WESTERN FROM.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 17 May 1917, Page 5

WESTERN FROM.

BRITISH AND FRENCH REPORTS

LONDON, May 16. The High Commissioner reports: Drench official: Tn tho region of Moulin no Ila(faux, rft or a violent bombardment on a fourkilometre front, the enemy powerfully attacked this morning. Me maintained our positions, despite repeated efforts. Fighting is continuous oil various points. Sir. Douglas Haig reports: Fighting continued to our advantage yesterday on the western portion of Bullecourt. \ftcr severe fighting we arc progressing northwards of the Scar.pc. THE BULLECOURT STRUGGLE GERMANS MAKE FOUR POWERFUL ATTACKS. HEAVY LOSSES SUSTAINED. LONDON, May 16.

Sir Douglas Haig reports; Further details of the fighting this morning show that the enemy deliberately attempted, by four strong concerted attacks, powerfully supported by artillery, to drive us out of Bullecourt and the section of the Hindenburg line eastward of the village. By the first attack the enemy temporarily got a foothold in our trenches on the right flank of our position on the Hindenburg Line. Our counter-attack immediately ejected the enemy, who left 210 killed and wounded. Artillery dispersed simultaneous attacks on the left flunk and repulsed a third attack on the northeastern corner of B’ll'ecourt. the

fourth, delivered from iho south and south-east, drove back on* pords in the western portion of the village .100 yards. The enemy’s losses were heavy. Hostile artillery fire is heavy on the Scarpe.

GERMAN COMMUNIQUE.

LONDON, May 15,

Wireless German official. —Our fire prevented the development of English attacks on the Scarpe and at Monchy. We repulsed an advance cast and south of Bullecouft. '!

We stormed and captured Saint Berthe farm, east of' Fontaine le Mai-

son. ■' We also retained against four attacks onr newly-captured line at Height 108, northward of Sapigncul. We repulsed an attack on the village of Blanee. i We downed seven enemy aeroplanes.

THE FRENCH OFFENSIVE

LONDON, May 16

French communique.—The artillery struggle continued in different sectors.

It is confirmed that the enemy sustained very heavy losses in yesterday’s attacks: NEW ZEALANDERS PART. . LONDON, May 15. The New Zealand Commandant has issued in orders Mr. 1 Massey’s message to the troops. He says: Our gallant men have willingly taken up their share in the burden of the Empire, and are willing to carry it through to the end. British citizens the world over appreciate the fact and the people of the Dominion trust that he opportunity is not far distant when they will welcome the soldiers back bearing victory and honour in battle for the freedom of civilisation.