WESTERN FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 April 1918, Page 6

WESTERN FRONT.

FIGHTING AT FAMPOUX. . "' GERMANS EEPULSED. AYETTE RECAPTURED. London, April 3. The British hare recaptured Ayettc and repulsed the Germans in bitter fighting around Fampoux [Fampoux is five miles east of Arras, and Ayette eight miles south.]

SLAUGHTER AT HEBUTERNE. AUSTRALIANS AND NEW ZEALANDERS IN ACTION. GERMAN PATROLS CAPTURED. London, April 3. Australian and New Zealand wounded men in London relate that there was a terrific slaughter of jermans by tbe Australians at Hebuterne. After capturing German patrols the Australians took their positions in the trenches and remained undisturbed for 24 hours. Then they were attacked by thick waves of men who presentd a magnificent mark against the setting sun. The first wave was decimated, but the Germans repeatedly re-formed and re'attacked in waves and the dead and wounded were piled in heaps. The fight continued all night and it is estimated there were 2000 casualties when th& enemy retired. The New Zealanders holding the flank were similarly successful in beating back attacks.

AMERICANS IN THE FICHT. INTENSE .ENTHUSIASM AROUSEDAMERICA'S SINGLENESS OF PURPOSE. London, April 3. The brigading of the American troops with the British and the taking- of an immediate fighting-hand in the war lias created intense interest at the front. Officers and men arc immensely pleased at the announcement, which is arousing as much enthusiasm as a. big enemy defeat. British officers declare that, if proof of the American singleness of purpose is needed, this merging of their identity with Anglo-Trench units furnishes it in most dazzling fashion. The Canadians are especially pleased. Everybody believes that Ludendorff's taunt that the Americans do not count because they can neither swim ner fly, will be soon rammed down his throat. The most gallant stands of various divisions have been narrated. The Germans were thrilled by the fighting of the 51st Division against great odds whilst astride the Bapaume-Cambral Road- It fought the enemy to a standstill and received the following message [attached to a paper balloon sent up by the Germans: "Glood old 51st; sticking it still; cheero."

ANOTHER OFFENSIVE EXPECTED. MOST FORMIDABLE EVER DELIVERED. London, April 3. The newspapers comment reservedly on the prospects of a second offensive. The Pall Mall Gazette states:—There could not he a greater delusion than to regard the crisis as over. The Germans have tested the Allies' Hnes at all points, and have doubtless chosen the supposedly weakest for a terrific attack, probably the most formidable ever delivered, backed by great reserves, the heaviest artillery, and the cream of the air service.

REARRANGING COMMAND. GENERAL RAWLINSON'S APPOINTMENT, London, April 3. The Daily Chronicle states that General Sir Henry Rawlinso n takes command of the sth Army General Sir H. Gough is at present unemployed. LONG RANGE GUN. REPORTED BLOWN UP. -vj London, April 3. Prisoners report that one of the long range guns has been blown up, killing five gunners. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. Wellington, April 4 Tiie High Commissioner reports under date London, April 3 (120 p.m.), Sir Douglas Haig reports: In the neighborhood of Ayette, which now is ours, we have taken 100 prisoners and three machine-guns. In the neighborhood of Fampoux a strong and determined enemy attack was repulsed, a number of the enemy being killed or taken prisoners.