THE NEW ZEALAND DIVISION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 28, 27 October 1917, Page 8

THE NEW ZEALAND DIVISION

SUMMARY OF A' MONTH'S OPERA* TIOKS. The following summary of the work done by the New Zealand Division for the month of October was supplied to the House yesterday by the Defence Minister (Sir James Allen):— The division took part with great and complete success in British advance on. October 1.- The division attacked at 8 a.m. on a front of 2000 yards, and captured Gravenstafel village. Abraham Heights, Berlin AVood, and Kronprinz Farm, besides numerous other fortified points, and trench elements. ■ All objectives were taken according to time-table behind .■•artillery and machine-gun barrage*. The artillery co-operation was good. German positions were, penetrated to a depth of 1700 yards. At points the enemy fought well at first, but later surrendered freely—lls9 prisoners of four different German divisions ■ were taken, also 59 machine-guns. ' The enemy were so disorganised that no serious counterattack was made.- One counter-attack on a small scale was destroyed'at outset during assembly east of Kronprinz Farm. The enemy suffered a serious set-back, and lost valuable ground. Before relief the captured ground was consolidated and trenches dug. The division, was again engaged on October 12. and attacked Bellevue Spur. Enemy wire and very heavy machine-gun fire from pillboxes, combined with the bad state of the'ground,- held up. the attacking brigades. Battalions attacked in turn. with, great determination/but were unable to penetrate the enemy's defences. Some progress was made nevertheless, .and S3 » prisoners were taken.' • Since' October 12 'there have been offensive operations, but the line' gained was consolidated' and held till relief.. '