WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 31 July 1917, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

UNCEASING GUNFIRE. UNPRECEDENTED DESTRUCTION. LONDON, July 29. Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: There is unceasing gun fire by both sides on the Flemish coast, southwards of Aens. Enemy artillery is thickly massed against the most vital sectors of our front. They have brought up vast supplies of ammunition and are firing shells, int 6 Nieuport, Ypres, and Armenticres and flinging them miles deep over the countryside, searching for our batteries. The enemy’s long-range guns are firing at targets, from 12 to 30 miles from their emplacements. The British are returning twice the number of shells, while aeroplanes drop bombs forty miles-behind th e enemy ’s front. The rivalry and destruction are greater than in any former phase of the war. The infantry standstill on both sides under the artillery du«l, except to make fierce destructive raids here and there. German wireless. Since mid-day there has been a very strong artillery duel in Flanders.

THE FIRING HEARD IN ENGLAND. LONDON July 29. Throughout Saturday night 'heavy con tinuous firing in Belgium was heard in south ''-eastern coast towns. Cannonade at daybreak increased in intensity, the vibration being so great that the earth trembled and windows rattled. The firing continue all the morning. ANOTHER VIOLENT STRUGGLE. LONDON, July 29. French communique.—There has been a most violent artillery struggle in the Gerny-Craonne region and on the left of the Meuse. A German attack on Hurtebise was completely frustrated. BRITISH ARTILLERY ACTIVITY.. Received 10 a.m. PARIS, July 30. Le Petit Journal states that fighting activity in Flanders is daily assuming greater proportions. British artillery is uninterruptedly hammering every portion of the enemy trenches.

SIR DOUGLAS HAIG’S REPORT,

LONDON, July 29. Sir Douglas Haig reports: There has been aerial activity with successful raiding and photographic results. We downed thirteen enemy machines and two balloons. GERMAN ATTACKS FAIL. COLLAPSE WITH HEAVY LOSSES. LONDON, July 29. A French communique reports: “A violent enemy attack west of Hurtebise, north of the Alsne, on a front of 600 metres, collapsed. Subsequently our infantry attacked between Hurtebise and La Boisselle. making progress at all points, especially in the monument district. “An enemy attempt to recapture trenches between Avoeourt Wood and Hill 304 failed, with heavy losses.” —I-;: - ' " n - —■