ENCOURAGING NEW.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 30 March 1918, Page 7

ENCOURAGING NEW.

ENEMY ATTACKS ON ARRAS - FRONT.

"NOT THE SLIGHTEST CAUSE FOR

ANXIETY."

SIGNS OF SHORTAGE OF GERMAN

RESERVES

(Received March 30, 8.40 a.m.)

-;•■■ ■ LONDON, March 29. Mr Philip Gibbs writes: The enemy have isidorslipped in the Somme a. force northward, towards Arras, having failed to turn our left by their original attacks, owing to the splendid resistance of the Third Division and other English troops. Fighting was most intense.

German storm troops attacked , towards Arras at dawn with many machine guns. Our artillery made targets of them, and a large number fell, but they were succeeded by waves, which .reached Orange Hill, from which they were driven in the battle of Arras^ 1917. There was also fierce fighting at Telegraph Mil! The enemy pressed in the BucqMy region, but our counterattacks f^Kig him back, leaving many •dead. .

Mr Percival Phillips says: The attack towards Arras from the southwest appeared to be the most important developed to-day. I believe another equally heavy enemy thrust may be made soon, as some masses of Germanja have arrived at Bray and the country behind is full of troops and guns. The barrage this morning e£tended from Gavrelle on the north to Boyelles on the south. Storm troops on a narrow front and to greath depths have appeared in the region of Guemappes and Wancourt, and succeeded in the middle of the morning in penetrating our front line for "some hundred yards. Heavy fighting is proceeding on the high ground above the Scarp©, our troops holding their own well against heavy odds. The present situation gives not the slightest cause for anxiety. The gravest crisis is thought to be over. Fresh troops are coming up steadily, the new batteries laying the foundation for formidable barrages. There are signs that the enemy is being pushed for reserves. He has thrown in one naval division, which he has not done hitherto.