ATTACKS PRESSED WITH GREATEST VIGOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 71, 23 March 1918, Page 5

ATTACKS PRESSED WITH GREATEST VIGOUR.

BRITISH POSITIONS PENETRATED AT CERTAIN PARTS. BUT NONE OF ENEMY'S OBJECTIVES OBTAINED. (Received 10.45 a.m.) j LONDON, March 22. Earlier reports state:—"The enemy is advancing at several points between the Scarpe and St. Quentin. The infantry penetrated some points of our front line trenches northwards of Lagnicourt and Louvera-, westward of Cambrai." Subsequent reports state that tire Germans advanced over the St. Quentin ridge running north and south on the edge of the Cambrai sector, also through the Ouche Wood on the same sector, and the brickfield near .Croisiiles, on the Sensee, seven miles south-east of Arras, and Urvillers, in the sanie, sector. The latest report states that there is bombardment southward of the Scarpe to below St. Quentin.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) Sir Douglas Haig reports:—About eight in the morning, after intense bombardment by gas shells and )ugb explosives on the forward positions and back areas, the enemy launched a powerful infantry attack on a front of over fifty miles between the Oise River, near La Fere, and the Sensee River, near Croieilles, south of Arras, hostile artillery firing proceeding simultaneously on a wide front northward of La Bassee Canal and the Ypres sector. It was known for some time past that an attack was being prepared. The enemy pressed on with the greatest vigour and determination all day long, broke through our outpost positions, and penetrated our battle positions at certain parts. The enemy attacked in masses, his losses being exceptionally heavy. Severe fighting continues on the whole front. Large numbers of reinforcements have been observed behind the enemy's lines. Several divisions which were specially trained for this great attack have been .identified, including Guards. Maps captured depicting the enemy's intentions show that they have not attained objectives at any part of the front.—(A. and N.Z. and Reuter.)