WESTERN ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 July 1917, Page 5

WESTERN ATTACK.

: FIERCE FIGHTING BY THE FRENCH. , ALL OBJECTIVES GAINED. ENEMY RELIEF TROOPS CAUGHT BY ARTILLERY. Axis, and N.Z, Cable Assoc. and Renter. Received July I<s, 10.15 p.m. London, July 10. A French communique states:' After several hours of drum-fire, the Germans yesterday evening heavily attacked our salient west of Cerny. A violent light ensued, the alternating advances and retreats being continued all night. Despite the large enemy effectives and the extensive use of flaminenwerfer, the enemy was unable to hold a trench he had penetrated, merely occupying some first line elements on a front of 600 yards. .

After a big artillery preparation, our troops yesterday evening attacked two points in the Champagne, and gained all objectives north of Mont Haut and the slopes off Teton, carrying, with splendid dash, on a front of 800 metres to a depth of 300 metres, a powerfully organised system of trenches. A succession of violent counter-attacks, after hand-to-hand fighting, failed with heavy losses on the part of the enemy, all the conquered (positions being maintained. Our artillery caught and heavily punish* ed concentrated enemy relief troops.

* FRENCH ORGANISE CAiPTURED POSITIONS. A- and N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter, Received July 10, 11.50 p.m. London, July 16.

A French communique reports: The artillery straggle has slackened west of Cerny, in the Champagne, We organised'the positions captured yesterday evening north of Mont Haul and Teton. OFFICIAL REPORTS. London, July IS. Sir Douglas Haig reports: There is heavy reciprocal artillery and air fighting. Fifteen German aeroplanes have been brought down and seven of ours aro missing.

FRENCH HONORS FOR NEW ZEAL ANDERS. London, July 15. M. Poincare made the following invalids to New Zealanders: —Croix de Guerre, Captain H. 'Barraclough, Sergeant A. Shearer, Private C, Richards; Medaillo Militaire, Sergeant R. Stewart, Private A. Dean. THE FESTIVAL CELEBRATION. Paris, July 15. The Festival celebration was of unprecedented splendour. Half a piillion witnessed the parade of troops representing 134 regiments. They gave a special ovation to the maimed troops, and showered the English and American officers with flowers.

MINOR BRITISH SUCCESSES. London, July 15, Sir Douglas Haig reports: Patrol encounters gavo us the advantage southeast of Havrincourt. We made successful raids near Bullpcourt, Gavrette, and southward of Armentieres. We repulsed raiders north-east of Armentieres.