WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 23 February 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

BIG FRENCH RAID. IN LORRAINE SECTOR. LONDON, February 21. A French communique reports: "Our detachments north of Ypres and east of Moncel in Lorriane deeply penetrated the German lines on a wide front. The operation was brilliantly carried out. The number of prisoners counted exceeding four hundred. EXTENSION OF BRITISHj FRONT. LIBERATING "FRENCH TROOPS. Received 9.35. LONDON, Feb 22. The southern extremity of the British front is opposite La lyrey The extension, which is nearly twelve miles, includes the whole of the St. Quentin salient, and economises French man-power, liberating considerable forces for service elsewhere. The new sector has hitherto been a quiet part of the front, "NcT man's Land" in some places being 1000 yards wide. GREAT ARTILLERY BATTLE RAGING. Received 9.10. LONDON, Feb 22. A great artillery battle has begun along the, entire. French front. Received 9,01. . LONDON, February 22. Sir Douglas Haig reports: We repulsed raiders southwards of ArmentieTes; patrols "elsSwhcTe brought in a number of prisoners. Enemy artillery is active in the neighbourhood of St. Quentin, Arras, Cambrai Road, Lens, Armentieres, and Ypres. A break in the weather prevented flying except for artillery observation. . French communique: There is fairly lively reciprocal artllierying on tho whole front, especially in the regions of Pinon, Vauxaillon, Malmaison, Pontayrt, Gudecourt, and Butte de Mesnil. Three German aeroplanes were brought down and two forced down into their own lines serious damaged.

BRITISH ARMY QUITE CONFIDENT LONDON, Feb 21. Speaking in the House of Commons, when introducing the 'Army Estimates, Mr. McPherson (Under-Secre-tary for War), said although the Allies at present were superior in men and guns on the West front, the balance would soon be in favour of Germany, owing to the reinforcements from Russia. Already over twenty divisions had been transferred. They must be prepared for a determined enemy offensive; but the necessary measures had been taken and complete confidence prevailed in all ranks. He was convinced they would hold their own.