THE FRENCH PART.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11365, 11 October 1917, Page 5

THE FRENCH PART.

TWO LONG STEFS.

A WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT.

(Received Wednesday. 9.15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 9

Mr Philip Gibbs says: The French gained 1200 yards in two strides, taking hundreds of prisoners, two field guns > and many machine guns; they ajso killed many. Wc arc within a hundred yards of Houthulst Wood. The Allies advanced to a depth of 1500 yards along a lino from Poclcapclle across the Yprcs-Ghcluvolt road. It is the most wonderful achievement of the war since the Highlanders and Haval Division captured Beaumont Hamel in mud and fog, but this, the latest, is even more wonderful because it was done on a greater scale and in fouler weather. A French communique states; In Belgium, in conjunction with the British, wc attacked at 3.30 this morning the German positions south of the forest of Houthoulst, between Dracibantk and Wydendrcft. Fighting continues, and is developing in our favour. On the Aisnc front there is marked artillery activity, notably in the region of the Partheon redoubt.

On the right bank of the Meuse an artillery struggle is in progress on the sector north of the Chaume Wood.