NORTH OF VERDUN.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1918, Page 6

NORTH OF VERDUN.

STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE. ! -'• ■ AMERICAN ADVANCE, ",- London, Oct. 15. W. E. James writes: The advance north of Verdun is being made against the greatest concentration of machineguns the Germans have yet utilised on the American front. The slippery sides of Hill 20!) and the rest of Banthevillo were scaled by General Pershing's men and held against the bitterest, counterattacks.

The battle for the positions at the Bois Echantillion lasted all day and caused heavy German losses. American observers flew at a height of 300 yards over the enemy's lines.— Aus N.Z. Cable Assoc.

AIRMEN'S ACTIVITY- ,>

GREAT DAMAGE iJUuj* ".' 'London, Oct. 16. Sir Douglas Haig's aviation report states: Fine weather enabled the greatest activity all day. Our bombers caused great damage at railway stations and junctions in the rear of the enemy's line, obtaining many direct hits and starting numerous fires in railway sheds. The total of the bombs dropped was 33 tons. German aeroplanes were active on the northern battle-front, where heavy air fighting occurred. We destroyed 30 hostile machines and drove down six out oi control.

The Press Bureau reports that the operations of the Independent Air Force were hindered by a thick mist, clouds and rain, but we attacked the Errescaty aerodrome. One bomb, from a height of 40 feet, pierced the roof of a Zeppelin shed, and another wrecked a hangar. The mechanics who ran out aftor the explosions were fired on by machineguns.

A French aviation communique states: A reconnaissance aeroplane observed innumerable fires kindled by the enemy in the whole territory where lie is retreating. Night-fliers, despite the fog and clouds, dropped six tons of bombs on important stations.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Association.