IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 June 1916, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

ON THE YPRES FRONT. GERMAN ATTACK PREDICTED. CANADIANS CARRY ON. Amsterdam, June is. Tlie Telegrnaf says that the impression is that tlio Flanders battles at Ypre's from June 2 to (i are the initial stages of an important German offensive. The Wurtemburgers are resting at Comines and expect to go to the front in a few days. Large reserves are concentrated at llenin, Courtrai, and other towns in the vicinity. L'Echo de Beige states that 26,000 Germans have arrived at Tournai, also strong cavalry forces. London, June 12. Correspondents state that, though the Canadian counter-attack on June 3 did not attain its full objective it was worthy of the Canadian traditions in this war. The-outstanding feature of their personal superiority over Germans was the extraordinary initiative displayed, subordinates assuming responsibility almost automatically. "Carry on" was the doctrifle throughout. The German losses were undoubtedly hig'h. If they intend to make r push at Ypres on the same scale at Verdun tliev will have to pay the price on the Verdun scale. The Germans, by taking the offensive, will really play our tactical game. Other correspondents draw attention to the two days of stagnation in the attack at Verdun. A German communique says: Northward of Perthes, in the Champagne, we penetrated positions, taking 100 prisonera.

AROUND VAUX. GERMAN BOMBARDMENT FAILS. Received June 13, 7.50 p.m. Paris, June 13. A communique states that the powerful artillery preparation of the Germans was followed by successive attacks all day over the positions north of Thiaumont. Despite the importance of the effectives engaged and the violence of the assaults, our curtain and Infantry lire stopped the enemy everywhere. Their losses were very serious." The bombardment extended along the whole region west of Vaux Fort. ON THE BRITISH FRONT. NO INFANTRY ACTIONS. Received June 13, 8.20 p.m. London, June 13. General Sir Douglas Haig reports that there have not been' any infantry actions for twenty-four hour's. There have been heavy mutual bnmbardments at Hill GO and Hooge. The weather is cold and rainy. , BOMBING RAIDS. BATTLE GROWING FIERCER. Received June 13, 8.20 p.m. London, June 12. A correspondent states that a npticeable fact is the increase in raids, which are becoming a feature of trench warfare. In many instances there is remarkable initiative and gallantry among the officers and men, who go to the acfventures in "No Man's Land." The enemy thereby arc kept in continual uneasiness, and suffer heavy casualties. One night five separate raids were organised. In one case the assaulting party bombed eighty yards of a trench, killing twenty of the enemy. In anbther, at Neuve Chapelle, a party killed a large number of Germans. The Anzacs, who have been learning trench warfare as it is conducted in the West, showed their usual enterprise and initiative. There are comparatively few German raids, several of therfi failing utterly, the Germans leaving prisoners and a number of dead. The raiding has broken the old monotony of trench warfare, and has given a new and fiercer character to the struggle.

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. Wellington, June 13. The High Commissioner reports from London under date June 1-2, 3.55 p.m.:— West of Soissons the French artillery destroyed enemy works, causing an explosion in the German lines. On tbe left bank of the Meuse there is a bombardment in the region of Chattancourt. On the right bank artillery fighting is very lively in the sectors north of Souville and Fort Tavannes. 'During 'the night a German attack on tile trenches west of Fort Vaux was completely repulsed.