DAYLIGHT ACTIVITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 January 1940, Page 5

DAYLIGHT ACTIVITY

increased on western FRONT FRENCH SURPRISE GERMAN DETACHMENTS. DORNIER AND MESSERSCHMITT BROUGHT DOWN. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, January 4. There is a noticeable change on the Western Front. Daylight activity has increased, but nights are mostly calm, contrasting with past experience. Patrols are active almost over the entire front. The Allies’ successful penetration for two miles demonstrated that the German disposition consists of a lightlyheld front line, with big gaps between the posts. A French patrol spotted two German detachments of 50 to 100 in a wooded area. The French were not strong enough to take prisoners, but opened fire at fairly close range. The Germans, surprised, scattered with heavy losses. The French suffered no casualties. Air activity increased and the French brought down a Dornier and a Messerschmitt. PATROL FIGHTING ALONG 125 MILES OF FRONT. TRENCH MORTAR & ARTILLERY SHELLING. (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) PARIS, January 5. A war communique states that there was patrol activity on both sides. The meaning of the word "activity" is indicated by Mr Charles Morice, writing in. the ■'Petit Parisien,” who says there were hand-grenade attacks, trench mortar and artillery shelling on 125 miles of front. It is no exaggeration to say that about 1300 men on each side were seeking one another for hours, and in most cases met. GERMAN REPORT (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) BERLIN, January .5. A communique states that there has been slight artillery activity on the Western Front. Air reconnaissances of Britain and France have continued according to plan.