WESTERN FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 May 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

AMERICANS ATTACKED. GAS HEAVILY USED. ENEMY COMPLETELY REPULSED. TRIBUTE TO AUSTRALIANS' DASH. Received May 8, 5.5 p.m. New York, May 7. The American headquarters reports that the Germans are using gas heavily. They attacked the Americans in Picardy. The attack was preceded by a bombardment of 15,000 mustard shells. The attack was completely repulsed, the Americans returning blow for blow. New York newspapers feature the Australian advance with cross-page headlines, and pay tributes to the Australians' dash and courage. ACTIVITY AT VILLERS BRETONNEUX. Received May 0, 1.5 a.m. London, May 8. A French communique states: There was marked reciprocal artillery activity at Villers Bretonneux. Four enemy aeroplanes were brought down and ten fell damaged behind their own lines. We bombed the railway stations at Flaville, Martel, Ham, Guiscard, and Noyon. ARTILLERY ACTIVITY. Received May 8, 11.40 p.m. London, May 7. Sir Douglas Haig reports: Both artilleries were active north of the Lys, whilst there was activity elsewhere. AWARDS TONEWZEALANDERS FURTHER LIST OP HONORS.

(From Captain Malcolm Ross, Official War Oorrespondeat with the New Zealand Forces in the Field.) By Cable, May 5. During minor operations last night the New Zealanders advanced into the German trendies, and after killing between thirty and forty of the enemy, took back ten prisoners. Our position was very highly improved. Prisoners state that the preliminary bombardment killed several men. The trench mortars did effectivo work. The following awards are announced; DS.O.—Captain H. R. Vercoe (Auckland). Military Cross.—Temporary StaffCaptain D. W. Curtain (Wellington), Captain W. J. King, Captain H. C. C Meikle, Lieutenant G. Greenwood, Captain X L. M*Allister (Rifles), 2nd Lieutenant J. T. Thomas (Wellington). Distinguished Conduct Medal-—Ser-geant M. J. Forde (Wellington), Private T. W Parsons (Field Ambulance), Lance F. A. Gaskell, Lance-Corporal M*Mnrray, Lance-Corporal W. G. Bowers. Dance-Corporal S. W. Toms (Rifles). Militarv Medal.—Rifleman C. Brickhaee (Rifles) MedaiCe Militaire—.Private J. Daarfea (Auckland). ." Croix de Guerre.—Bergean* J.M'G Lamb (Otago). \