WESTERN ATTACK.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1917, Page 5

WESTERN ATTACK.

THE CAMBRAI SETBACK. GENERAL BYNG BLAMED. New York, Dec. 14. * Mr. Frank Symonds, in the Tribune, says General Byng's neglect of his flanks on the Scheldt in the attempt to reasonably/ enlarge his success was a blunder, and he may even lind his personal position insecure. LOCAL FIGHTING. LOST TRENCH NEARLY REGAINED. Aug. and N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Router. Received Dec. 16, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 15. Sir Douglas Haig reports: There has. been local fighting south-east of Polygon Wood. Before dawn the enemy attacked our position in the neighborhood of Polderhoek Chateau, but was repulsed, except at one point, where he entered our front trench on a front of about yards. Hostile artillery was very active. A later message announced that we regained a considerable portion of the trench.' GERMAN GUN LOSSES. ASSUME ALARMING PROPORTIONS. Received Dec. 10, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Dec. 15. A secret order, signed by General von Ludendorff, shows that German artillery j losses are alarming, proving that the number of guns lost monthly by a single German army is 870 field guns and 585 heavies. Allied bombardments knocked out eight hundred." The other losses are due to wear and tear. ENEMY AEROPLANES DOWNED."Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Reuter. Received Dec. 16, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 15. Official.—Two German aeroplanes were ilo'wned in a raid on the sixth, and forced to descend, owing to the damage done by anti-aircraft guns. VIOLENT ARTILLERY ACTIONS. Received Dec. 15, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 14. A French communique reports violent artillery actions in the region of Maison dc Champagne and east of Suippea. ! ' GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. : Received Dec. 15, 5.5 p.m. " London, Dec. 14. A wireless German official report stateis Wo ;beat back an attempt to recapture trenches cast of Bnllecourt. Our violent surprise mine-firing'caused heavy damago south of St. Quentin. ; POSITION AT BULLEOOURT IMPROVED. London, Dec. 14. Sir Douglas Haig reports that as the res'ilt of bomb fighting Reported last night we slightly improved our positions east of Bullecourt. The enemy raided a post south of Pronvillt. A few men are missing.