WESTERN FRONT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17666, 19 December 1917, Page 7

WESTERN FRONT.

THE BRITISH LINES. “ NOTHING TO REPORT.” A. and N.Z. Cable Aeaociation. and Reutai. LONDON, December 17. Sir Douglas Haig reports:— Last night there was nothing to report. HEAVY FALL OF SNOW. A. and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. (Received December 19, 12.35 a.nj.) LONDON, December 18. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—Raiding parties attacked two posts in the neighbourhood of the Ypres-Cbmines Canal. We repulsed one attack. In tho other the enemy entered a post and captured a few men. We counterattacked and recaptured the post and the men, killing or taking prisoner a number of the enemy. There was mutual artillery fire on the remainder of the fr.ont. Heavy snow fell last night and continued to-day.

BRITISH FRONT STIFFENING. SURPRISE IN STORE FOR THE BOCHE. United Service. LONDON, December 17. Mr Keith Murdoch, writing from headquarters, says:— The British front is stiffening for any possible onslaught. The enemy is daily increasing his concentrations, but the British face with tho utmost confidence the enemy’s boasts that he is preparing for a decisive drive. Wo have enormous masses of artillery, and have every reason for our faith in tho sticking powers of our soldiers. There may be some surprises in store for tho Boclio. Also, it must bo remembered that the great French Army, little used in 1917, stands fresh and eager for battle. Everybody is ready and willing to accept Field-Marshal von Hindenburgs’ challenge. Whenever there is a favourable wind, automatically controlled balloons float over our lines, dropping pamphlets, newspapers and intimidating propaganda