SUCCESSFUL NEW ZEALAND RAID.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1917, Page 7

SUCCESSFUL NEW ZEALAND RAID.

AUOKLANDERS STORM THE GERMAN'TRENCHES. MANY GERMANS KILLED. (From Captain Malcolm Ross, War Correspondent with the N.Z. Forces in the Field). Northern France, February 23, 1917. At dawn yesterday morning the biggest and most successful raid on the German trenches as yet undertaken by J>ew Zealanders was carried out on a sector of the front that we are at present holding. I have already sent by cable such details of the raid as can be published. There is much more of an interesting nature that might be written about it, but not without giving information that would be valuable to tho enemy, so there the matter must rest till the war is over.

To-day, in a muddy paddock behind the lines, the raiding party witli its officers was assembled to hear a few words of congratulation from its Divisional Commnader, and to be inspected, and addressed by the Corps Commander. The men, who had gone through one of the most trying experiences that can fall to the lot of a soldier, looked none the worse for their strenuous and exciting adventure, except that their uniforms were somewhat torn and soiled. Some others who had gaily set out upon the venture had fought their last fight, and the war would concern them not any more Others, again, were in hospital, or, by this time, well on their Way to "Blighty"—a journey that even a wounded soldier looks forward to. Tho Divisional Commander took the opportunity of saying a few words to the officers and men concerned. " Allow me," he said, "to thank you all for the work you have done and the credit you have brought to New Zealand. We on the Staff can only see that the arrangements are made to the best of our abilit'-- it is for you to do the work and •' 'ake the risk. And when you have • everything possible to achieve suece; ere is still the element of luck to cor. mi. The element of luck is a considerable factor, and we must remember that When some of our raids are not as successful as we. anticipated. That luck has on this occasion been yours, but with it there has been arduous preparation and strenuous work, and I would like to thank you agaiii for all you have done." General Godley, after a careful inspection, addressed the raiders as follows: "Major , offiqere, and non-cominis-sioned of the Auckland Battalioft I have come here to-day to see you and 'to congratulate you upon the very fine performance done by the battalion in the jaid which you have just accomplished pn the.Germah trenches. You have received khe congratulations not only of the Commander of the Army under whom we are serving, but also of tho Commander-in-Chief of the British •Armies in France, which is a very high ,honor for any battalion to receive; and I wish to say to you, as Commander of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, that I am very proud indeed to command such a body of men. lam Bure the (Divisional Commander also is very proud to have in his division a battalion that can do such a fine performance as you did. There is nothing that calls more upon men for the qualities of endurance and courage than these raids. They can only be a succoss if a great deal of work, intelligence, and pains is devoted to them, and I know that in this case no trouble was spared to perfect the arfengements. All of you worked very hard to contribute to the successful result which has been attained. Ido not think that all of you perhaps realise the very great importance of these raids in helping )is to win the war. 1 regret very much the. casualties that have occurred in the battalion. I know that you killed very large numbers of the enemy, and that you, had the satisfaction to bring back one officer and 43 of other ranks as prisoners, which is a very iine performance. One other word: Without the artillery you all, I think, i'now that it would be impossible to accomplish such a successful enterprise. The role of the artillery is a very difficult one indeed. It requires a very great .deal not only of training and practice, but also continuous hard work and endurance on their part, and you all Jcnow that the highest praise the artillery can wish for is the thanks of the infantry. I am quite sure that all of you are very thankful to Colonel and the heavy artillery, and to Colonel and your own field artillery for the most fxcellent support they gave you. You wilj all, I know, agree that the artillery share with you the success of this enterprise. I can only say again that I am proud to have under my command a battalion that has done as this "battalion has flone.