CONCERTED ALLIED ATTACKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16034, 28 September 1915, Page 7

CONCERTED ALLIED ATTACKS.

BRITISH ADVANCE NEAR LILLE. FRENCH SUCCESS IN CHAMPAGNE MILES OF GROUND WON AND HELD L ■ 20,000 PRISONERS TAKEN.

concerted and sustained attacks on the German line at points from Flanders to the Argonne have resulted in important allied victories and advances. The British attacked along the roads to Lille from the north-west and sonth=west, and captured five miles of trenches south of La Bassee Canal, penetrating up to 400 yds. They also captured 600 yds of trenches at Hcoge, south-east of Ypres. These attacks, made on Saturday, were supported by a violent bombardment of the German positions from the sea. On Sunday the Germans made determined efforts to regain the lost ground, but were repulsed.

The French finally captured the ruins of Souchez, between La Bassee and Arras, where there was formerly fierce fighting in labyrinth positions. Their main attack was made in the Champagne region, on a front extending for 15 miles between Anberine, on the River Suippe, and Ville-sur=Tombe. They penetrated the German front to a depth varying up to two and a.half miles, and captured 12,000 Germans. The number of prisoners taken on the w"hole front in two days exceeds 20,000, and the material captured includes 24 field guns.

The eastern front is quieter. The chief activity is at Yileika, east of Vilna. Here the Russians were successful, and captured villages.

Through her diplomatic representatives Bulgaria has assured Roumania and Greece that her mobilisation does not indicate aggressive intentions. The Minister -at Athens went so far as to say thai it was a preventive measure in case of Austria or Germany sending forces into Bulgarian territory. Extreme disaffection is reported to exist throughout the Turkish Empire, and it is stated that the slightest relaxation -of the German grip would lead to a general rising. The Italians are in command of Predil Pass, one of the important passes from the Isonzo Valley, and hold Plezzo, 29 miles north-west of Gorz. Their heavy artillery, has beaten down the fortifications of Predil Pass.