THE WEST FRONT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17156, 8 November 1917, Page 5

THE WEST FRONT

ANOTHER BRITISH ATTACK. GOOD PROGRESS REPORTED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Renter. LONDON, November 6. Sir Douglas Ilaig reports: We attacked at sis o'clock this morning against the positions in the neighbourhood of Passchendaele, and it-is reported that -we are making satisfactory progress. The Lincolnshircs last night made a raid in the neighbourhood of Hulluch (north of Lens). CANADIANS IN POST OF HONOUR. NARROW ESCAPE OF FLANK TWO GALLANT lIANDFULS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, November o. Tho Canadians attacked Passchendaele, and were seen entering Mosselemarke (half a mile to tho north-west), while others are beyond Goudberg (further north). There was heavy fighting at Polderhoek Chateau. The Germans heavily shelled the attackers for 90 minutes, and then the bombardment eased. The Canadians simultaneously attacked Passchendaele along the ridge and stormed up the remaining slopes of Zetcheele Spur, north-west of Passchendaele. The British are engaged in heavy fighting at Polderhoek Chateau, four miles southward. The Canadians followed the barrage after two minutes, and the going was fairly good, they having reached sandy soil on the summit. Now that the situation is relieved it is permissible to disclose that the Canadian flank, after the previous attacks, would have been entirely in the air, but that 10 men at one point and 20 at another held on for 48 hours until they were reinforced. This was one of the finest performances of the campaign, securing the left and enabling the successful continuance of the Passchendaele operation. INTENSE FIGHT PROCEEDING. FORTUNATE CAPTURE OF ENEMY PLAN. Router's Telegrams. LONDON, November 6. Reuter's correspondent at the British headquarters reports: The eighth battle of Flanders in the autumn campaign began at six o'clock-in the morning. The greatest intensity in the fighting was in the neighbourhood of Passchendaele and about the Ypres-Menin road. The woather was dry till well after the sun had risen. Then there was an intermittent drizzle, causing poor visibility. The preliminary bombardment was shorter than usual,'but of terrific intensity, our guns searching the zone west of Moorslade, where there were large enemy concentrations.

A map captured by the Anzacs showed an ambitious scheme for the recapture of Crest Farm and the territory considerably beyond. lliis information enabled lis to beat off ail attack. We are working our way well along the dominant Goudberg Ridge, between Passcliendaele and Westroosebeek. YPREB SITUATION IMPROVED. ROULERS UNDER FIRE. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. LONDON, November 6. (Received Nov. 7, at 7,45 p.m.) The United Press correspondent says: To-day's fighting has vastly improved the whole situation around Ypres. Now Roulers is tinder constant British fire. GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. THE USUAL MISREPRESENTATION. Admiralty per Wireless Press. . LONDON, November 6. (Received Nov. 7, at 11 p.m.) German official: British attacks led to fighting all day. around Passchendaele. The enemy's assault at Gheluvelt broke down with heavy losses. THE THRILL OF ViCTORY. BRITAIN'S GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, November 7.

(Received Nov. 7, at 11.40 p.m.)

. Mr Philip Gibbs writes: With thankfulness I can record today what I believe will prove the capture of the Passchendaele Crest —the crown of the ridge which made a great barrier around the Ypres salient, hemming us in flats and swamps. The Canadians, after heroically attacking in the morning, fought their way through the ruins of Passchendaele into the ground beyond. If their gains be held, it will set the seal to the most terrific achievement in war ever attempted and carried through by British arms. Only we who are out here can know the valour and sacrifices which carried waves of our men up the slopes in the battles of the campaign commencing at Messinos and culminating at Passchendaele. Only we can understand the meaning of to-day's battle and thrill because it means victory. (Received Nov. 8, at 1.10 a.m.) Mr Gibbs concludes: "Over this ground the young manhood of Germany spent itself. It was not worthless ground, upon which they suffered agonies, fought desperately, came on again in massed counter-attacks, and were swept to pieces by our fire. Passchendaele must bo held at all costs. If lost, it must be regained at all costs. It seems likely that the enemy have definitely lost Passchendaele. The 'Canadians had more luck than the British, Australians, and Now Zealanders, who fought up the slope in a heroic endeavour. Nobody begrudges the Canadians the honour they have gained, not easily, but at the usual price of victory— some men's death, and many men's pain." PASSCHENDAELE FINALLY CAPTURED. TWO OTHER VILLAGES TAKEN. High Commissioner's Report. LONDON, November 6. British t official report: This morning the Canadians were completely successful against defences in and around Passchendaele, and on the spur north of the village. • There was fighting at a number of points, but wo steadily progressed and captured early the villages of Passchendaele, Mosselmarkt, and Goudberg.