BRUNT OF HEAVY BLOW FALLS ON PORTUGUESE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16823, 13 April 1918, Page 7

BRUNT OF HEAVY BLOW FALLS ON PORTUGUESE.

SURPRISE ATTACKS UNDER COVER OF MORNING MISTS OFFENSIVE ON TWENTY-FIVE MILE FRONT FORECASTED. Times. LONDON. April 11. Mr. H. Perry Robinson writes: The second phase of the German offensive seems more threatening in the north than in tho south, where, owing to the stubborn stand on the flanks, the enemy only succeeded in advancing on a narrow salient as far as the Lys and north-west of Laventie, a maximum of four miles. He over-ran the advanced line north of Armentieres near Warneton, forcing a way up the south end of the Messines Ridge, and reached Messines, where he was driven back. Fierce fighting continues. Southward the enemy penetrated Ploegsteert and reached Nieppe, a maximum advance of three miles, a piece of ground of tactical importance endangering the possession of Armentieres. Prisoners affirm that this second great blow is intended to end the war and destroy the British Army. The immediate brunt fell on the Portuguese in the centre, who, though in considerable strength, were quite unable to maintain possession under massed attacks. According to prisoners, the Germans await meteorological experts' predictions of misty mornings before attacking. Yesterday's mist enabled the attackers to approach unseen, cut the wire and even to* surround and attack advanced posts with flame-throwers before they were detected. Under the tremendous weight of the impact the Portuguese first line was forced back, small units continuing to fight desperately till surrounded. The second and third lines were similarly rushed. Battalions of Portuguese clung to the positions at La Couture, two miles and a-half east of Neuve Chapelle, until a large proportion were killed. The Portuguese artillery was excellent, but lost considerably in men and guns. Though the majority of the guns were smashed by enemy fire many continued firing at close range until the masses were close. The majority of the gunners were disabled, the remnant escaping after rendering the guns useless. British artillery officers loudly praiso the way they held on, although the Portuguese positions there were well advanced in the battle zone.

The breach in the centre threw an enormous strain on the British fifty-fifth division on the extreme right, holding the Givenchy positions. The Lancashire men threw back the left flanking that side, and then began a brilliant defence of Givenchy. Three times the Germans forced an entry into the village, but they were thrown out by most dashing counter-attacks. The Lancashires took 700 prisoners, and we retain Givenchy. The majority of the original line of Germans reached Laventie at 11, compelling the troops on the left of the fifty-fifths to swing round and front north, where tEey held the enemy line west of Laventie, Estaires. the Lys, Seilly, and Bac St. Maur. Yesterday the Germans penetrated Estaires and La Gorgue, a mile south-west, but counter-attacks threw them out. Further up close to the Lys, he reached Croix du Bac, but was driven back and penned on the east ,side of the little stream by troops thrusting southwards from Steenwerck. From here to below Arrnentieres the lines were held intact. Captured maps show that the enemy aimed to capture Bethune. Captured aviators say that the operations are only the beginning of the great offensive on a 25-mile front.

Information from the north is scanty. The enemy reached the village of Meßsines, buj; was thrown back down the eastern slopes of the ridge. Fierce fighting continues in this sector. The heaviness of the bombardment here makes sleep impossible. It does not cease night or day.