WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 19 March 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

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SUPERIORITY OF BRITIbIi

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Received 9.25

LONDON, March IS.

Mr. Percival Phillips states the delay in the German offensive is probably due to the failure of their gunners to gain the ascendancy over the British batteries, 'which for scleral weeks have returned blow for blow, smashing one minor scheme after another. It is a repetition of the German failure in air. We have completely smashed every strong aerial offensive for the past fortnight. There has been a remarkable increase in the enemy's gun-power since Christmas, owing to reinforcements from Russia; but the full strength is not yet disclosed. A significant feature of the new situation is the promptness with which the British recognise and counter every manoeuvre of the German gunners When they try to silence our guns the British shells immediately strip the camouflage from the care.fuliy hidfden German batteries, land drench the crews with gas. SUCCESSFUL RAID ON ENEMY TRENCHES. LONDON, March 17. A French communique says: There has been reciprocal artillerying north of Chcmin Des Dames. Under protection of our artillery, which dominated the German artillery, we conducted in the region of Cheppy an important raid, wherein we penetrated the enemy trenches on a front of eight hundred and to a depth of 'three hundred metres. We destroyed all dug-outs, blockhouses and works., and secured eighty prisoners. After a bombardment we raided to some depth in Malancourt Wood. The enemy violently bombarded points between the Mouse and Bcgonvaux. iWe immediately replied. Our aeroplanes dropped seven thousand kilogrammes of bofhbs on military , establishments bjehind flhe enemy, front. ~,,..,,.,.,, .; • FRENCH LINES PENETRATED. SUCCESSFUL COUNTER-ATTACKS. s LONDON, March 18. A French communique states the enemy bombardment on the right bank of the Mouse became intense, followed by a series of strong German attacks. Big enemy detachments approached oru positions; 'penetrating our lines at various points in the direction of Saniogneux and north Bois des Courieres and Bezonvauset.

The assailants suffered heavily under the violence of fire, and ware unable to maintain themselves In Clements they obtained a footing. Artillcrying continues, the liveliest in this region.

BRITISH OPERATIONS.

GREAT AERIAL ACTIVITY

LONDON, March 17,

Sir Douglas Ha'ig reports: Wc drove off raiders near Zonnebeke, Enemy artillery was active south of the Ba-paunie-Cambrai road, also against our rear defences south of Lens, and in the areas of the La Bassec Canal, Ar■menticrcs and Ypres. There was great aerial activity yesterday. Wc again heavily attacked billets and dropped thirteen tons of bombs. Two aerodromes and three dumps were destroyed. One hangar was smashed. A Gotha in the act of rising was brought down. Sixteen were driven down. Six of ours are missing. Our night fliers bombed billets and all returned. We bombed the barracks and railway station at Kaiserslautere to-day, directly hitting the station and causing a fire. The attackers all returned. A RAID THAT FAILED. : LONDON, March 17. Mr. Gilmour, describing the recent raid upon the Australian trenches, in which the Germans were badly worsted, writes: The regiment were promised rewards for undertaking the raid and 750 marks were to be paid for each captured machine gun. Corporals were to be promoted to sergeants, and all officers were to receive the Iron Cross. A former raid was such a failure that none volunteered upon the present occasion. Those selected stipulated for a generous amount of liquor before going forward. As a , result many were noisy and some helplessly drunk. Four non-coms, who were t advancing as wire-cutters, were incapable of performing their task. The Australians heard the boisterous crew assembling, and waited with every gun trained on the spot. The moment the Germans appeared they met a terrific rush of machine-gun bullets. The Officers Jwere unable 'to control the fuddled men, and from the start the dazed raiders blundered straight ahead to death. A prisoner declared that no other of his IS companions survived.

"ANYHOW, WE ARE READY-'.. !

LONDON, March 17

Mr. Philip Gibbs says: The enemy's operations are still limited to raids and gas bombardments. There is very little about the enemy's organisations, movements, and work behind his lines which we ao not know. Our Intelligence Service has become extraordinarily, scientific. The accuracy of our information has frequently staggored the enemy, who found his plans anticipated. It is very doubtful whether the main body of the German armies are equal to the strain of a prolonged attack. Anyhow, we are ready.