INDIAN FRONTIER TROUBLE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1707, 23 December 1919, Page 5

INDIAN FRONTIER TROUBLE.

THE PUNITIVE EXPEDITION. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Australian-New Zealand Cable Anoociation , BOMBAY. Doc. 20. Yesterday' and io-diw the battle progreased for the possession of the so-called Sandbag Hill and ridges, forming -an important strategic feature, possession ,of which is, necessary to render the Derajat column’s further progress in enemy country safe. The: enemy, has. resisted most stubbornly. We- captured Sandbag Hill with the first ridge yesterday, after a fierce fight lasting several haul's, but a determined enemy counter attack, in which our casualties were somewhat severe, forced our troops to retire to-day. The work of clearing the ridge has been resumed, and the previous day’s objectives wore gained in two hours, despite tenacious resistance. Wo moyedon against the further ridge, with a difficult and dangerous nullah on the near side. After high explosive and shrapnel_ preparation, with invaluable air force assistance, we gained' the ridge, made a general advance, consolidated our position and followed'the enemy, who must have suffered severely. His troops were compelled to flee in all direction*.