YPRES SALIENT WIPED OUT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16561, 9 June 1917, Page 7

YPRES SALIENT WIPED OUT

NEW ZEALANDERS IN ACTION CAPTURE VILLAGE OF MESSINES ADVANCE ON FRONT OF NINE MILES OYER 5000 PRISONERS COUNTED An offensive in Flanders was launched by Sir Douglas Haig on Thursday morning, with results that are already highly important. The front of attack, according to the official report, was over nine miles long, extending from south of Messines to north of Ypres, practically the extreme left of the British front. Other accounts show that it was supported by the Belgians on the left with a vigorous bombardment, and by subsidiary operations on the right. The New Zealand division went into action at Messines, and with Australians captured the village, while Irish troops recovered Wytschaete, and English troops gained positions further north. Preparations for the oflensive have been proceeding during the past year. It was preceded by a bom» bardment lasting five days, and initiated by the explosion of vast mines along the whole attacking front. The first objectives were gained at the outset, and, sweeping on, the British captured Oosttaverne, and defences east of that village on a front of five miles. As a result of these successes, the ■British have recovered the Messines>Wytschaete ridge, which has dominated the Ypres salient since November, 1914, at have wiped out the salient. Already 5000 prisoners have been counted.

Reinforcements hare reached the Anstrians on the Carso front, aid the new troops have been used in violent attacks on the VersiC'Jamiano front. After fighting all day the Italians completely repulsed the enemy.

The French have crushed an attack on a short front north, west of St. Quentin.

The recent statement of the allied aims has been repeated by the French Prime Minister, and officially endorsed by Britain.

Negotiations for the formation of a coalition Government in Canada have failed. The Government proposes to intro> dnce a Conscription Bill immediately.