EFFORT IN DESTROY THE BRITISH.

Marlborough Express, Volume LII, Issue 83, 12 April 1918, Page 4

EFFORT IN DESTROY THE BRITISH.

PORTUGUESE FORCED TO

RETIItE,

G-IVENOHY CAPTURED AND

KOUrAKEN

(Router's Tolecrrams.)

LONDON, April 11. . Renter's correspondent at British Headquarters reports on the evening of the 10th: "Throughout the day tho struggle noi*th of Bothune waxed' and waned. The artillery duel developed southwards, and th« infantry battle extended to the vicinity of Wytschaete. During the two days'"fighting the enemy pressed •ns back in certain places, necessitating readjustment of the line elsewhere. The enemy are flinging their main might into the endeavor to destroy the fighting powers of the British. This morning the Germans were reported to be in the village of Messines and in Plqegsteert Wood, although probably iv only small numbers. The enemy obtained a footing in Estaires this morning, but are reported to have been driven out later. Our troops are fighting magnificently, and are well supported by artillery. The enemy employed at least eight divisions. "The spear-head of the enemy assault was the centre of the Portuguese front. Owing to the thickness of the weather considerable numbers of Germans trickled through whilst the alarm was being given, consequently they attacked in the rear as well as by dense waves frontally. The Portuguese were forced to retire. They brilliantly fought "■& rearguard action and averted a serious menace to this front; but the retiring movement became inevitable. Giyenchy. which was valuable tactically, wa^s captured by the enemy. A counterattack drove them out. but this was not in' sufficient numbers to withstand tho oncoming waves/and early yesterday morning the Germans recarried Giveriehy. Just before dark the Fifty-fifth Division, consisting mainly of Lancashire .Territorials, made a fine charge, again restoring Givenchv.

"To-day there has been little disposition for further attack along tho southern flank of yesterday's thrust, and tho battle is setting northwards. The Germans are shelling all towns nnd villages a long way" back, .also roads, with steady insistence, employing to the utmost their great hauls of artillery secured on other fronts."