THE FRENCH ATTACKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 September 1916, Page 5

THE FRENCH ATTACKS.

A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT. THREE HOURS' CLOSE FIGHTING. Received Sept. 15, 12.45 a.m. Paris, Sept. 14. The French attacks on Tuesday were the most brilliant yet achieved on the Somme. For the first time since trench warfare was firmly established in the West, the Allies pierced the German line, which had taken two and a half months to construct. The artillery was terriby effective. The German trenches Were all flattened down, and the defenders mostly buried in isolated groups. The lioschod remained in some ■ dug-outs, but a dozen bombs soon settled the matter. The. first assault began at 12 30 o'clock, and within half-an-hour the whole of the first line had been stormed on a front of five miles. The infantry resumed the attack at 1.14, and gained the summit of the Hill 145, overlooking the plain as far as Bapaume. The centre attacking column encountered a furious resistance at Martieres Wood, and desperate hand to hand fighting lasted for three hours. General Fayoll's infantry made a supreme effort at 4.30, cleared the wood, and pushed the Germans to the east of the Peronne road. . Another strong body of GeriV..,„ u „ the far hill beyond 145 were ambushed behind the ruins of a windmill, but ko*u. up an infernal fire by machine-gun's. They were taken on' the flank and forced to retire. A FURTHER ADVANCE. It was dark when the victorious Poilus, pressing onward, carried the village of Bouchanesnes on the Bapaume Road. They were not attacked during the night and consolidated the position. They made a further advance eastwards in the morning. ALLIES.FIRMLY ESTABLISHED. The Allies are now firmly established for two miles along the main road to Peronne and Bapaume, cutting one of the principal lines of the German communication and <vcin» the Germans to use the Paris-Lille road, three miles further back. • KEY TO PERONXE ENDANGERED. Most of the positions taken on Tuesday are relatively of recent formation, and less concrete has been used than in earlier captures. The capture of Bouehavenes endangers Mount St. Qucntin, which is the key to 'Peronne. CHEERING THE BELGIANS. LEAFLETS DROPPED BY AEROPLANE. Beceived Sept. 15, 12.25 a.m. Amsterdam, Sept. 14. A British aeroplane flew over Brussels and dropped leaflets exhorting the people to take courage, adding: "You lvill soon be free." The authorities are angry at the antiGerman demonstrations in connection with the aerial visit, and have punished all the inhabitants, who are now ordered to remain indoors after seven o'clock.