BELGIANS FILLED WITH JOY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13575, 31 December 1914, Page 7

BELGIANS FILLED WITH JOY.

NAVAL SQUADRON TAKES PART,

GALLANT FRENCH CHARGE

LONDON, Dec. 23. , A Times correspondent at Dunkirk says that the offensive operations of the Allies on Tuesday on ' the river Yser resulted in success which filled tlie Belgians with joy. The blow was delivered between Nieuport and the coast, which is the only strip of ground along Jbhe front that is not covered by water. The French, Belgians, and British took part in the attack, driving the Germans further back than since the battle on the Yser commenced.

The morning opened with the Allies violently cannonading; the German trenchqs, a big naval squadron contributing to the heavy bombardment. The Germans replied vigorously along the whole line. The fleet ceased firing at 2 o'clock and steamed off.

Then commenced the most concrete attack yet delivered agains"t Nienport. A very considerable number of the troops followed three roads only separated by water. They went forward in short, rapid rushes. By heavy fighting they quickly carried the villages' and established themselves ! in the ruined houses. They defied ■ the enemy's attempt to dislodge them. With their bayonets fixed, the French marines gallantly charged over the exposed ground under heavy fire. This was the finest exploit of the day.