WESTERN ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1917, Page 5

WESTERN ATTACK.

ADVANCE CONTINUES,

FURTHER, SUCCESS.

I London, April 10. Sir Douglas Haig reports severe fighting at the northern end of the Vimy Ridge, where the enemy had retained a footing. We ejected the enemy, who attempted a counter-attack, but failed. We cleared the eastern slope of the ridge, repulsing counter-attacks. We advanced and seized the village of Fainpoiix and the neighboring defences northward and southward of the Scarpc. On Monday we took over OOOCh prisoners and 40 guns.

We drove the enemy from the high ground between Le Verguier and Hargicourt (near St. Quentin). Fighting continues on the whole battle front.

A strong enemy night attack on a narrow front southeastward of Ypres reached the support line, but was immediately ejected.

AIR HERO MISSING,

THE KING'S COMPLIMENTS,

TREMENDOUS BARRAGE.

BATTLE OF ARRAS-

GERMAN VERSION.

THE GALLANT CANADIANS

TWELVE THOUSAND PRISONERS.

LIEUTENANT ROBINSON, V.C,

London, April 10. Lieutenant Robinson, who was awarded the V.C, for the destruction of a Zeppelin on September 5, 1010, is missing.

A SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENT.

London, April 10. The King telegraphed to Sir Douglas Haig: "The whole Empire will rejoice at yesterday's successful operations Canada will be proud that the coveted Vimy Ridge has fallen to her troops. I heartily congratulate you and all who have partaken in the splendid achievement."

FRENCH APPRECIATION.

I Paris, April 10. The Petit Tarisien, describing the Canadians' success at Vimy, states that the British artillery put up a tremendous barrage in front of the assaulting troops. The artillery also extended the fire curtain to the enemy's rear and isolated the Germans, who, realising that escape was impossible, did not offer prolonged resistance. Whole battalions surrendered, 'although there was a fierce struggle to the death at certain points, especially at Cojeul and Telegraph Hill. The British caught several hundreds of the enemy on the banks of the Scarpe and cut down those refusing to surrender. The Canadians rested momentarily on the Vimy slopes after the capture of the first two lines, and then dashed to the summit, and the Germans threw down their arms.

M. Marcel Hutin says that, according to the prisoners, the rapidity of the British advance surprised them. Prince Rupprecht expected ten oays' delay. A French communique states: The enemy artillery was less active north of the Oise. South of the Olse we made progress east of the lower forts of Lou c y. There was a fairly lively artillery struggle in the region north-east of Sois3ons, principally in the Laffaux sector.

.' London, April 10. A wireless German official message says:—The battle of Arras continues, The English, after several days' artillery activity, attacked on Monday following a violent increase in fire on a 20 kilometres front. As the result of hard fighting they penetrated our positions on the roads radiating from Arras, but failed to break through. Two of our divisons suffered considerably, stubbornly resisting the superior forces of the enemy. We penetrated beyond the third English line south-eastward of Vpres,

GLOWING TRIBUTE

~ London, April 10, Mr Philip Gibhs gives a glowing account of the Canadians' oxpoits at Vimy Ridge, and emphasises the disgust of the German officers at seeing "the anxiety of their men to surrender. The Canadians on Tuesday occupied the tens railway embankment'. The pursuit continues. ,

A. FRI'.XCH ESTIMATE

Paris, April 10. The Petit P.irisicn says that by Monday evening the British had taken 12,000 prisoners.