FRENCH MAINTAIN CHAMPAGNE GAINS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 964, 14 March 1917, Page 7

FRENCH MAINTAIN CHAMPAGNE GAINS.

GERMAN ATTACKS IN VARIOUS SECTORS BROKEN. BOMBARDMENT Of SOISSONS CONTINUES. Jty Cable.-Press Association. — Copyright. A. and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. (Received March 14, 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, March 13. A "French communique states: —The Germans, west of Maisons <le Champagne last evening violently counter-attacked our newly-won positions on Hill 185. Our barrage and machinegun fire stopped them, and we maintained all our positions. An enemy coup tie main in the region of Louvemont, on the right hank of the Meusc was easily repulsed. We launched three coups de main last evening on German trenches between the Avre and the Aisile, which our fire had wrecked. The Germans continue to bombard the open town of Soissons. Enemy attempts to reach our lines on the Crony Road (north of Soissons) and in the region of Belleu and Chivres, farther eastward, failed. There has been lively artillery activity in the sector of Troyon.