STERN BATTLE PROCEEDING.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 14139, 15 July 1916, Page 5

STERN BATTLE PROCEEDING.

ALLIES' GAINS EXTENDED

BRITISH CASUALTIES

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

(Received July 14, 11.5 p.m.)

London, July 14

Though the British and French communiques studiously refrain from giving details, it is unofficially known that a stern battle is proceeding; The Allies' gains north of the Somme have been steadily extended during the last three days, and amount to a. German reverse. The German situation at Pozieres is serious, as the British successes there- | abouts have enabled the French to ex- | tend their lines from Hardecourt in the j direction of Maurapas.

The Crown Prince during the last two days launched 50,000 troops in the direction of Souville Fort, and ground was gained at terrible sacrifice. Hundreds of machine guns lining the slopes wrought terrible havoc.

The British casualty lists for eight days, covering the first days of the offensive, include 1800 officers, of whom 340 were ldilecl. To-day's list includes 161 New Zealand rank and file.

Lieutenant Strachey, of the Somerset Light Infantry, was wounded in France. He is a son of Mr Claude Strachey, of Auckland.