SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORT

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 99, 26 April 1917, Page 7

SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORT

MONDAY'S FIGHTING EXCEPTIONALLY FIERCE

(ATJSTJSALIAN-JIEW ZEAIiAND CAB&E ASSOCIATION AND BETJTEJI,)

LONDON, 25th April. Sir Douglas Haig reports : Further information regarding Monday's battle ahows that the fighting was exceptionally fierce. Seven German divisions were engaged on the Croisilles-Gavrolle front, and several points of tactical importance changed hands more than once. All these remained in our possession, except for a few buildings north of Eoeux. Our massed artillery shattered tho enemy's frequent counter-attacks, while those who penetrated our barrages were cut down by rifle and innchine-gun fire. One British corps took prisoners belonging to four divisions. We have advanced our whole front. There waa considerable fighting today, though it was somewhat less fierce at a number of points on the battle front. Progress was continued between the La Sonsee Kivor and Monchy-le-Preux, and the line advanced within a. few hundred yards of Fontaine-lez-Croisilles and Cherisy. Counter-attacks by strong forces in the neighbourhood of Gavrelle this afternoon were broken by our artillery and driven back in disorder. Over two thousand prisoners have been passed to the roar since Monday morning, while others have yet to be counted. The High Commissioner reports :— . LONDON, 25th April, 12.50 p.m. British Official,—Sir Douglas Haig reports : Eastwards of the HavrincouTt Wood and north-eastwanjs of Trescaujt, we captured Bithem during the night. ■ There was fighting early this morning all along the front between the rivers Cpjeul and Scarpe, where we progressed, and our gains were made secure. . / The prisoners captured since Monday morning total 3029, including fiftysix officers.,