BRITISH HEAVILY ENGAGED WITH BULGARIANS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16098, 11 December 1915, Page 7

BRITISH HEAVILY ENGAGED WITH BULGARIANS.

FIERCE FIGHTING ON THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS. SUCCESSFUL WITHDRAWAL TO NEW POSITIONS. ENORMOUS LOSSES INFLICTED ON THE ENEMY. By Telegraph—Press —Copyright. (Received December 10. 11 p.m.) Lojtdos*, December 9. A War Office communique states: " .The Bulgarians on 'Monday, after a heavy bombardment, attacked us west of Lake Doiran. Small parties entered our trenches, but were immediately- driven out with the bayonet. On the morning of Tuesday the Bulgarians again attacked, and the weight of superior numbers drove oat our troops from their positions. We withdrew under cover of darkness to a new lice. Reports of our losses have not been received. The British successfully repulsed all attacks on Wednesday, and withdrew in the evening to a new position, conforming with the general alignment." An unofficial Salonika message gives some particulars of the fighting on Wednesday. When the fog lifted it disclosed the Bulgarians within easy range. British Maxims inflicted extremely heavy losses. The British lost under 200. There were infantry attacks ill day long. The Bulgarians seemed determined to break through but the British positions were excellent, and gave them a great advantage. The latest Salonika cablegram states that the Bulgarian attacks on the British have ended. They lasted nearly three days. The British casualties were under.SOO. The enemy's losses were enormous. Another report of the earlier fighting states that the position on the British front was more serious than that on the French front The enemy developed a decided offensive, and a battle raged on Tuesday, increasing in intensity. It was especially severe in the neighbourhood of the village of Ortanli. The British were in wellconcealed positions. Important Bulgarian forces attacked, losing heavily in frequent charges. Their objective was apparently the occupation of Rabrovo, at the junction of roads leading westward to Strumnitza, and southward to Doiran. There is an unconfirmed report that the Bulgarians occupied Rr.brovo. The noise of the battle caused a panic at Doiran, which was quickly subdued.