THE GREAT OFFENSIVE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue 12998, 10 November 1916, Page 5

THE GREAT OFFENSIVE.

(A. and X.Z. Cable Assn. and Renter.) Received Xovember 9, at 7.5 p.m. London, Xovember 0. General Sir Douglas Haig reports active hostile artillery operations on the whole front south of the Ancrv. Received Xovember !>, at J. 35 pjn. Amsterdam. November 9-_ A Berlin official claims that an aerial night attack on Cerisy—the centre of the French ammunition supply, resulted in the blowing up of the station and a big ammunition depot. Received Xovember 10, at 11.25 a.m. London, Xovember 9A Paris communique says that there hiu-4 been a reciprocal artillery engagement on the Sornme. The German attack at Sallltsel was driven back after a brief hand-to-nants fight. There is calm elsewhere. (Australian and X.Z. Cable Assn.) Received Xovember 10, nt_ 11.25 a.m. Amsterdam, Xovember 9. The Berliner Tageblatt's correspondent states that the ground around St. Pierre Vaast Wood has been converted into a marsh, in which half-frozen soldiers are fighting wet to the skin and knee-deep in mire. The marsh absorbs the shells so that many do not explode. The prospect of a successful offensive in. the Somme marshes has disappeared. (High Commissioner's Report.) London, Bth Nov.. 11.40 p.m. ' A French official message states that north of the Somme onr artillery dispersed enemy's assemblies. Eastward of SailHsei arid south of the Somme the enemy violently bombarded* the positions "we conquered yesterday. Our batteries effectively countered the enemy artillery, and their troops marching ease and north-east of Chatilnes were caught under our fire. The number taken prisoner yesterday totalled 659. On the right of the Mouse there has» been active artillery firing in the regions of Damlonp and Douaumont.