STORY OF THE ADVANCE

Nelson Evening Mail, 16 November 1916, Page 5

STORY OF THE ADVANCE

HAND-TO-HAND FIGHTING IN. TBE f VILLAGES'. '• 6000. PRISONERS TAKEN. 'Australian and N.Z. Caole Association.) (Rec. Nov. 16, 11.30 a.m.) PARIS', Nov. 15. The 'Petit Parisien says that Beau-mont-Hamel and Beaucourt constituted formidable "German bastions for many months.

The\number of prisoners is 60G0. The total enemy losses are estimated at 15,000. •'.-■ " ' i The British penetrated Beaumont 'on Monday morning.- A terrific struggle ensued, and gradually the enemy retired until the occupation was- corriplete. The configuration of the ground favoured the enemy, who regained a foothold of the village, and opened a withering fire.^. Furious, hand-to-hand fighting forced the British to yield ground, but they soon returned to the charge, and swept through the village, talking prisoner every German who was not killed. The British were further engaged in brisk fighting on Beaumont road, but the - enenryi line soon cracked up. The British, gaining the. road, linked up with Beaumont and Beaucourt. The British entered Beaumont after 36 hours' violent struggle, the advance here amounting to a.mile and a quarter in depth. British fire dominates Grandcourt and Miraumont, which are Bapaume's outposts.