WESTERN FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 April 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

BAILLEUL CAPTURED. HEAVY ENEMY ATTACKS BRITISH LINE STILL INTACT. London, /iprii 16. The Germans Lave captuicd Hailleul. London, April 10. The United Press correspondent reports that the Allies are rushing up important reinforcements. Hindenburg is attacking heavily along the Lys battlefront, from near Jlervillc to Neuve Eglise. Bailleul was taken during the night, also the Ravetsburg Ridge. Tlie enemy, after a heavy trench mortar bombardment, attempted to storm positions on the eastern edge of the N'ieppe Forest. The attaskers who formed the southern flank were caught under shell-fire, and failed to mike progress. The northern flank developed an attack fiercely, but was smashed before it reached its objectives and thrown back. The attack on Bailleul btgnn early in the night, and was preceded by a terrific bombardment-

INCREASED ENEMY PRESSURE

WESTWARD OF NEUVE EGLISE. DESPERATE NIGHT FIGHTING. London, April 16 (3.50 p.m.). Reutsr's forrespondent at British headquarters buys: Last evening the Germans attacked heavily at various parts ef the northern battle area and gained some ground. Their most important 'advance was the occupation of BaJlteul Following their re-entry into Neuve Egli3e they maintained steadily increasing pressure along the front practically all the way between Neuvo Eglise and Meteren.

Towards evening, wider cover of a tremendous bombardment, the infantry advanced in the usual dense massw Our tToops fought stubbornly, but overwhelming numbers forced them to yield ground Desperate fighting ,>»ntlaued all night. Our artillery shelled the enemy continuously.

It is certain that his attempt to advance towards the ridge system will be strenuously contested. Mis gains hitherto have all been in the dead lovels at Flanders and, although it is futile to pretend his success :s not a matter of much concern, yet it brought the smallest tactical advance proportionate to its extent.

Baillevtl stands astride what was an important artery in the communications with places now occupied by the Germans.

There was considerable hostile infantry movement all day along the l* Has-see-Estaires SoaSi Our aerop;anes in< cessantly skimmed over the columns, inflicting heavy casualties

South of the Somine the enemy artillery was slightly more active. It is re ported that enemy infantry is »;nneentrating south of the Bois de Hangard.

EVACUATION UNKNOWN TO GERMANS.

UNUSUALLY SAVAGE ENEMY. London. April 18. Mr. Gibbs writes: The British, who held Neuvo Eglise for three days and nights, withdrew unknown to the, enf*mv r.itlicr than remain a target for the unceasing shells. ln« enemy had broken into the streets, hut small .parties of Wiltshirss, Worcester* and other troops /ought them desperately, clearing them out several times.

Tho enemy was unusually savage. Commanders when sending fresh troops, sternly ordered that the business must be finished, yet Neuve Egliso did not fall to a direct assault. The enemy was obliged to concentrate artillery Are nn the village, making it a death trap for our men, who retired under orders to a line a short distance away.

LULL IN ATTACK.

MORE BIG GUNS NECESSARY. ARTILLERY TEAMS EXHAUSTED. London, April 16. The Daily Chronicle correspondent at the French headquarter* eaye that, though there is no news of any large transference of Germans from the Somme to the north, the pause on the Somijie front is easily explained. The Allied forces and their positions are overstrong for a surprise infantry attack until more big guns are brought up. Evidence exists that the artillery teams nre exhausted-

COLONEL REPINGTON'S VIEWS

ONEJWJKT2 GERMAN EORCES. AGAINST BREHSB FRONT, London, April 16. Colonel Klepingbon lopines that our strategical position is not exactly brilliant, but he estimates that a quarter of the entire German forces on the British front are used up, >»hile General "Foch's French reserves have not yet given a sign of life. The Daily New*; expects the enemy | losses to total 400,000.

ITCHTING IN THE DARKNESS. London, April 16 (350 pm.). Bailleul Was attacked from the south and eastward. The battle was hottest in pitch black darkness. The British lines are intact and merely beat back-