THE AUSTRALIAN RAID.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4876, 23 May 1918, Page 5

THE AUSTRALIAN RAID.

A THRILLING EXPLOIT. Australian and N-Z. Association LONDON. May 21. Mr Philip Gibbs describes the Australians’ capture of Ville-sur-Anere as a thrilling exploit, similar to their recapture of Villers Bretonneux. Under a bright moon, parties, in the face of fierce machine-gun and rifle fire, worked up each side of the village, the garrison whereof had been heavily strengthened. Following the creeping ' barrage through flooded ground and water in some places, and smashing through entanglements, they bombed their way forward to their objective, down sunken roads, driving the enemy before them. i ■ Then a third body advanced at the centre and cleared out the village, where there was much heavy fighting among the ruins, strewn with clean Germans. The enemy defended themselves desperately. The Australians consolidated the ground won. This brilliant little success has increased the difficulties of the enemy in any attempt north of the village, as they must now come under an enfilade fire. Many of the prisoners are young, ! spectacled, weedy lads, who were yery hungry, as they had been separated from their rations for a long time. They eagerly accepted biscuits. One, who after surrender shot a scout corporal, tried to escape, but was instantly punished by death. A machine-gunner wearing the Iron Cross fought so bravely that when sent back as a prisoner he was given a note hoping no one would i fake the cross from him. I TRIBUTE BY SIR DOUGLAS ! HAIG. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association Eeuter’s Telegrams. (Received Mav 22. 8 p.m.) LONDON, May 21. Sir Douglas Haig has congratu- : lated the Australians on the complete success of their operations on the I<)th, which resulted in the cap+.nrp of Ville sur-Ancre. !