A GREAT BATTLE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16506, 5 October 1915, Page 5

A GREAT BATTLE.

LAST LINE OF ENTRENCHMENTS PIERCED. BRITISH AND FRENCH TROOPS BRILLIANTLY SUCCESSFUL. LONDON, October 3. (Received Oct. 4 at 8.30 p.m.) Sir John French, in a special order for the day on October 3, said:— "We have now reached the stages of a great battle. The Allies southward pierced the enemy's last line of entrenchments and effected large captures of prisoners and guns. The tenth French • army on our right was heavily opposed, but was brilliantly successful, securing the Vimy ridge. "The operations of the British were most successful, and had great and important results. The First and Fourth Army Corps on the morning of the 25th carried the enemy's first and most powerful line of entrenchments, extending from our extreme right flank at Grenay to a point north of the Hofrenzollcrn redoubt, a' distance of 6500 yards. (Received Oct. 4, at 10.40 p.m.) "The last position was exceptionally strong, consisting of a double line, including lar-*s redoubts and a network of trenches and bomb-proof shelters. Some of the dugouts were large, and in cases 20 feet below the ground. The Eleventh Army Corps, the Third Cavalry Division, and the Twentieth division were subsequently thrown into the fight. "After the vicissitudes attendant on every great battle, the enemy's second line posts were taken, commanding the position. Hill 70 was finally captured, and the British established and con- ; solidated a strong line in close proximity to the German third and last line. "The main derations south of La Bassee were much facilitated by subsidiary attacks by the Third and Indian Army Corps and the Second army. The operations of the Fifth Army Corps east of Ypres rendered great help, and made important captures. " The total British captures amounted to over 3000 men, 25 guns, and many machine £nns. The enemy suffered heavy losses, particularly in their many counter-attacks and endeavours to wrest back the captured . positions. ' I desire to express my deep appreciation of the army's splendid work and my heartfelt thanks at the brilliant leadership of Sir Dongjas Haig and the generals under his orders. In the main attack the troops displayed magnificent spirit, indomitable courage, and dogged tenacity. The old army and the new army and Territorials vied with each other in heroism. I am confident that the same glorious spirit will continue until our efforts have been crowned with final victory."