BRITISH EFFECT A SURPRISE IN THEIR ATTACK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16968, 30 September 1918, Page 4

BRITISH EFFECT A SURPRISE IN THEIR ATTACK.

Little bombardment precedes the.assault. RAPID ACHIEVEMENT OF ALL THE OBJECTIVES. Australian and N.Z. (Received 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 27. The headquarters correspondent of the United Press states that the British attack towards Oambrai showed remarkable progress. By nine they had crossed the enormously difficult canal between Moeuvres and Havrincourt, and 7000 yds of the Hindenburg trenches and the deep wires beyond. The British towards eight were seen advancing up the Bourlon spur, the Germans surrendering. The primary objectives between Moeuvres and Havricourt were attained, that east of Moeuvres being in a distance of three miles, while east of Havrincourt it was scarcely a mile in depth,'the German position here being strongest. Following the main attack, extending from the Cambrai-Arras road at Marquion to Bantouzele on the Escaut, elements of Sir H. S. Rawlinson's army on the right advanced slightly protecting the flank. There is evidence that a considerable degree of surprise was achieved. There was little preliminary bombardment. A mist, preceding a perfect day, hid the opening of the assault. The most critical point was the stretch of canal which the British and Canadians negotiated successfully.