WESTERN ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1917, Page 5

WESTERN ATTACK.

FRENCH REGAIN TRENCHES. ENEMY HEAiWLY REINFORCED. Received July 10, 9,15 p.m. London, July 9. A French communique states: Wc repulsed a strong attack against Pantheon, and counter-attacked the trenches occupied yesterday between Les Beauvettes and the Chevrigny spur. We drove the enemy from the first line elements on a front of 1500 metres, regaining the greater part of the ground lost between 'Pantheon and Froidmont farm. The enemy's attack here yesterday was made by elements belonging to three divisions, reinforced with special assaulting troops and flame-throwers, the total aggregating a dozen fresh battalions. ° KEEN ARTILLERY STRUGGLE. London, July 9. A French communique says:—The artillery struggle is very keen in the Pantheon Froidmont Farm district. We occupied a trench element. There are artillery actions at various points, especially towards Hurtebise, and in the Mont Haut sector. ' A German official report says:—We gained considerable ground and prisoners on the Chemin-des-Dames, southeastward of Pargny-Filain. RASH COMMANDERS PUNISHED. Paris, July 9. In the Chamber of Deputies M. Painleve admitted that the price paid in the last offensive was too high for the results. The chiefs responsible had been relieved of their commands, A policy of prudence, not lacking in energy, but with due regard to the limits of human achievement was necessary. Rash plans would not be attempted, but the forces conserved for the final battle. General Petain was an excellent leader for this policy.