ROYAL KENTS RECEIVE RECEPTION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 14047, 18 July 1916, Page 3

ROYAL KENTS RECEIVE RECEPTION.

THEIR HEROIC RESISTANCE IN . TRONES WOOD. —' THE BRITISH SPIRIT. (Australia*, and N.Z. cable Association.) (Received July 18, 12.40 p.m.) LONDON, July 17. An eye-witness of the West Kents' historic stand m Trones Wood describes it as one of the finest exploits of the war. An intense German artillery fire, followed up by desperate attacks from fresh infantry, had forced back the British troops on both . flanks of the Kentishmen early . ■' •»ii the second day, and retreat was impossible. A wqundad Kent man reached the main British lines with a. message that the defenders were hard pressed on' all sides, but would hold out longer if essential. A aiessage was sent "Relief coming." Meanwhile the Kentishmen were fighting m a blazing furnace. The tienohea were pounded to dust by high explosives, and flame jets and gas were turned on at intervals. There': were constant bomb .attacks. A band iof nicked Germans once penetrated the ti-encheß, but their triumph was short-lived; .The Kents staggered .. the Germans Avith a bayonet oharge, took a number of prisoners, andy drove out the rest. The close-quarter fighting was. of the deadliest, character. /When the Kentish line 'was broken m Trones "Wood, the Huns were so sure of victory that they dashed forward, calling, "Surrender, Kents !".''■ "'Come and take *us !" was the scorn•!"ul reply. ' . ■"<.■■. Many .German shells fell short and exploded among the attackers, until -the disordered column dibappeared in(utter rout. -X \ '.' -, "' As the second day wore on the Royal Kents heard the shouts of their comj rades fighting a way to the beleagured lines. This stirred up the enemy to a final effort. A column of infantry renewed the attack, but the Kents only rolled, up their sleeves and settled down to the last round. The Kents, who had resisted successfully for 48 hours, though surrounded by Germans, had an immense reception m the British lines after they were relieved. Their defence was particularly' brilliant, as many of the lads were under fire for the first time.