A BLOODY STRUGGLE

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 25 July 1916, Page 5

A BLOODY STRUGGLE

GERMANS STRONGLY REINFORCED

IMPORTANCE OF POZIEREB.

SWAYING TIDE OF BATTLE.

THE GALLANT AUSTRALIANS.

(Received 11.55 ) LONDON, July 24

The Central News Paris correspondent says the British bombardment in the Pozieres region increased in intensity on Saturday evening, indicating that an attack was approaching. British troops advanced to assault the whole line on Sunday morning, while the artillery lengthened its range. The artillery’s preparations were excellent, but some armoured shelters were only partially destroyed, and machine guns were .still in. place when'the attack began, especially about Pozieres. The British, displayed remarkable coolness and courtage. By inimitable tenacity they reached, the enemy’s lines and captured several positions, but superior numbers and artillery fire forced them to Call back at some points only to return when reinforced.

Fighting in the village reached its highest at two in the monning. The British seized advanced defences and penetrated the streets, stormed the majority of the houses, the struggle being frightful. The Tommies fought hand to hand, and the tide of battle Swayed until six in the evening, when the British reached the northern extremity of the village. But the Gormans returned in great masses and retook portions of the lost ground, forcing the opponents out of some houses. While the epic struggle raged Australian batallions were engaged in terrific fights on both sides of the village. Anglo,Australians', were still fighting with the. same ardour at eight in the evening. They had. regained some of the'ground. Meanwhile the battle at Guitenrout and Longueval was of the stubbormest, but at midnight seemed to turn in favour of the British.