ANZACS IN THE FIGHT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1293, 5 April 1918, Page 5

ANZACS IN THE FIGHT.

ACQUITTING THEMSELVES WELL. From the N.Z. Official War Correspondent, ANZAC HEADQUARTERS, March 27. The New Zealanders are now in the great battle. They were keen to take part in it, and one unit when told they were to trek south received the announcement with cheers. Later. Our men have come in contact with the enemy, and so far have been successful. They have already taken prisoners and killed or wounded others. Scarcely anyone has had his clothes, or even boots, off for three days and nights, but everyone is cheerful and hard at work. When our men got to close quarters with the enemy at one place, he ran for his life, except where he had strong points with machineguns. Yesterday the New Zealanders captured over 40 prisoners and 11 machine-guns. Prisoners state that they were told that after they had advanced 15 kilometres they would be withdrawn, and they were going eyes out to do the distance in quick time, and had already done 10 kilometres when they bumped up against the New Zealanders. Then the promise made to them was fulfilled and they were withdrawn—but not to the German side of the line. Since then other prisoners have been trickling in. In war it is never safe to predict, but the indications are that the enemy may strike a snag if he does come on. Generally speaking—l speak only of our own limited section—the position has been greatly improved upon what it was two days ago. One thing we are all agreed upon—war of movements is certainly a most interesting war. On March 28, having advanced to fill a place in the line, the New Zealanders established themselves on the front, and were ready to attempt to stem a G/'rman rush in that particular sectio/i. Too much praise cannot be accorded our troops for what, in the I first instance, they have accomplished under exceptional difficulties. After a long railway journey they came, some by motor transport, and some on foot, a considerable distance tp the concentration point, and from there they marched further miles straight into the firingline, and were almost at once engaged with the enemy. In some instances they did this without practically any rest, proving their great endurance and indomitable spirit. Yesterday the enemy attacked our line at two places. In each instance the onslaught was met with unflinching courage, and the enemy was driven off with loss. Last night one of our units was again at close grips with the enemy, who advanced boldly, and established himself in a small section of our line. This morning, between five and six o'clock, the artillery on our front came into action in order to stave off other threatened attacks. Apparently this bombardment had the desired result, for the enemy did not come on, and any concentration he may have had in this area must have suffered severely, for in this open country cover is scarce. Our own artillery performed a notable feat. After marching between 30 and 40 miles, they went straight into action, and were shooting the same day.