ENEMY DRIVEN TO THIRD SYSTEM OF DEFENCE

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 169, 17 July 1916, Page 5

ENEMY DRIVEN TO THIRD SYSTEM OF DEFENCE

FOUR MILES BEHIND ORIGINAL FRONT. TEN THOUSAND PRISONERS SINCE OFFENSIVE BEGAN. LOXDOX, July 16. The High Commissioner cables:— Sir Douglas Haig reports as follows:—"All is well on the British fronts. At one point we forced back the enemy to his third system of defence, more than four miles to the rear of his original front trenches at Fricourt and Mametz. '"In 24 hours we captured over 2,000 prisoners. The total number of "isoners now in the hands of the British is over 10,000. In addition, we have oaptured large quantities of material.' . An official communique eays:—"lt is now possible to give further details of the 4atest phase of the offensive on the British front. The action began at daybreak this morning. Having driven -back the enemy step by step to his second system of defence on Tuesday, tlu> next two days were mainly spent in, the bombardment of these formidible positions, and preparations were made-for a further advance. "This morning, after intense bombardment, we launched an assault at twenty-five minutes past three, The enemy was driven from his trenches on the whole front attacked, and we took many prisoners. Fierce fighting continued all day, and vc steadily increased our gains. 'NVe are now in possession of the enemy's second positions from Bazentin-le-Petjt village to Longueval Ullage, both inclusive, and also the whole of Trenes Wood. ''At Trones Wood we relieved djiarty-of the Royal West ICents who were separated from the main body in the recent fighting, and were surrounded by Germans. They had gallantly" held out in the northern end of the wood for *8 hours. "Though determined counter-attacks were made on our new positions, they -were completely crushed by our fire. Later in the day, after a fierce counterattack, the Germans but were driven gnj by our infantry, and the whole village ie -once, more ours.* -