THE WEST RENTS' STAND.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 14142, 19 July 1916, Page 5

THE WEST RENTS' STAND.

o>:e of the finest exploits

OF THE WAR

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

London, July 17. When the West Kents' line was broken in Trones Wood the Huns were so sure of victory that they dashed forward calling, "Surrender, Kents."

"Come and take us" was the scornful

reply. Many German shells fell short and exploded among the attackers, until the disordered column disappeared in an utter rout. As the second day wore on the West Kents heard the shouts of' their comrades fighting their way to the beieaguered lines. This stirred up the enemy to a final effort. A column of infantry renewed the attack, but the West Kents only rolled up their sleeves and settled down to a last ronnd. The West Kents had an immense reception in the British lines after being relieved. It was a particularly brilliant stand, as many of the lads were under fire for the h'rst time. An .eye-witness of the stand describes it as one of the finest exploits of the war. Intense German artillery fire, followed by desperate attacks by fresh infantry, had forced back the British i-i-oop* on both flanks of the Ke-ntish-n-en early on the second day, and retreat was impossible. A wounded 7\>'Uibhman reached the main British liiK-s with a, message that the defenders wore hard pressed on all sides, but eenl'l hold out longer if it was essential. ' A message was sent that relief was • coming. Meanwhile the Kentishmen were fighting in a blazing furnace, the trenches being pounded to dust by high : explosives. Flame jets and gas were turned on at intervals, and constant bomb attacks were made. | The Germans once penetrated the ; trenches, but their triumph was shortlived. The Kents staggered the Germans with a bayonet charge and took a number of prisoners and drove out the rest. At close quarters the fighting was of the-deadliest character.