SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORTS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14567, 1 April 1918, Page 3

SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORTS.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Reuter's Telegram.) LONDON, March 30. Sir Douglas Haig reports: — North of the Somme there were local actions only. The enemy attacks yesterday at Demuin and Mezieres, south of the Somme, pressed back our troops from the latter village. All the enemy's attacks at" Demum broke down after sharp fighting lasting throughout the afternoon. Our cavalry during the past week has i'ought with great gallantry, both mounted'and'dismounted, and has repulsed the enemy, inflicting ljeavy losses, m numerous engagements. ■ ■ ' - Apart from local fighting at different points, the enemy to-day did not *press Ins attacks northward of the Somme, .and we gained ground at certain places. Heavy hostile attacks- developed this morning southwards of the Somme m Hie neighborhood of Mezieres and Demuin. The fighting, here continues. Captured documents show that the attack on Thursday astride the Scarpe aimed at the capture of Vimy Ridge and Arras, .and was conducted by at least six divisions m the" front, line with four assault divisions m support. Despite the force of the attack it made only an inconsiderable impression m our battle position and resulted iv a severe enemy defeat. In heavy fighting further south' between Boiry and Serrp, which had no greater success, eleven hostile divisions were identified. A majority of our aeroplane attacks were southward of the Somme, where large concentrations of troops are constantly reported. Our aeroplanes continued to work till dark, despite rain storms and low clouds, arid fired nearly a quarter of a million rounds. There was not much air fighting considering the number of British machines m the air, but on the battle front fii'e from the ground, was again heavy. We downed nine German machines, and drove down five others uncontrolled, and our fire from the ground downed tWO. " : :.'->-- Twelve of our machines are missing.