THE FIGHT FOR ROYE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11614, 13 August 1918, Page 5

THE FIGHT FOR ROYE.

SCENE OF STUBBORN FIGHTING. A THRILLING SIGHT, BRITISH CAVALRY IN ACTION. -—• iim London, August 12. The" Morning Post’s correspondent at British Headquarters states. Tha'Tegion in iront of Roye has become the scene of h*=avy and most stubborn lighting. It was expected that the Germans would here matfe a determined effort to stem the advance when they reached their old defences. These are largely dere lict, but masses of rusted wire encumber the ground. The trenches are in fairly good condition, and vast“uuderground galleries are still serviceable. Several concrete redoubts remain intact. _ Fighting on Sunday centred on this old battlefield. Many reserves divisions were concentrated, and every available man, including non-combatants, was impressed for the defence. One of the most thrilling sights of the campaign was witnessed_ at 4 o’clock, when large masses of British cavalry rode out against Damery. village, northeast of Roye. They rode superbly through a hail of bullets, while the infantry cheered them. Nearing the village the cavalry encountered many machine gun nests, while.shell holes overgrown’ with weeds increased the difficulties, and the cavalry were obliged to leave the task to tanks. Meanwhile other units began to outflank Damerv from the north. Fighting proceeded all night long, English, Australian and Canadian patrols continuing their outflanking movement. Despite fog, the battle was resumed with redoubled rigour at daybreak. Tanks took up the task of attacking Damery, which was abandoned by the cavalry. A long line of tanks emerged from hiding places, crawling up the slope, which hid them' from the enemy, while at least a hundred aeroplanes estab ished an impassaoie barrier overhead. Thus the tanks completely surprised the machine gumurs lining the woods surmounting tne slope. The observers" clearly saw some 500 Germans trying to holt to the rear, but staggering under the weight of macnine guns. The Infantry .following the tanks skirted Damery, moving eastward in the direction of Goyencourt. The battle for Roye has become desperate. The enemy has filled every village and every house with t-mops and machine guns. Evidently it has been ordered that Roye must be defended at all costs. Elsewhere on tne front, though progress since Friday has been slower, ithas Jbeeu sure. The advance has continued methodicaly, almost by timetable. GERMANS EVACUATE ROYE. Loudon, August 13. It is reported that Roye has been evacuated,