THE WESTERN THEATRE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8207, 3 August 1915, Page 5

THE WESTERN THEATRE.

GERMAN ATTACK.

SUDDEN SHEF/P OF FLAME

, LONDON, August 2. Router's" correspondent in" the North of France describes Friday's, flame-at-tack at Hooge. Just before dawn there was a heavy bombardment of our trenches: by guns of all calibres, and an -unusually large mine-thrower. Then the German engineers turned on the taps of the cylinders, arid launched a sheet of .flame against our parapet. An infantry attack followed under cover, of the screen of flame, and forced an entry into our trenches, the breach being subsequently extended for 500 yards by bombing. It was a surprise

attack, and there was a grim struggle in the semi-darkness. 'Aided by dastardly methods, the enemy ■ compelled our men to give ground. ' Wo took up a former position south of Hooge and held it firmly against all subsequent attacks: Our reserves counter-attacked on Saturday afternoon, and regained part of the lost .trenches. - : . : . .;