A HUNDRED CASUALTIES

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 141, 14 June 1917, Page 5

A HUNDRED CASUALTIES

PROGRESS EAST OF MESSINES

NEW ZEALANDERS TAKE 2000 PRISONERS

A squadron of fifteen aeroplanes raided London yesterday, dropping many bombs over the East End. Thirty-one people were killed and 67 injured. A number of British aeroplanes rose to attack the raiders, and at latest advices the pursuit was still in progress, though no reports of casualties to the enemy have so far come to hand. Advices from the New Zealand war correspondent at the front show that the New Zealanders took over 2,000 prisoners in the battle of Messines. The line is still being extended east and south-east of the village, and it is believed that the Germans will retire behind their Warneton defence system, two and a-half miles south-east of Messines. King Constantine's abdication is confirmed, and it is also made clear that the act was the result of pressure by the Allies British and French troops have landed in Thessaly and Corinth, and have also assumed responsibility for the maintenance of order in Athens. It is believed that the new King, Alexander is more favourably disposed towards the Allies than is Prince George, his elder brother, and that his selection will probably lead to a reconciliation between the Royalists and the Venizelist parties. The Italian offensive in the Trentino is of considerable importance. Thousands of casualties were caused by the preliminary bombardment and in the infantry battle, which is still raging. The Italians have seized a number of strong positions between Asiago and the Brenta.