PATROLS PERSISTENTLY HARASSING ENEMY

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 143, 16 June 1917, Page 5

PATROLS PERSISTENTLY HARASSING ENEMY

SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS EAST OF ARRAS. LOXDOX, June 15. Tiie effect of the victory at Messines continues to develop. The enemy withdrawal is extending south. We now occupy the German front line trenches from }*loegsteert Wood, two miles south of Messines, to the bank of the River Lys, nearly midway to Armentierc9. The German heavy sheila are generally falling at extreme range, indicating the withdrawal of the heavy guns as Jar as possible without placing them out of action. British patrols are persistently harassing the enemy, and the guns are steadily bombarding the new positions. The country over which the Germans are retiring is low and marshy, but owing to the long drought progress is not difficult. The itrategic position is full of most interesting possibilities,— (Reuter.) Military authorities do not emphasise the value of the great explosion of mines in tbe Messines battle. The mines played a useful part, but the success was principally due to magnificent artillery work, rendered possible by fine aviation work. Probably not many Germans were killed by the explosion, as the front line trenches are usually thinly held. A report from Sir Douglas Hajg states: —We carried out a successful operation this morning east of Monchy^e-Preux—a point on the British line almoFt due east of Arras. The hostile positions were of considerable local importance. Jniantry Hill, the possession of which Las been stubbornly contested by the enemy on several occasions, was stormed by our troops on » front of three-quarters of a mile. The whole of the objectives were gained. "VV*e captured 175 prisoners. A German communique states:—We exploded several mines east of Vpres. playing havoc with the English positions. We repulsed a French attack near Vauxaillon. English attacks east of Monchy were repulsed.— (A. and X.Z. Cable.)