WESTERN ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1916, Page 5

WESTERN ATTACK.

THE BELEAGUERED KENTS. MAGNIFICENT DEFENCE. London, July 17. When tlie Kentish line was broken the Huns wore so sure of victory that tiioy dallied forward calling "Surrpndei- Kents." "Come and take us," was tlie scornful reply. Many German shells fell short and exploded among (lie attackers until the disordered column disappeared in utter rout. As tlie second day wore on the Kents heard the shouts of their comrades fiulitinjr their way to their beleagurcd lines. This stirred up the enemy for a final effort and a column of infantry renewed the attack, but the Kents only rolled up their sleeves and settled down for a last round. The Kents had an immense reception in the British line after they had been relieved. It was a particularly brilliant achievement, as many of the lads were under fire for the first time. AN HISTORIC STAND. THE KENT?' CAUGHT IN AN INFERNO. GERMANS' TRIUMPH SHORTLIVED. STAGGERED BY BAYONET CHARGE. Received July IS, 5.5 p.m. London, July 17. An eye-witness of the West Kent's historic stand in Trones Wood describes it as one of the finest exploits of the war. Intense German artillery fire, followed up by desperate attacks by fresh infantry, had forced back the British troops on both flanks of the Kentishmen early on the second day, and retreat was impossible. A wounded Kent man reached the main British lines with a message that the defenders were hard pressed on all sides, but would hold out longer if essential. A message was sent that relief was coming. Meanwhile the Kentishmen were fighting in a blazing furnace; the trenches were pounded to dust by high explosives; flame jets and gas were turned on at intervals, and constant bomb attacks were made by a band of picked Germans, who once penetrated the trenches. But their triumph was short-lived; the Kents staggered the Germans with a bayonet t'harge; and took a numbci of prisoners, driving out the rest by close-quarter fighting of the deadliest character. MILES BROKEN. A SPLENDID ADVANCE. Paris, July 17. To-day's Paris review describes the British advance. The whole German positions were broken on a front of 6] miles, besides the dent made in third line at Erouret Wood. . , GERMAN OPINION. TALK OF ABANDONING BELGIUM. New York, Jnly 17. A United Press dispatch says that the Berlin press is divided as to the wisdom of the Chancellor's opposition to the annexation of Belgium. The Cologne Gazette defends Herr von Betlimann-Hollweg, asserting that it would be a mistake to swap horses in the middle of the stream. It acknowledges that the British have a huge reserve in Flanders, enabling them to make continuous attacks with fresh troops. Count Reventlow considers the Cliamcellor's policy unwise, as the Allies will interpret it aa a 9ign that Germany is weakening. The newspapers are discussing the possibility ot peace following the Allies' offensive. The Tageblatt' opines that the Allies will now endeavor to induce Greece and Roumania to participate in the war. TURKISH TROOPS. FOR WESTERN FRONT. Received July IS, 5.5 p.m. Rome, July 17. Germans in Turkey have organised eight new divisions, under German officers, which will be sent to the European front. MORE TRENCHES CAPTURED. London, July 17. Sir Douglas Haig reports that further important successes have widened the gap in the German second line. We captured 1500 yards of trenches northwest of Bazentin-Le-Petit and Waterloo farm, east of Longuev&l. RESUMPTION OF ADVANCE EXPECTED. PERONNE THE OBJECTIVE. DIFFICULTIES IN THE WAY. ANZACS LEAVE PARIB. Received July IS, 0.50 p.m. London, July 18. In view of the British gains, a speedy resumption of the advance on I'eronne is expected, but there are considerable difficulties before the French owing to the German defences being based on a marsh along tin? canal of Liwer, on the western side of Pennine. The town consists of three parts, the first being the cathedral, the second the pstle of Louis the Eleventh, and the third the cemetery. All these are dominated by the village of Mt. St. Qlientin, which, in turn, is dominated by the heights of Aizecourt. The Anzacs took part in a review on the 14th, and left Paris on Sunday. An immense crowd acclaimed the British and rvilonial trooos. and flung flowers,