WESTERN FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 June 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

FRENCH SUCCESSES. ITALIANS RECOVER LOST GROUND. Received June 24, 5.5 p.m. London, June 23, 4.20 p.m. A French communique states: We carried out several coups-de-main between Montdidier and the Oiise. The Germans attacked at Bligny Hill, between the Marne and Rheims, and succeeded momentarily in seizing the summit, but the Italians shortly afterwards vigorously counter-attacked and drove the enemy off and took prisoners. Our line ia now completely restored.—Aus. NX Cable Assoc, and Reuter. GERMAN LOSSES. SHOCK TROOPS SUFFER SEVERELY. AMERICA WELL AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. Received June 24, 10 p.m. New York, June 23. The New York Times' Washington correspondent states that authoritative cables from France say the sth and 52nd Divisions of German infantry, which were composed of shock troops, lost twothirds of their men within six weeks in the Somme and Aisnc battles.

General Marche's weekly statement showed that in the last week 100,000 American troops had either landed in France or were on their way. The total figures of the troops in France, or going to France, said General Marche, showed that the United States is five months ahead of schedule for placing an arm> in France. He said that all branches of the American army had so far been engaged on the battle-front and had made good.—Press Assoc. A NEW FEATURE. TANKS OPEN THE WAY FOR INFANTRY. Received June 25, 2.5 a.m. London, June 24. Mr. Percival states that the Australians made two successful raids near Mor-

lancourt on Saturday night, and brought back prisoners. Mr. Philip Gibbs writes that during a raid near Bucquoy the British introduced a new feature for this kind of warfare, sending out tanks to open the way for the infantry. The latter were unable to go as far as they intended, owing to the enemy being in strong force, but they got heavy machine guns to work. OFFICIAL REPORTS. Received June 24, 0.40 p.m. London, June 28, 10.30 p.m. Siv Douglas Haig states: There ia nothing to report. Wireless German official: We took prisoner 30 Italians south-west ol Rheims.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Reuter. Received June 24, 11 p.m. London, June 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports that clouds, rain, and wind hindered air activity yesterday. Fifteen tons of explosives were dropped on various targets, including the Bruges docks.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. Received June 24, 11.30 p.m. Washington, June 23. American official: Despite opposition, we improved our positions north-west of Chateau Thierry and repulsed a raid in the Vosges.