MR PERRIS’S ACCOUNT.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1918, Page 3

MR PERRIS’S ACCOUNT.

[>r,P. PRESS ASSOCIATION'. COPYRIGHT.] A STIRRING ACCOUNT. I.ONDON, July 17. George Perris writes. — It appears that the enemy practised no new methods in the offensive. He opened with i aitiJlerv preparation at mid-night and began the infantry assault at 4.30. He soused the French lines everywhere with a combination of gas and smoke shells, producing noxious clouds thereby isolating groups of defenders aud making' the giving and receiving of orders ' and combined movements difficult. Columns of attackers were not directed evenly on the whole front, but by parallel thrusts. When these did not succeed flank attacks by their supports were attempted to clear the j giVnind. Many tauks supplemented the guns in Champagne against the French old elaborate trenches, wire fields ond blockhouses. Consequently there was a strong contrast between the character of the battles. East of lthcims, the Freuch will look with pride to their defence of Champagne front. They cook a heavy toll < f the greycoats before they reached the trenches with some seventy-fives and some bellowing monster shells which had less speed, hut greater explosive. effect. They wore instantly at work and it was impossible to long hold the front, however, against" the overwhelming, numbers. A frightful running hand to hand struggle "ensued along the communication trenches and second lines, with short .sharp counter-attacks and successful rallies. ■Gradually the local reserves came to a standstill. The. defenders with their entrenchments were largely intact, had the advantage of everything except numbers. Consequently the enemy losses were enormous.

Between Chateau Thierry and Oorman’s Wood and the dales provided good cover for the gathering of bridging material. A few contingents the darkness of the night, in small boats, crossed the river, which here" abouts is one hundred‘to one hundred and fifty yards and commenced the construction of bridge-heads, which the French destroyed as often a's they were recommenced.

The enemy constructed pontoons where the valley was wider and it more difficult for the French to hold the position under German lire.

Masses of men poured across six bridges on a 14-mile sector, each eight to ten yards wide. Meanwhile the French airmen came into action sowing death among the dose ranks of ; the advancing enemy, and harassing them. One squadron of airmen broke i two bridges while tho troops were massing and many wore drowned.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS, [PEE PIIF.BB ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.] i MEAT REBATES ABOUSHED. ; (Received Tins l).»v at I LONDON, July il. j Hon. W. F. Massey met the moat ! distributing trade, which agreed to j abolish the. rebate of a shilling on a | carcase of mutton hitherto charged. I WAR TROPHIES. LONDON, July 17. A committee has been formed in connection with the New Zealand High , Commissioner’s Department to secure war trophies for the New Zealand War Museum. FRENCH TRAITOR. j Oloeowed This Dav nt 12.25. p.m.) I PARIS, July 17. Duval, cabled on the loth May, has been executed. j LOSS OF JAPANESE BATTLESHIP. TOKIO, July 17. The destruction of tho battleship Kawnohi was due to an internal explosion . Practically the whole complement perished. 1 by-election. LONDON, July 17. The East Finsbury bye-election resulted : Cotton (Coalitionist.) 1136 Cant. Spencer (Vigilinto) 376 Belcher (Independent) 119