WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 26 July 1917, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

GREAT STRUGGLE ON CALIFORNIA PLATEAU.

GERMANS DRIVEN OUT OF CAPTURED TRENCHES. • i*, r LONDON, July 24. French communique.—This morning We vigorously counter-attacked the enemy, who, since the hard fighting on the 22nd, had occupied the first line trenches on the casemates of California Plateau. The attack was carried out with extraordinary dash and gave brilliant results. Despite a desperate defence, our soldiers recaptured the whole of the lost ground on California Plateau except small work (which is completely destroyed) in the north-west salient, which both sides abandoned. We threw out the enemy on the casemates from all the elements held and even advanced our line at several points. German counter-attacks which were re-launched on the reconquered trenches, were wholly unsuccessful. An artillery duel was most active in Champagne and on the left bank of the Meuse. LONDON, July 24. German official. —The French Te-at-tacked unsuccessfully on Chemin des Dames. We repulsed twenty-one French attacks during the past few days. We penetrated Couriers Wood and inflicted heavy losses. ON THE FLANDERS .FRONT. BRITISH THRUSTS INCREASING. LONDON, July 24. Wireless German official. —In Flanders there is an incessant artillery duel of unprecedented intensity. SUCCESSFUL .RAIDS. LONDON, July 25. Sir Douglas Haig reports: We successfully raided east and north-cast of Ypres. Aeroplanes continue to successfully co-operate with the artillery. Our air squadrons dropped bombs on many important points. Fewer enemy machines operating. Six were brought down. THE BRITISH IN FLANDERS. BRAVERT OF BRITISH ENGINEER. CAMP FOLLOWERS FILL THE GAPS.

A FRENCH EULOGIUM

Received 11.40. PARIS, July 25. Le Matin's correspondent at the British front eulogises the extraordinary energy with which the British in liombaertzyde region finally [got the upper hand over an adversary nearly tenfold their strength. Thrice the Germans blew up the Nieuport bridges, and thrice under a witheringfire the British engineers restored and finally held them. One general dashed forward with three battalions, and the order was given to smash the enemy's assaults or die on the spot. Meanwhile a colonel in Neiuport. gathered a number of pioneers, cooks, and stretcher-bearers, and, electrified by his speech, this improvised body rushed to weak" joints and strengthened the regular battalions. This showed the British mettle and initiative at most critical moments. LONDON, July 25. Genetal Haig reports successful raids eastward and north-east of Ypres. The enemy's artillery is ae Mve eastward of Monchy and in th r neighbourhood of Lombaertzyde.

GERMANY'S LINE IMPREGNABLE

AN AMERICAN OPINION

Received 8.50

NEW YORK, July 25

A correspondent states that nine American officers who inspected the West front have returned and submitted an official report stating the German line is practically impregnable, unless tremendous assistance is received from the United States. They saw no evidence of Germany's backbone being broken by internal dissensio nor food shortage. GERMAN ATTACKS COMPLETELY REPULSED. The High Commissioner reports: LONDON, July 25. French official report: Yesterday, after violent artillery preparation, the Germans attacked the positions we captured yesterday on the Californian Plateau. "" They were completely repulsed, our previous day's gains being maintained and consolidated.

IN THE AIE.

FOURTEEN TO ONE. LONDON July 18. The '' Times '' corespondent at Paris states that the Belgian aviator -Adjutant Edmond Thiefflrey, after taking photographs in the vicinity of Bruges on July 3, encountered 14 Albatross battleplanes, which barred his way. Rivalling Guynemer's historic exploit Thief frey dashed at full speed into the squadron, driving down two in two minutes, and flying at terrific speed, forcing his way through a barrage of the remainder. According to German communiques Thieffrey has been shot down and killed five times, but he still enjoys excellent health.