at Generemont. We hold the southern part of Ablaincourt.