WESTERN THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 17786, 15 July 1916, Page 5

WESTERN THEATRE

BRITISH AJDVAHCE APPRECIABLY AND PRES SUSP KLAUTTAINED (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON. July 13. Received July 14. 6.5 p.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—There has been sharp Infantry fighting, and we appreciably advanced at various points. Artillery on both sides has been active. We not only maintained our pressure on the enemy, but appreciably advanced. We captured some howitzers at one sector, which were used against the enemy later. THE ALLIES’ GAINS. PRACTICALLY A GERMAN REVERSE. SACRIFICE AT TERDITN. BRITISH CASUALTIES. LONDON, July 14. Received July 15, 1.35 a.m. Though the British and French communiques studiously refrain from details, it Is unofficially Unown that a stern battle is proceeding. The Allies' guns, north of the Somme, have been steadily extended during the last three days, and amount to a German reverse. The German situation at Pozeres Is serious, as the British success thereabouts enabled the Prencli to extend their lines from Hardecourt in the direction of Maurapas. The Crown Prince, during the last two days, launched 50,000 men in the direction of Souville fort. Ground was gained at a terrible sacrifice. Hundreds of machine guns lining the slopes wrought frightful havoc. British casualty lists covering the first day’s offensive include 1500 officers, of whom 340 were killed. To-day’s list includes 161 New Zealand rank and file. FIERCE FIGHTING. , A GERMAN STATEMENT. NEW YORK. July 13. Received July 14, 8.35 p.m. A Berlin doctor, Max Osborn, in a special cable to the New York Times, says that the fierceness and bitterness of the fighting on the Somme is increasing, and has its counterpart only in the horrors of Verdun. This time we cannot reproach England for holding back men. They are driving forward in vast continuous masses, and ever fresh waves. The French, south of the Somme, are attempting an almost continuous chain of drives, but the enemy has found our infantry unshakeable. The Allies’, charges have still great power and tenacity.