WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 7 November 1917, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

LIFE BEHIND THE LINES. London, October 20. Writing from Australian headquarters Mr Keith Murdoch says:—Since the last battle our pSTrolling work has been a feature on the Australasian front. Our men are running rings round the Germans. Gallant parties go out at dusk and remain most of the night exploring the shell-hole zone. Their bayonets are always but mostly they carry revolvers. The work has been of the greatest value. We have quietly penetrated a: considerable extent of territory by this means. We penetrated a farm'which was the scene of heavy fighting on October 9 and October 12, but we found only a garrison of dead, indicating that the Germans are withdrawing to south of the railway.

Yesterday the firing' line was so quiet that scarcely a rifle shot was fired, but the artillery on each side is steadily drenching the opposing areas. The Germans sent over two hours' -barrage of gas shells last night. However, they are receiving much more gas than they gave. Captured documents show that our gas shells are causing heavy mortality, and are disturbing the enemy's morale #

I spent yesterday visiting units behind the lines. They are under canvas or are pleasantly billeted among French and Belgians. They are taking life easy, refitting and getting the drafts from England into shape, visiting cinemas and strolling over the fields. All have souvenirs of their fine achievements. They are comfortable, warm, and contented. Many are allowed to go into townships in motor lorries. Those units billeted at a distance have been moved in long strings of motor 'buses, which never fail to interest the men. Their chief occupation seems to be in writing and reading letters from home. Vast quantities of winter clothing and extra blankets, which have been especially,provided for the AnzacSj are. arriving An examination of a captured redoubt has hot revealed'new food devices, but. the German supplies seemed everywhere to be sample. Usually many rows of bottles, black coffee boiled sweets, and cigars are especially noticeable. Quantites of Junker propaganda and literature have been distributed among the German soldiers, mostly 'in the form of picture papers and postjttardß.

HUNS AGAIN ATTACKED. HAIG REPORTS GOOD PROGRESS. Received 8.45. • LONDON, !Kovj 6. Sir Douglas Haig attacked,' at 6 this morning, against positions in .the neighbourhood of Passcchendaele. It is reported that he is" satisfactorily progressing^ The Lincolnshires, last night raided the neighbourhood of Hulluch.

THE NEW ATTACK. CANADIANS IN THE VAN. NEW TERRITORY CAPTURED. Received 11.20. LONDON, Nov 6. The Canadians have attacked Passchendaele_ They were seen entering Mosselmary and other places beyond Goudserg. There was heavy fighting at Poltershoek Chateau, the Germans heavily shelled the attackers for 90 minutes, then their bombardment eased.