GENERAL HAIG'S REPORT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10104, 11 October 1917, Page 5

GENERAL HAIG'S REPORT.

ALL OBJECTIVES GAINED. LONDON, Oct. 10. Sir Dougla3 Ilaig reports: Continuous heavy rain yesterday afternoon and evening made the ground sodden and very difliuult for the passago of troops. Notwith standing the stormy weather and the waterlogged ground, wo launched an attack in conjunction with the French, with very sue. cessful results. The- attack extended south east of Broodecindo and St. Jeansbeck, a mile- north-east of Bixschooto. The Australians oifthe extreme right advanced over the orest of a ridgo oastward and north-east of Broodseinde, and secured all their objectives. The Third Line Territorial Division, on the Tight of the centre, comprising Manchester, East Lancashire, and Lancashire Fusiliers Regiments, advanced a mile northward along the xidge towards Passchendaele, capturing all objectives under tho most, trying and difficult circumstances, with great determination and gallantry. A considerable advance was made in tile centre, between tho main xidge and Poelcappelle. It includes tho capture of many fortified farms and concrete redoubts. Wo captured, in the left centre, Poelcappelle. Tho English, Welsh, and Guards, on tho extreme left of tho British attack, have taken all objectives, and gained the outskirts of tho forest of Ilouthulst, two miles north-north-west of Poelcappelle. The French, on our left flank,.crossed the Broenbeek stream, which was in flood. They also gained the outskirts of the forest of Ilouthulst, capturing all their objectives, including several hamlets, and many fortified localities. Upwards of one thousand prisoners havo already been counted. COUNTER-ATTACKS REPUL'SED. GENERAL HAIG'S REPORT. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. (Router's Telegram.) Received October 11, 10.55 a.m. LONDON, Oct. 10. General Sir Douglas Haig reports:—We repulsed several counter-attacks last nighj in tho neighbourhood of the Yprcs-St. Aden railway, but the enemy forced back the advanced troops a short distance on a front of two thousand yards, southward of the railway. We repulsed counter-attacks, with loss, north-eastward of Broodseinde and raided southward of Scarpe. Heavy rain is falling. ATTACKS' DEVELOPED BRILLIANTLY. /LONDON, Oct. 10. A French communique says: Our attack launched this morning developed brilliantly. Our troops, after crossing a marshy brook at Broenbeck, carried witii admirable dasli on a front of 2500 metres the enemy's defences. Despite, the difficulties of the ground, and the bad weather, we captured

the villages of St. Jean, Mangelaere, and Veldhock, and numerous farms organised as blockhouses. The advance, which averaged a depth of two kilometres, brought us to the Southern fringe of llouthulst Wood. Tho air service, despite the gale, co-operat-ed actively in the attack, machine-gunning at a low altitude- the enemy infantry ana maintaining touch witli other arms. The number of prisoners hitherto counted is throe hundred, whereof twelve are officers. Artillery actions continue on tho Aisno front. THE GERMAN VERSION. LONDON, Oct. 9. A wireless German official message says a fresh battle has developed, and continues between Draaibank and Ghcluvclt. The gain of territory, despite repeated assaults, is limited to a. stretch between Draaibank aud Poelcappello. NEW ZEALANDERS COMMENDED. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. LONDON. Oct. 3. Sir Douglas Haig. replying to Sir 1 nomas Mackenzie's congratulations, says:—"Your messngc of congratulation was much Appreciated by ail ranks/ Tho gallant New Zealand troops took a most distinguished part in all the various operations."