TWO DAYS' FIGHTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1918, Page 5

TWO DAYS' FIGHTING.

BRITISH PRESSED BACK,

ENEMY AIMS AT DESTROYING BRITISH FIGHTING POWER,

Received April 11, 8.40 p.m. London, April 11. Router's headquarters correspondent, wiring on the evening of the tenth, (states:—Throughout the day the struggle north of Bethune waxed and waned. An artillery duel developed south ofr Warneton and the infantry battle extended to the vicinity of Wvtschaete. During the two days' fighting the enemy pressed us back in certain places, necessitating readjustment of the line elsewhere.

The enemy is flinging his main might into an endeavor to destroy the fighting powers of the British. This morning the Germans were re. ported to be in the village of Messines rind Ploegstreert Wood. Although probably in only small numbers the enemy ,obtained a footing in Estaires in the ,morning, but it is reported he was driven out later.

Our troops are fighting magnificently, and we are well supported by artillery. The enemy employed at least eight divisions. The spearhead of the enemy assault was the centre of the Portuguese front. Owing to the thickness of the weatlier considerable numbers of Germans trickled through whilst the alarm was being given, consequently they attacked in the rear as well as in dense waves front-ally. The Portuguese were forced to retire and brilliantly fought a rearguard action, and averted a serious menace to this front, but a retiring movement became inevitable.

Givenchy, valuable tactically, was captured by the enemy. A counter-at-tack drove l\jm out, but this was not ih sufficient numbers to withstand the oncoming waves, and early this morning the Germnas re-carried Givenchy. Just before dark, however, tlie Fifty-fifth Division, consisting mainly of Lancashire Territorials, made a fine charge, again restoring Givenchy.

To-day there lias been little disposition for further attaok along the southern flank of yesterday's thrust, and the battle is setting northwards. M The Germans are shelling all the towns and villages ft long way back, also the roads with a steady insistence, employing to the utmost their great hauls of artillery |rom other fronts.

HEAVY FIGHTING AT ARMENTIERES,

PROLONGED STRUGGLE AT I MESSINES. ENEMY DRIVEN OUT. ALSO ACROSS THE LAUVE. Received April 12, 12.30 a.m. London, April 11. Sir Douglas Halg reports: Following the bombardment already reported, the enemy this morning attacked in strength between Armentieres and the YpresComines canaL Heavy fighting proceeded all day on this sector, also on the whole front.

In yesterday's attack, north of the La Bassee canal, the enemy, north of Armentieres, pressed us back to the line the Wytscha'ete-Messraes ridge and Ploegsteert. ( The enemy, who forced a way into Messines, was driven out by a counterattack after a prolonged struggle. South of Armentieres the enemy established himself on the left bank of the Lys. at certain points east of Estaire and in the neighborhood of Bac-St. Maur.

The enemy this morning crossed the Lauve at Lestrem, but Avtre driven out of the village and across the river by a counter-attack.

We maintained our positions between Estaires and Givenchy.

AVIATION REPORT.

AIRMEN ATTACK ENEMY'S NEW FRONT.

Received April 11, 11.40 p.m. London, April 11.

Sir Douglas Haig's aviation report states: —The mist yesterday morning hindered flying. When the weather improved our airmen bombed and machinegunned the enemy on the new battle front between La Bassee and Armentieres. We downed five. Two of ours are missing.