GERMAN REPORT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16988, 26 April 1917, Page 5

GERMAN REPORT.

DESPERATE MORE THAN ADMITTED. HEARTENING UP THE FATHERLAND. LIFE AND DEATH STRUGGLE Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Iteutcr. LONDON, April 24. (Received April 25, at 5.5 p.m.) A wireless German official message states: On the Arras battlefield the British troops standing on French territory yesterday delivered a second great thrust to break through the German lines, a most heavy battle resulting. For days they have been hurling masses o£ shells of every description against our posN tions. Eariy on the morning of the 23rd the artillery battle increased to very strong "drumfire," and soon after= wards the English, thrusting their troops forward, led often by "tanks," burst forward on a 30=kilomet-e front behind this wall of fire. Our fire forced them in many places to with" draw with heavy losses. At other points,, the battle sways backwards and forwards with great bitterness. Whenever the enemy gained ground our brave and eager iri= faatry 'drove them back. The suburbs of Lens and Avion, Gavrelle, Roeux, and Giiemappc were the hottest places in the fierce struggle, and their names will be associated with deeds of hero, ism by regiments from almost every German district between the sea and the Alps. A further attack of particular intensity with new masses followed in the evening on both sides of the Scarne. The strength of this attack also broke under o»r fire. In hand=to=hand fighting the enemy • gained a few hundred yards on the Cambrai-Arras road, and the ruins of Guemappe remain in their hands. The German soldier at the front knows that every man and woman at home is working with increasing effort to support him in this life and death battle. A message from 'the Hisrh Commissioner includes the following :—"The War Office regards, Tuesday's German wireless communique the most encouraging yet received, indicating the ttate of mind of the German army and people and the anxiety at headquarters concerning the situation." LONDON, April 25. (Received April 25, at 6,25 p.m.) A wireless German official message states that there was all day fighting for Gavrelle. New English attacks are proceeding along the Arras=Cambrai road.