RESOLUTE DEFENCE OF YPRES BY THE BRITISH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15767, 16 November 1914, Page 7

RESOLUTE DEFENCE OF YPRES BY THE BRITISH.

PICKED FORCfi OF PRUSSIAN GUARD HURLED BACK.

SPLENDID RESISTANCE AGAINST ODDS.

Wellington, November 15.

The Premier has received the following cable from the High Commissioner, dated from London, November 14 :—lt is officially stated that a severe attack against a portion of the line held by the First British Army Corps before Ypres was delivered on the 11th by the Prussian Guard. The enemy made a special effort to break our line, which they hoped had already been weakened by attacks by their infantry. Our troops were subjected to the heaviest bombardment they have yet experienced. This was followed by an assault by the first and fourth brigades of the Prussian Guard, composed of picked troops brought specially to act against us and force a way at a point where the previous effort of the German infantry had failed. The attack was pressed with the greatest determination. Owing to the gallantry of our troops in a splendid resistance against odds, the attempt to penetrate to Ypres was repulsed. The weight of the enemy's advance enabled them to break our line at three points, but the enemy were hurled back and prevented from gaining further ground. Immense loss had been inflicted on the Germans. Seven hundred dead were found behind the front trenches alone. The casualties suffered by them in advancing on our line under an enfilade fire were enormous. Our casualties were heavy.