WESTERN FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 March 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

THE CAMBRAI SET-BACK. REPORT BY SIR DOUGLAS HAIG. INDIRECT RESULTS GOOD. London, March 4. Sir Douglas Haig, in a dispatch to the War Office dealing with the battle of Cambrai, mentions that it was proposed to stop the attack 48 hours after ,!ts commencement, or sooner, if tho rt> suits did not justify its continuance In detailing the reasons for ; ts continuance after the oxnirv of this period. Sir Douglas Haig states that the positions captured north of Flestniieres were completely commanded by the Bourlon Ridge, and must have been abandoned unless the rid?e was gained. On the other hand the cnemv showc.l siens of withdrawing and th» loss of the ridgo would probably cause the Germans to abandon (heir earefnllv nrepnred defence svstems for a considerable distance northward. The oncmv v--,i = not vet too si roil" in the Pourlon reffion to be overcome hy the numbers at Sir Douglas Hais's disposal. In addition, an important argument for continuir" the attack was the enemy offensive in Italy. Moreover, two div>r ; n r." ~-Hc" nrdnr« for Ttaly were placd at- Sir D. TTaig's disnosM: therefore th n prosnect of securing Bourlon seemed good. Dealing with the enemv counter-attack on November 30. Sir Douslis Hai" sftvs that at the northern end of tfic Bonavis | RM«e and >n the ilmiHieu sector the swiftness of the enemy's advance afto the openinf bombardment appears to have overwh"lme<l o"r treons. both in the line and in the immediate support ilmost before they realised the attack had begun. The nature of the bombardment contributed to th" success of the enemv's plans. No stc-adilv advancing barrnire gave warning of the approach of the Gernnn assault columns, whose secret ns<emHr was assisted V* the formation of the around and the morning mist. Great numbers o c Imvflving German aeroplan'es rained ma* chine-gun tire upon our infantrv, while the extensive use of smoke shells jind bombs mnde it difficult for our troops to see wlnt was hanpening on other narts the battlefield. There is little doubt that, although attacks were expected generally, yet these were a surprise. While this assault, effected a local emprise. Sir Douglas Haig says the greatest credit is due to our troops at Masnieres. Bourlon and Moeuvres for thpir gallant service on this day. Their stefulv courage and staunchness saved possible serious consequences. Dealing with the results of the Camhrai battle. Sir Douglas Haig savs that there is little doubt that it was of considerable indirect assistance to the Allied forces in Italy, where large demands were made upon the available flerman reserves at a time when a great concentration of German divisions was still being maintained in Flanders. Evidence was available that German divisions intended for the Italian theatre were diverted to Cambrai. ,It is probable that a further concentration of German foices in Italy was necessary at the most critical period when the Italians were making their first stand on tho Piavc. The only partial success of the enemy's attack may tend to show that the garrison on this front is insufficient, either owing to want of numbers, lack of training, or exhaustion. Sir Dougla? Haig emphasises the point that captured maps and orders prove that the enemy aimed at far greater results than lie achieved. Three jonvergent attacks were to bo made on the salient formed by the British advance. Two of these were delivered approximately simultaneously, near Gonnelieu and Masnieres, followed by a still more powerful attack on Bourlon. The objectives of these Attacks extended to the high ground at Beaucamp and Treseault. The enemy hoped to capture or destroy the whole British forces on the Cambrai salient, i'his bold and ambitions plan was foiled over the greater part of the front by the splendid defence of the British divisions engaged. Though the defence temporarily broke down, the recovery made by the weak forces still left there within immediate reach was most praiseworthy. After paying a tribute to the manner in which General Byng conducted the operations, Sir Douglas Haig states that the great offensive value of tanks has been conclusively proved. In view of this experience the enemy will hesitate to deplete any portion of his front in order to free troop 3 for a decisive action elsewhere. ON FRENCH FRONT. ATTEMPTED RAIDS DISPERSED. London, March 4. A French communique states: There was lively artillery work at night time in the regions of Beaumont and Bezonvaux, also at Bandesapt, and east of Harzetzen, Upper Alsace. Following a bombardment, the enemy attempted several raids in the region of Panoy Forest, in {he direction of Neuviller, Lorraine. Our fire dispersed the assailants. PRISONERS' TALES. HEAD MONEY FOR CAPTURES. London, March 4. Prisoners taken by the Australians Btate that the battalion commander, who was killed, was most anxious to achieve success. It is significant that the reward for bringing in a British prisoner has been raised from £ls to £25. together with eighteen days' leave. The Germans credit alarming stories to our gas. It is commonly believed that eight new varieties have been invented. RAIDS REPULSED. Received March 5, 11 p.m. London, March .5. Sir Douglas Haig reports: We repalsed raids westward of Le)is and St. Quentin after sharp lighting. THE ENEMY WEI 'NFORMED. Paris, March 4. The Americans captured a German prisoner who carried a complete map of the American tr ' ••s on the Toul-St. .Mihiel front

EXTENSIVE COUP DE MAIN. : FRENCH PENETRATE DEEPLY. Received March 5, 11 p.m. Taris, March 5. A French communique states: East of the Meuse we conducted an extensive coup de main, penetrating to the fourth enemy line on a front of twelve hundred metres, reaching a depth of six hundred metres at certain points. While the coup de main was progressing, the enemy counter-attacked on the left flank, but was repulsed after sharp lighting, with important enemy losses. Our losses were extremely light. An enemy coup de main north-west of Bezonvaux broke down. Another attempt east of Ilargitzcn was stopped. ESPIONAGE TRIAL AT ANTWERP. EIGHT DEATH SENTENCES. Received March 0, 1.50 a.m. Amsterdam, March 5. At a great espionage trial at Antwerp, out of 03 prisoners eight were sentenced to death.