BALKANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1918, Page 5

BALKANS.

THE OFFENSIVE, COMPLETE SUCCESS ATTAINED. 4000 PRISONERS TAKEN. London, Sept. 17. A French Eastern commumuqe says: Operations began on the 15th and were continued to-day with complete success. Tlie breach made in the Dobropoljr• \ el.renk front was widened westwards and eastwards, and now extends over a front of 25 kilometres and to .a depth of 7 kilometres westwards of Sokol. The Serbians carried the fortified zone between Gradesnitza and Sokol, and crossed the river Gradesnitza, throwing back in disorder on the Razimbey Bridge enemy units, who were caught under the airmen's machineguns. Eastwards of Vetrik the Allies carried the C'nelo and Golobilo massifs and the Zborsko defence?. Over 400 prisoners were taken, and over 30 guns and considerable other booty captured. The offensive continues. The Serbian troops fought with splendid moral, endurance, courage, and self-sacrifice, also in repulsing Bulgarian counter-attacks. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable New York, Sept. 18. The Allies captured 4000 prisoners in Macedonia. The Bulgarians are weakening on the Balkan front, and the Allies have captured 50 additional guns.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ADVANCE OF TEN MILES. BULGARS FIGHTING WITH LESS VIII. Received Sept. 19, 10 p.m. London, Sept. 18.' The latest reports from Salonika show that the Allies penetrated to an average depth of ten miles along the Zborako— Cerna front. The Bulgars are fighting with less vim than at the outset. A division of Greek volunteers raised by M. Venizelos, participated in the attack. —Aus. Cable Assoc. CREAT ALLIES' VICTORY, 5C GUNS AND VERY GREAT BOOTY. Received Sept. 20, 1 a.m. London, Sept.. j.S A French Eastern communique states: Despite important reinforceiucnis hastily brought up and tlte despt-.rate defence, the"Allied offensive continued successfully on the 17th. All tho djy's objectives were reached. Attacks were dc. eloped on a front of 33 kilometres and reached a maximum depth of 15. '.Hi? Serbian-. co-operating with the French and Heilenic detachment?, after a sever;' struggle, captured the villages of Zoviek ami Stravin.\ ami fit! heights of Volchitcha and Beomcato. Northwards of the river (-Sradesnitza. ths village of Gradesnii?a wa? captured, deqnitp a severe defence. In the centre th Allies prog'.'ssil nn the crest _ rising from Kozub northward, and gained a footing on the heights of I~O\\Kanumx Over .10 guns, including 20 heavies, were taken, and very great booty was also captured. The number of prisoners i? incessantly growing. Tin? Allies have gained complete rir supremacy, out airmen participating most actively m all directions.