DRIVE IN THE WEST

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 September 1917, Page 5

DRIVE IN THE WEST

GOOD PROGRESS MAINTAINED GERMAN LOSSES HEAVY BRITISH CASUALTIES LIGHT s GREAT AERIAL ACTIVITY BOTH SIDES LOSE HEAVILY i GERMAN OFFENSIVE IN MINSK REGION

Received this day nt 12.10 n-m

LONDON, Sept. 28

Mr Percival Phillips says:—Our latest victory was well main r tninerl. The German losses were even greater than we thoirg'lit. yesterday- Ours were exceptionally light in many places and nowhere serious.

The Australians encountered the principal opposition around the Butte at the north-eastern corner of Polygon Wood, but the obstacle was finally rushed-

Nine counter-attacks in various stages of preparation broke against the Australian front before Thursday morning. Only two succeeded in approaching within rifle range-

When the local enemy reserves were exhausted the fresh 230th Division wa/ thrown into battle. Three waves under a heavy barrage came on steadily until the Australians got - the captured machine guns into action. Then the waves halted and finally fled, leaving many dead on the field. There was p.o further attack against, the Australians during the night, and they were able to consolidate their positions along the forward slope below. Polygon Wood and turn the German defences against, the enemy.,

The Australians on Thursday morning near the south-east. corner of Polygon Wood pushed on along to Peutelbeek, meeting with little opposition-

The fighting' around Zonnebeke was very severe, but the enemy did not shake our hold of the village or force, our withdrawal from any Vital point-

The prisoners were greatly depressed at the failure of the new "pill box" system of defence.

The Admiralty reports: Ouxnaval aeroplanes to-day bombed St. Deiyis western aerodrome, also sheds and fifteen Gothas lined up in the aerodrome. A direct hit was observed on the latter. All returned safely-