WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 11 July 1917, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

FRENCH OFFENSIVE. ENEMY’S ‘DESPERATE ATTACKS. LONDON, July 9. French communique.—We repulsed a strong attack against Pantheon. We counter-attacked the trenches occupied yesterday between Les Beauvettes and Chevrigry spur, and drove the enemy from the first line elements on a front of 1500 metres, regaining the greater part of the ground lost betweepj Pantheon and Froidmont Farm. The enemy’s attack here yesterday was made by elements belonging to three reinforced by special assaulting troops, and flamt throwers, the total aggregating a dozen fresh battalions.

CROWN PRINCE CLAIMS SUCCESS. LONDON, July 9. Wireless German official. —The Crown Prince attacked with complete success, improving his positions on Chemin des Dames. We captured French trenches on a front of three and a-half kilometres southwards of Ragnyfllane and held them against five counter-attacks. The French regained small portions of trenches on the west bank of the Meuse. RAIDING OPERATIONS, Received 9.35. LONDON, July 10. General Haig reports: Hostile raiders entered our advanced posts westward of Warneton and trenches eastward of Laventie. The enemy’s artillery is, active in the neighbourhood of Ypfeh, afid Niewport. Aerial activity is impossible owing to weather conditions. MESOPOTAMIA. GENERST MAUDE’S DESPATCHES A RECORD OF STRENUOUS ENDEAVOUR. A VAST IMPROVEMENT IN ORGANISATION. ' » Received 9 a.m. LONDON, July 10. A despatch has been issued by General Maude, covering seven months until March 31st. It shows this period was equally divided in preparations and subsequent operations leading to the fall of B’agdad. He describes how,the advance was successfully carried out in the face of difficult conditions through the tenacious spirit and gallantry of British and Indian troops, b rilliantly seconded by

'the navy. The Mesopotamia Commission’s recent disclosures attract attention and create special interest in General Maude’s references to the present water transport and hospital arrangements. He states newly-formed inland water transport directorate is so well organised that night and day an endless chain of river craft passes up and down the river, thereby assuring the maintenance of t-h~e troops at the front. Our well-equipped hospitals are more than adequate to meet the calls, and throughout the operations the "treatment of wounded was carried out on model lines. Arrangements for the comfort and rapid transfer of patients from field units to the hospitals reflect much credit on those concerned. General Maude thankfully acknowledged the prompt response to -his demands from England, India, and Egypt. COMMISSION'S REPORT. LONDON, July 9. In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar Law said there were no contemplated Cabinet changes in consequence of the Mesopotamia report.