PERFECT TARGETS FOR AIRMEN.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 March 1918, Page 5

PERFECT TARGETS FOR AIRMEN.

MASSES OF ENEMY & TRANSPORT. Received March 27, i 1.2."> p.m. London, '.March 27. Sir Douglas Hnig reports: Aeroplanes on Monday were almost exclusively employed in bombing and machine-gunning the troops anil transport behind the battle front. Twenty-two tons of bombs and a hundred thousand rounds of ma-chine-gun an; Munition were lired. All pilots report ground targets were of an unsurpassed description.- They were able to drop bombs accurately and lire into Hie centre of the infantry battalions in close formation, and columns of cavalry and transport. The air righting was less intense than on the previous day. We downed thirteen enemy machines, and ten others fell uncontrolled. Eight of ours are missing. mostly due to the lire from the ground while Hying low. During the night we continued, to bomb and machine-gun the troops in the forward areas, and the transports upon the road. SLEDGE HAMMER BLOWS. TROOPS HAVE HARD TIME. it " ■ GERMANS BRING UP THEIR HEAVIES QUICKLY.' ' Received March 28, 1,20 a.m. London, March 27Mr. Percival Phillips states: Even the troops in their retirement from Mons had not a harder time than those bearing the brnnt of these sledge-hammer blows. It is impossible to picture the scenes witnessed on the old Somme battlefields. .--.„ ■

Tlie hard fighting to-day on both Sides of Koye is again delaying the arrows head formations that are thrusting against our defensive screen, Although there has been liltio artillery in some regions, notably to-day north-west of Bapaume, it is evident tho enemy's progress is largely due to the rapid advance of his heavies. Thus, In the fighting round Hattencqurt and Roye, many largo howitzers were engaged. Another reason is tho excellence of the noncommissioned officers in keeping the men together. The enemy is plentifully supplied with maps. "None- of tho objectives marked on the maps were attained on time. THE GERMAN ACCOUNT. DESPERATE ATTACKS BY THE ANGLO-FRENCH. THE ANCRE CROSSED. ' Received Maivh 27, 7.30 p.m. London, March 26. Wireless German official: Wo yesterday achieved fresh success. Wo defeated tho English divisions brought from Flanders and Italy, and the French thrown against us in desperate attacks. General von Bulnw and General von dor Marwita finally retained^Ervillers, after a hot, fluctuating battle, ,and are advancing against Achiut le Grand. We captured Bihueourt, Bicfaillcrs and Grcvillers, and also captured Irles and Miraumont, and crossed the Ancre. Freshly brought English troops attacked us violently on a wide front, from the direction of Albert, but were driven] back after a bitter struggle. A later German official states: We crossed the Ancre and crossed the AlbtrtBapaume Road, near Courcelette and Pozieres.

Copenhagen., March 20. The announcement that a gun was bombarding Paris surprised Germany. ' The Vorwaertfr war correspondent says the German losses are'great, but below expectations. He adds that the Germans are using many tanks. Amsterdam, March 20. , Tiie Kaiser is at headquarters at St. Quentin.

Genera) von Hofacker forced the passage of the Somme south of Peroune, storming and capturing La Maisonnette height, also Biaches and Barleux? Strong counter-attacks j wore themselves out before our lines.' General von Hutier, after hard fighting, drove the enemy back near Marchelepot and Hattencourt; across the PeronneRoyc railway. We wrested ibalon from the AngloFrench, who tenaciously defended it. We defeated the French at Freniches and Bethancourt, and raptured Bussy. We are standing upon the heights north of Ndvon.

We have downed 03 enemy aeroplanes and six. balloons since the beginning of the buttle. Our captured guns have leached a total of !)0:i, and over 100 tanks are lying in captured positions. Artillery battles continue on the remainder of the front, with increasing great strength, "In Lorraine we continued our bombardment of the fortress of Paris.

Received March 27,11.35 p.m. London, March 27. Wireless German official: A new phase has sot in in the tremendous battle, the enemy retreating on a wide front astride the Sommo. Wo crossed at many points to our old positions before the 1916 Komific battle. Wo arc now before Albert. We have captured Lmous/Royc and Noyons. AUSTRIAN" GENERAL'S VIEWS. Copenhagen, March 28. Auffenhurg, the Austrian general, interviewed, said the attack .against the Rritish was only a link in the greater offensive. A long time would elapse before the final result. Victory.depends on the use of reserves, the supplies of which on both sides are colossal. The most violent fighting will ultimately occur in the rear. Italy will also be importantly engaged. JUBILATrONS TO ORDER. Amsterdam, 'March 21 The Kaiser ordered (lags to be hoisted and joy guns fired in the schools. llindenburg has been awarded the Iron Cross witli golden rays, hitherto only awarded to lUuchcr after Waterloo. The Kaiser ana Hindenburg visited Peronne on Sunday.