RECENT BRITISH OPERATIONS

Grey River Argus, 17 September 1918, Page 3

RECENT BRITISH OPERATIONS

PHILIP GIBBS 'S REPORT,

(Rec. Sept. 16, 7 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 15,

Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: Skilful fighiing by the Lancashire- Yorkshire Rifle Brigade and the New Zealanders for Havrincourt, T-res Cault, and Moeuvres developed into a considerable success. There were 1030 prisoners, including many sturdy soldiers. The hardest task confronted the riflemen, who had been working alongside the New Zealanders since the offensive began. It is evident vhat the enemy intended to defend Havrincourt Wood seriously. They had dug new rifle-pits '.in double rows on the edge of the wood, and strong bodies of marksmen, with machine-guns, held them. The English battalions dashed through i'he northwest corner, while the New Zealanders pushed forward below the wood. Thus the enemy machine-gunners were outflanked, and retreated during the night. When dawn broke next day our guns were brought up through a miracle of labour, through miles of mud, and provided a creeping barrage, behind which the infantry resumed the advance. The enemy had been ordered to hold Havrincourt. Ties Canlt, and Goniean- ■ court at all costs. They .comprised divisions which had suffered heavily in recent fighting, yet; had not received any fresh drafts, which strikingly reveals the unexpected weakness of German resources, as the same thing was observed lately on other parts of the froni'. The enemy fought hard, in strong positions, especially on the ridge behind Tres Cault. The British battalion commander reconnoifred the position and then ordered the attack, which v/as successful after a fierce fight, in which 140 men and 18 machine-guns were taken.