THE BAILLEUL POSITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4846, 18 April 1918, Page 5

THE BAILLEUL POSITION.

LITTLE TERRITORY LOST.

HAIG CONSERVING STRENGTH.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association

(Received April 17,. 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, April 16 (7.35 pun.) The loss of Bailleul and Revelsburg meant the menace of the British position at Messines, but meant only a small surrender of territory, particularly as the rail station has been in the enemy’s hands throughout. Sir Douglas Haig’s policy is to give ground rather than expose his troops to excessive casualties or the possibility of capture of the garrison, which was likely at Bailleul after General von Stettin seized Meteren, westward of the town. Meanwhile the defenders of Nieppe forest hold up General Bernhardi’s spear thrust from Merville towards Hazelbrouck, though he was. constantly replacing his shattered -and exhausted troops. It is noteworthy that General Bernhardi, who was the strongest pre-war advocate of the use of specially trained storm troops, as distinguished from holding troops, now has the place of honor in the German attack towards Calais. The desperate struggle north of Betbune has given the Australians holding the Ancre in the Albert region a much quieter time than they expected when they hurriedly entrained for' what was to be the hottest sector of the front.