THE CORNERED RAT

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4476, 17 February 1917, Page 5

THE CORNERED RAT

FURIOUS GERMAN OUTBURSTS PREDICTED. OFFENSIVES ON LAND AND SEA. MAY ATTEMPT To INVADE ENGLAND. MILITARY CRITIC’S VIEWS. The 'l imes. LONDON, Feb. b>. Colonel ltepjngtc.ii, the Times military correspondent forecasts an outburst of furious German offensives on land and sea". They prepared for the 1917 campaign early, and are thoroughly sweeping men in the occupied regions, enforcing industrial conscription, forming fifty-six new divisions. If these are concentrated on the West we will have a difficult'job during the three 'months in which the Russians are able to do comparatively little. The German’s effort represents their maximun endeavour after which drafts will-not be availab! •.

Colonel Reping to n insists on, the necessity of containing strong Home forces, owing to General Hjndenburg's temptation to sacrifice bis fleet in seeming temporary command of the Channel to invade England.

THE FIGHTING FRONT.

FURTHER BRITISH SUCCESSES

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Received Feb. 16, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON. Feb. 16. Sir Douglas Haig reports: We" successfully raided north-east of Grandcourt and enemy raiding parties in three sectors were dispersed by our artillery fire. A French communique reports furious mutual artilleryiug.

GERMANS ABANDON ADVANCED LINE.

AN UNCONFIRMED REPORT

(Reuter's Telegrams.) (Received Feb. 10, 10 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 16. A Berlin message states that the Germans on Wednesday withdrewfrom their advanced positions between the Serre and Somme.