THE HOOGE ATTACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8216, 13 August 1915, Page 5

THE HOOGE ATTACK.

HOT HAND-TO-HAND FIGHTING. LONDON, August 12. -* Mr Philip Gibbs 3 correspondent of the "-Daily Chronicle," says the Germans have not yet made any serious counter-attack at Hooge. Our artillery destroyed 10 machine-guns during the preliminary bombardment. In spite of the destructive effect of our shell-fire, ■ the Germans who survived the ordeal fought doggedly, : and there was some hand-to-hand fighting—literally, . for some of our soldiers used their fists to give a knock-out blow. When daylight came many German dead lay among the Wreckage of the 1 trenches and dug-outs. The' Gorman batteries were prodigal in expenditure of shells, but we managed to straighten our line and consolidate it without serious loss. Hooge is likely to become prominent in despatches, for it is a point where there is continual "nagging" by both sides. Hoogo is not.what the soldiers call a health resort. Router's account says that after, our initial charge there was some hot bayonet work, in the. trenches. The scene at daylight was weird, dim forms swaying about, stabbing, shouting, and swearing, fleeing Germans and pursuing Tommies while an incessant din was caused by our bursting shells, which were pitched into the enemy s reserve trenches, preventing them bringing up reinforcements, and there were" cries from the wounded ami moans from the dying. As the sun rose the fighting died down.