WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 18 October 1917, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

THE ANZACS’ ORDEAL, LONDON. Oct. 10. Mr. Duncan Gilmour says: At Auzac Headquarters some 1 Australians and New Zealanders just back from the front line tell how they slept in shell holes huddled on top of one another like puppies, the only way to keep warm. It speaks volumes for the thoughtful care of the commanders that many of the troops were provided with hot meals within a few yards of the Huns. Thick, wholesome stew was carried up in thermos flasks packed in straw.lined cases. The pack mules could not get up. so hot rations men handled the last stage of the journey. After a night’s sleep in the rear, the Anzacs were as merry as sandboys and in such good spirits after the ordeal that they even stopped their baths and shaving in order to cheer passing aeroplanes which were low enough to hear. Some of the British avaitors replied with a special overhead display. Mr. Pcrcival Phillips, writes; The only alteration in the Gerpian front since the battle has been a further withdrawal below Broodseinde. Our outposts are forcing the evacuation of nearly all the wooded slopes eastward of Nordemshoek, the Australians being chiefly responsible.

BRITISH CONSOLIDATING POSITIONS. NEW ZEALANDERS’ HEROISM. LONDON, Oct. 16. Mr. Murdock states that since Friday comparative quiet has reigned on the battlefield. Rifle fire is gradually diminishing as the new positions are made secure. The Hun is licking his wounds and not attempting to counterattack. The weather is bright and drying. Referring to the New Zealanders’ attack at Bellevue Spur, Mr. Murdock says: They were held up despite the most gallant efforts of the men and heroic reconnoitring by the officers, involving the death of three distinguished seniors. THE WAR CABINET’S CON- j’ GRATULATIONS. . . > on : LONDON, Oct. 16. The Press Bureau states: Mr. Lloyd George sent the following message to Sir Douglas Haig: “The War Cabinet desire to congratulate you and’ your troops on the achievements of the armies in Flanders in the great battle raging since July 21st. Starting from positions wherein every advantage rested with the enemy, and hampered by most unfavourable weather, (you and your men have nevertheless con.tinously driven, the enemy back, the skill courage, and pertinacity, commanding the grateful admiration of the peoples of the Empire and filling the enemy with alarm. I desire to renew poo: • 1 : my personal assurance of confidence in your leadership and the devotion, of those you command."

. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG’S REPORT. . LONDON, Oct. 16. Sir Douglas Haig reports: Our patrols have been active. They brought in a few prisoners. There has been considerable reciprocal artillery fire. There has been clearer weather and much effective counter-battery work. Troops from the South Midlands raided trenches last night in the neighbourhood of Roeux and inflicted casualties. Another raid northward of Lens yielded to us a few prisoners. Our fire early this morning repulsed a strong raiding partly southwest of Aeheville. Our aeroplanes yesterday machinegunned infantry at low altitudes and dropped two tons of bombs on a large dump at Courtrai, also on other targets. We downed five machines. Three of ours are missing. French communique.— After lively bombardment, several enemy raids on th'e Aisne front, south of Countecon/ was repulsed There is a lively artillery duel in the region of the Plateaux.

GERMAN LOSSES IN FLANDERS.. SEVENTY-FIVE PER CENT OVER BRITISH. Received 8.35. LONDON, Oct. 17 It is learned from careful estimates that German losses in the recent Flandrs fighting exceed the losses of the British by 75 per cent. BOMBING BRUGES DOCKS HAIG NOTHING TO REPORT. Received 9.40 LONDON, Oct 17. The Admiralty reports that naval aircraft, on Monday night, dropped many tons of bombs on Bruges dock. All machines returned. Sir Douglas Haig has nothing of interest to report.

FRENCH SECRET SESSION. TO DISCUSS PEACE STATEMENT. DARING AVIATOR INTERNED*. Received 10.50. PARIS, Oct. 17. The French aviator, Jardin,, participating in a raid on Frankfort, pm ceeded to Essen on his own initative, and dropped ten bombs. He landed in Switzerland during a mist and was interned. The Chamber of Deputies has decided to hold a secret session to discuss M. Ribot’s recent statement that Germany hinted her preparedness to restore Alsace and Lorraine if the French consented to discuss peace. AUSTRIAN NAVAL MUTINIES SANGUINARY FIGHT AT POLA.

ROME, October 16

The 1 ‘ Giornale D ’ltalia ’ ’ states onreliable authority that several extremely serious mutinies, accompanied by scenes of terror and bloodshed occurred on several ships of the Ausi trian Navy owing tp food troubles, and inhuman treatment by officers. There was a sanguinary eneounterat Pola between Austrian crews arid a German U-boat flotilla owing to the tryanny of the latter. It was only subdued by the intervention of naval patrols. A number of German sailors were killed. Thereafter the Üboat? were ordered to another base. Disaffection in the .Austrian Navy is increasing in a threatening manner. THE ARGENTINE STRIKE. A SERIOUS SITUATION. i /. .i . . LONDON, Oct. 16. The “Daily" Chronicle’s’"’ Buenos Ayres corresponden|; says that the railway strike has become more ser ious. Damage, rioting and derailments are taking place daily. Government action is feeble and martial law is flouted. * The commercial community suggests ; a general lock-out as a protest against syndicalist tryanny". ~ & hs:i* i OUR MEN IN EGYPT. ' • MEMORIALS TO THE FALLEN. ~ ' :- . . f ' 'si V * .J J* ... ’t Receievd 10.50. CAIRO, October 17. The Australians in Egypt propose to erect a memorial to their comrades who have fallen at Sinai and in Palestine. Every Australian in Egypt has subscribed five shillings to the mem. orial which will probably consist of a broken column on the banks of the Suez Canal. New Zealanders are planning a similar memorial at Bir El Abd, where many of their comrades fell in the battle at Romani.