THE WEST FRONT

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4905, 26 June 1918, Page 5

THE WEST FRONT

WHY THE DELAY? TROUBLE OF THE GERMANS ACUTE FOOD SHORTAGE. STEADY REINFORCEMENTS FROM RUSSIA. United Services. V LONDON, June 24. Mr Hamilton Fyfe says : The suggestion that the delay in resumption of the offensive is due to influenza in the enemy’s ranks appears to rest on a flimsy foundation. It is unwise accept the concurrent report that sections of the ‘German soldiers are unwilling to fight, but there is evidence of increasing dissatisfaction due to the scarcity and inferiority of the food, which consists of under 12 ounces of bread daily, coffee and bread from roasted acorns, rarely a very little meat, tobacco made from dried oak leaves and: birch bark. There have been some recent desertions, but it would be stupid and criminal to assume a real and general lowering of the enemy’s morale. Moreover, the numbers are still increasing from Russia. TANKS USED IN RAID. A NEW DEPARTURE. Eeuter's Telegrams LONDON, June 24. Reuter’s correspondent at British headquarters reports: — Tanks were used for the first time for raiding in an operation near Bucquoy and proved satisfactory, penetrating the enemy’s lines unhindered, and opening a path for a subsequent infantry attack. SAFETY OF PARIS. FURTHR PRECAUTIONS TAKEN. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. PARIS. June 24. The newspapers continue to discuss the possibility of . a general bombardment of the city. Asylums, for incurables and children’s hospitals are being cleared, but it is announced that all other hospitals will carry on. ANOTHER BLOW IMMINENT. LLOYD-GEOR£E’ 9 EXPECTATIONS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, June 24. Air Lloyd-George says: “Another heavy German blow is imminent. The next few months will lie anxiously anticipated. FRENCH REPULSE ATTACKS. ENEMY’S LOSSES SEVERE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Eeuter's. (Received June 25. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON. June 24. A French communique states: — We repulsed an attack in the region of Anteul. ~ , The Germans re-attacked the Italian position at Mount Bligney between the Marne and Rheims. Attei lively fighting the enemy was completely repulsed with serious loss. _

BRITISH ADVANCE LINE. SUCCESSFUL LOCAL OPERATION Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Eeuter’s. (Received June 25, 11.25 P-m.) V LONDON. June 24. Sir Douglas Haig reports at 5.20 in the evening:— We conducted a successful minor operation last night in the neighborhood of Meteren. All the objectives were gained and our line vas & vancea. FRENCH ACTIVITY. A SUCCESSFUL RAID. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Eeuter’s. (Received June 25 11.25 p.m.) LONDON. June 24. A French communique says:— We made a successful ram at Lode. There was little air fighting but 15 tons of bombs were dropped on various objectives, including the Cambrai sidings, with good effects.