IN THE WEST

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 85, 3 January 1918, Page 5

IN THE WEST

GERMAN STORMING PARTIES SDYFER HEAVILY USHERING IN THE NEW YEAR (Rec. January 2, 8.30 p.m.) London, January 1. Router's correspondent at British Headquarters says: "The enemy's attack yesterday north-west of La Vacquorio was carried out after a fierce bombardment. The attack was concentrated on a half-mile front. The waves advanced under cover of flame-throw-ers. Parties swarmed into a short length of trenches on tlio right, Elsewhere they were unable to rush the parapet and face the heavy machinegun and rifle fire. Whilst our supports were organising a counter-attack, our gunners put up a fierco barrage, driving the onemy to cover, with the result that we took the whole of the trenches the Germans had earned. It was a rory straggling remnant of the original storming companies which got back across No Man's Land. "The New Year was ushered in according to custom. At midnight groups of battories put over salvoes or high explosives, which burst a dozen times, intimating that it was 12 o'clook. Other gunners joined in punctually, the firing indicating the numerals 1918. Afterwards a bouquet of gas shells was sent speeding to bid 'Fritz' a happy New Year. This, form of greeting was reßented in some places, a quarrel between the heavy guns blazing up."—Renter. GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. * London, January 1. A German official report states: "We extended our gains south of Marcoing, in the Cambrai 'sector."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.