THE FRENCH FRONT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3254, 26 July 1916, Page 17

THE FRENCH FRONT.

FRENCH CAPTURES. PARIS, July 17. A communique states : A strong enemy reconnaissance was dispersed in the neighbourhood of Moulinbois-Touvent. A coup de main directed against a trench in the Russian sector in Champagne was repulsed with heavy losses. West of Fleury some elements of our troops progressed. Two enemy attacks south-east of Nomeny (Lorraine) were repulsed and some prisoners taken. • Semi-official : From July 1 to 13 the French captured 235 officers and 12,741 men. Many guns and war materials are still buried in the wrecked trenches. To-day's review describes the British advance. The whole of the German positions have been broken on a front of 64 miles, beside a dent in the third line at Eroureak Wood. ADVANCE UPON PERONNE. LONDON, July 17. In ,view of the British gains, a speedy resumption of the French advance upon Peronne is expected, but there are considerable difficulties before the French, owing to the 'German defences being based upon the marsh and canal upon the lower or western side of Peronne. The town consists of three parts : the first contains the cathedral; the second, the castle of Louis XI j and the third, the cemetery. All are dominated by the village of Dumont St. Quentin, which in turn is dominated by the heights of Aizecourt. GERMAN WOUNDED. ROTTERDAM, July 18. Trains of German wounded are constantly travelling to Aix la Chappelle. Eleven thousand severely wounded passed through from the Pozieres-Bazentin front. French aviators completely destroyed a German ammunition train. The Telegraaf states that the Germans are removing all books and documents from Ostend and other places, as they are no longer considered safe. Flanders is full of soldiers, including boys of 18 years old, who entered service only two months ago. FURTHER PROGRESS MADE. LONDON, July 18. Sir Douglas Ilaig reports : Mist and incessant rain are interfering with our operations. We progressed north of Ovillors last night along a front of 1000 yards. Sir Douglas Haig reports that the Ger-

mans, after a bombardment with lachrymatory gas shells, began an attack in. the vicinity of Longueval and BelvilJe Wood. Heavy fighting is in progress. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ' TROOPS LONDON, July 18. His Majesty the King has telegraphed to Sir Douglas Haig, expressing his great admiration for the continued successful advance of the troop?. He also conveyed the Czar's congratulations. Sir Douglas Haig replied, conveying the army's thanks for their Majesties' appreciations.