AUSTRALIA'S POST.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 April 1918, Page 8

AUSTRALIA'S POST.

IN THE BIG ATTACK. BLOCKING GERMANS' "ADVANCE. (From Deputy Commonwealth Official Correspondent). March 29. The honor fell to Australian troops, amongst others, to block the German advance. Tuesday was the last day of trial of the weary British divisions, which had retreated from the St. Quentin line, steadily lighting for live days, 'and eontestfiig every possible spur. On Wednesday the Germans found themselves Up against fresh troops, among them Australian brigades, which were itching to return a blow for the re-in-vading of the Somme battlefield. The arrival of Australian and other reinforcing troops was received with great joy in the villages, and the hearts of our men, who were spoiling/for a fight, were .uplifted at hearing the cries of "Vive les Australiens." The Australian •battalions in 'magnificent fighting form, arrived from the north. Some marched continuously from 9 o'clock one night till 4 o'clock next afternoon on only one meal, and went straight into action. By next morning they had beaten off the German advance guards and dug a series of excellent defensive positions. Then tbev slept in |)ieir trenches while the artillery came into action in the open behind the crests and carried on the battle. Wednesday was spent improving the positions and getting up artillery. There was an artillery battle on Thursday. Our guns casilv outfired the I enemy's. There were minor infantry patrol encounters on Wednesday and

Thursday. The enemy soon found tliat lie was unable to advarfce north of the somme past the gullies. This ground was_ the old training theatre of, Australian battalions resting during the Sommc campaign' and it was familiar both to stall's and men. The Australian brigades took the keenest delight in repeating manoeuvres against the Germans, to whom they owe a heavy blow. On Wednesday moaning- the enemy heavily attacked the Australian battalions on a fIOO-vard front with Lwelve , waves. They were mowed down by ma-chine-guns and riile fire, and lost at least COO killed. Our casualties were trifling. On Thursday at dawn two companies of the enemy were wiped(out while attempting to penetrate our positions. During the same day Victorian and , Queensland battalions pushed out our line, driving back advance guards of the enemy "2000 yards at one place. This morning there was a further encounter, and a large body of Germans were defeated in wood skirmishing, 30 beiu<; killed"*and some taken prisoners by a Victorian battalion, without loss. The enemy's traffic roads back to Bapaume have been severely bombarded by Australian gmns. There is every indication that the German has shot his first bolt north of the Somuis, and he is preparing uneasily to receive the counter-blow, the next phase of this tremendous battle. •> J. =