GERMAN SMASH AT NIEUPORT.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13932, 14 July 1917, Page 6

GERMAN SMASH AT NIEUPORT.

MOST POWERFUL ATTACK GAINS TEMPORARY SUCCESS. BRITISH ATTACKS REGAIN: COMPLETE - MASTERY OF - COASTAL REGIONS. (United Service,) " • Received July 13, at 5.25 p.m. ' , , . LONDON, July 12. French,commentors admit that the Germans' host powerful attack at Nieuport succeeded, the first shock giving local advantage, but only temporarily. The British shortly returned to the offensive, and obtained full mastery of the coastal regions. (Australian and New Zealand Gable Association.) : ', ■ . \ ' LONDON, July 12. Military critics point out that the Nieuport set-back comes as a surprise, but its importance must not be over-estimated. The British had only recently taken'oyer the dunes sector, and a heavy gale on Tuesday possibly necessitated the temporary absence of the war-, ships supporting the Army. It had been long.evident that either' side, after adequate artillery preparation, would be able to gain temporary possession of a small section of trench, and the big German'guns established on the dunes made Tuesday's success comparatively simple. When the Yser bridges .were broken the British battalions holding the sector were unable to resist' longer. The repulse of the enemy at Lombaertzyde, proves that the Germna success was only local. Marshal von Hindenburg had not the slightest hope of breaking, the British'line at Nieuport, and the. real reason for the attack-was that the Germans had become fearful of an Allied advance along the const, and accordingly had collected troops intending to forestall the British attack; • " :

(Australian and New Zealand .Cable Association.) Received July 14, at 7.10 p.m. IP 1 ' ' " ' 'LONDON, July 13. •A wireless German official report says: The enemy was unable to deliver any counter-attacks on the coast. The artillery is nlore active in Flanders, tin; Artois, Lens and Bulk-court.:'- Our shock troops, using flame-throwers, stormed the English trenches at Mon- 1 cliy and captured many prisoners.-' ' , (Australian andßeuter). Rc'L-ived July 14, at "d 1 ') p.m. LONDON, July 12. A French communique reports: There is lively artillery lighting ill the Champagne, and on the Aisne. The enemy attacks southof Jiivineoiirt sector and Laffaux mill were easily repulsed: Several attempted enemy coups-de-main after bombardment on the sector of Hill' 304, north of ILmlcmont work failed.