WESTERN ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1917, Page 5

WESTERN ATTACK.

FRENCH SMASH GERMAN WAVES.

ALL LOST POSITIONS RECAPTURED.

Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter. Received July IS, 0.40 p.m. London, July 17. A French communique states: The Germans re-attacked at Teton, but the assaulting waves were smashed, and we entirely maintained our gains of the 14th inst. After the attack in the morning west of Hill 304, we entirely recaptured all the positions which remained in the hands of the Germans after the actions of June -28 and sK>. ENEMY SUCCESS AT TETON. BRILLIANT FRENCH" ATTACK. FIRST AND SECOND GERMAN LINES TAKEN. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter. Received July 18, ,11.35 p.m. London, July 18. A French communique states: There has been reciprocal artillery activity in the region of Cerny-Ailies-California plateau, in the Champagne. The enemy renewed attacks north of Teton, and regained a footing at certain points that we captured on July 14. The artillery duel continued violently at Mont Haut, where we are organising the captured ground. The operations we carried out on the left of the Meuse, west of Hill 304, developed with full success. After heavy artillery preparation the troops, with irresistible dash, attacked a front of 2500 metres on both sides of the F.sne-Malancourt road,, and tho whole German first German line, which was elaborately organised for defence, fell into our hands. Shortly afterwards the second enemy line, after desperate fighting wherein onr troops manifested splendid keenness, was also carried. Our advance attained a kilometre in depth. The line of this advance runs from the south-eastern corner of Avocourt wood to the western slopes of Hill 304. passing through Canar wood. Our fire annihilated several counter-attacks during the afternoon. The enemy suffered heavily. •

GERMANS "JUMPY" WITH FEAR. DESPERATE EFFORT AT AIR . MASTERY. United Press. Received July 18, 6.40 p.m. London, July 17. A correspondent at the British field headquarters on the West front says that the Germans' nerves are fraying out. Numerous "jumpy little attacks" everywhere indicate a fear similar to that of a startled jack rabbit. Their actions indicate that the Huns are "on their toes." The Teutons are making the most desperate efforts to regain tho air mastery, and there are preparations for the heaviest air battles. The Boschcs unsuccessfully attacked five balloons and set another afire. British airmen brought down a German sausage 'balloon. Preparations to immediately start constructing a huge air fleet have b«en completed.

| A TEST OF STRENGTH. i GERMAN* DEFEAT OVERWHELMING. Received July 18, 0 p.m. Paris, July 17. M. Marcel Hut in states that scarcely ever has a German attack been made with such a wealth o! troops, and with such determination, as was that of the fifteenth inst. Our fire literally cut in ■ pieces three waves of the assault, while the subsequent hand-to-hand fighting wus of such a character that the German defeat was overwhelming. SUCCESSFUL AERO WORK.

Received July 18, 10.50 p.m. London, July 18. Sir Douglas jlHaig reports: We somewhat improved our positions east of Monchy le Preu. Despite the thick clouds and strong winus, our aeroplanes did a great deal of successful work yesterday in conjunction with the artillery. We also bombed various points behind thfc enemy's lines. There were many air fights, wherein we brought down six, and drove down three machines. None of ours are missing. BRITISH GAIN GROUND. London, July 17. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—We gained ground slightly northwards of Warneton. One of our raiding parties in the Nieuport sector encountered a large enemy party and after a sharp fight drove them back to their lines, followed up and bombed the trenches. THE EVICTED FRENCH. Berne, July 17. By the end of October, 300,000 French evicted from the occupied parts of France iwill have traversed Switzerland from Germany to France.