FIERCE ATTACK ON FRENCH LINES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 864, 16 November 1916, Page 7

FIERCE ATTACK ON FRENCH LINES.

HEAVY FIGHTING SOUTH OF THE SOMME. ASSAULTS BROKEN WITH HEAVY LOSS. A. and N.Z. Cahle Association and Renter. (Received November 16, 11.15 a.m.) PARIS, November 15. A communique states: —We made progress to the northern spur of St. Pierre-Vaast Wood. After an intense bombardment, the Germans strongly counter-attacked the positions captured by ns on November 7, from the sugar refinery at Ablaincourt to Chaulnes Wood. Despite the obstinacy of the assault and the large use of liquid fire and tear shells, the enemy v\'as repulsed with heavy loss, though some fractions managed to reach a group of houses east of Pressoir. A bombardment, which we are effectively checking, continues throughout the region.