THE WEST FRONT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17215, 18 January 1918, Page 5

THE WEST FRONT

ARTILLERY ACTIVITY.

IN FRENCH SECTORS. Australian end N.Z. Cable Association and Reutpr. LONDON, January 16. French communique: Violent artillery actions occurred in the Beaumont-Cauri-eres Wood sector, on the right bank of tho Mouse. An enemy attack at Chaume Wood on a front of 200 metres was broken by our artillery, the few enemy soldiers gaining a footing in our advanced element being immediately thrown out.

FLANDERS A QUAGMIRE.

ENEMY CONSERVING AMMUNITION,

CAPTURED ARMY ORDER. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, January 16. (Received Jan. 17, at 11.30 p.m.) The United Press correspondent at the west front writes: A warm wind has transformed Flanders into a quagmire. Captured documents show- that troops from the east are arriving. Meanwhile the enemy are conserving their ammunition and other material wherever possible. An order to Prince Rupprechrs army group blames the commanders for wastage in the recent fighting, and declares that some field gun batteries fired 3450 rounds in one day, eight field howitzers fired 3100 rounds, and heavy field howitzers 1600. This was overmuch, rendering accurate shooting impossible. It also wore out the gnns; hence the unusual percentage out of commission. The order demands the most careful conservation of material throughout.

AN ENEMY RAID. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Renter. LONDON, January 17. (Received Jan. 18, at 0.20 a.m.) Sir D. Haig reports: The enemy raided a post north-west of St. Quentin.