WESTERN ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 January 1917, Page 5

WESTERN ATTACK.

RENEWED ACTIVITY. A BIG OFFENSIVE APPROACHING. Received Jon. 27, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Jan. 20. There is renewe-. 1 , activity on both siiies on the West front. The clear frosty weather seems to indicate afresu stage towards a big offensive. The French sector is becoming as lively a* the British, and it is natural to expect that raids will be carried out with increased vigor. Already there' is great atrial activity and intensified bombard- , rents. The offensive may not come immediately, hut everything should he ready in a month or two.

SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS.

ENEMY DRIVES BACK. HEAVY LOSSES INFLICTED. Received 28, 11.13 p.m. l » London, January IT. Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig reports:—A successful operation occurred this morning in Le Trpnsloy, the whole objectives being gained, including a commanding portion of the enemy's position. We also captured 350 prisoners. Wo drove hack the enemy with heavy losses in vigorous counter-attacks. Our casualties were very slight. We raided positions to the north-east of Neuville St. Vnas't; took prisoners, and destroyed dug-outs. We hai} n0 casualties. Our patrols entered the trenches and inflicted casualties to the north-cast of Vcrmelles. We bombarded positions in the neighborhood of Serre, greatly damaging the defence, and north-east of Arras, where we dispersed working parties. Our lire northwards of Hulluch caught the enemy infantry, inflicting many :asualties.

GERMAN WORKS BOMBARDED.

FIVE EXEMY AEROPLANES IJOWN'I-'D. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. Received '2-8, 11.1-5 p.m. London, January 27. A French communique states:—We bombarded the German works in sector at Hill 301, causing much destruction. Five enemy aeroplanes were brought down, (including Lieut. Guynej mer's thirtieth. Two of our aeroplanes I bombed a railway station and military [.workshops at Ham, causing a fire and a | bis explosion. i- 1 ■ - '

VIOLENT ENEMY ATTACK.

EAXD-Td-HAND FIGIITIXG. j FRENCH REGAIN LOST TRENCH. ' LIVELY ARTILLERY WORK. Australian and* Cable Association and Renter/ Received 27, 5.5 p.m. London January 27. A French communique states that French reports show that the enemy attack on tho left bank of the Mouse yesterday was particular# violent. Several German regiments participated in hand-to-hand fighting at some points. We counter attacked this morning and retook in the region of Hill 304 the greater portion of the elements into which the enemy had penetrated. A fairly lively artillery, struggle took place on the right bank of the Meuse in the region of Bezonvaux, Louvjoy and VVoevre, also iu the •sectors at Regnivelle and Velio. *

GEiif-r'ANS ATTACK FRENCH. DRIVEN BACK WITH CHEAT LOSS. , SUCCESSFUL AIR RAIDS. Australian and N.Z. Cr.blo Association and Renter's. Received 28, 5.5 p.m. London-, January 25. A French communique states that the Germans yesterday evening attacked at four points from the Avocourt Wood to the east of faorb Homme. Our liredrove them back, only isoine of the enemy parties succeeding in penetrating our advanced trenches on the sector Hill 304. The enemy suffered heavy losses. Seven enemy qeroplancs were brought down Our air squadrons heavily bombed several railway stations, also hutments and military establishment, causing a tire at the railway station at Brienllh. SUCCESSFUL BRITISH RAIDS. ' GOOD WORK BY ABATORS. Australian and N.Z.'Cable Association j and Reuter's. Received 28, 5.5 p.m. London, January 20. I'ield-Marslial Sir Douglas Haig reports: —We carried out raids eastward of Loos and north-ejstward of Vermelles, making many prisoners. A number of dug-outs were destroyed. The enemy had many casualties. We bombarded the enemy's positions northward of the Sommo with good result*. Our aeroplanes successfully bombed a number of places behind the lines. Five German machines were destroyed and live driven down. One of ours was damaged and one is missing. LIMITED MEALS IN FRANCE. "i Received 28, 5.5 n.m. • Paris, January 28. A decree limits the meals at restaurants and hotels for two courses after JefcrOaty IS.,