THE WESTERN THEATRE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9126, 23 October 1917, Page 6

THE WESTERN THEATRE.

EXTENSIVE AERIAL ACTIVITY.

LONDON, Octi 21

Sir Douglas Haig reports:—lrish regiments made a successful raid northeast of Croisiiles (south-east of Arras).

There is great reciprocal artillery activity and, despite mist, there is extensive aerial work. To-day our 'planes bombed a foundry and a railway junction north-west of Saarbmcken, fireß following. Many scouts attacked the bombing squadron. Four of them were brought down.

On Saturday bombs were dropped on aerodromes at Controde and on the lloulers station; also on Corfcemarck and various billetß; and hutments at Rou-1 lers. A bomb destroyed a machine on the ground, and a second fell through the ceatrfc. of a hangar. Meanwhile our scouts, 'operating in the neighbourhood, brought down seven enemy machines. A ton of bombs was dropped on the luglemunste aerodrome and; railway station ; also on aerodromes at Courtrai, where a direct hit was obtained on a machine endeavouring to leave the ground. .During the day 13 enemy machines.. were brought down.; . ■ \ A French . communique repbi-ts:—■! There is a violent artillery struggle j

at various points ou the Aisne front, especially in the region of Ailles and jCerny. „._r A strong enemy attack north-west of Bezonvaux (Verdun area) was driven off after violent fighting. Enemy aeroplanes dropped 60 bombs in the region of Dunkirk this evening.