THE GREAT OFFENSIVE.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14540, 18 October 1917, Page 5

THE GREAT OFFENSIVE.

BRITISH PATROL RAIDS.

IMPROVING WEATHER.

ARTILLERY AND AERIAL

ACTIVITY.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association

and Renter.)

(Received Oct. 17, 9.15 p.m.)

London, Oct. 17.

Sir Douglas Haig reports: Our patrols were active to-day, and brought in a few prisoners. There is considerable reciprocal artillery fire, the weather is clearer,' and there is much effective counter-battery work. The South Midland Regiment raided trenches last night in the neighbourmood of Roeux, and inflicted casualties. Another raid northward of Lena yielded us a few prisoners.

Our fire early this morning repulsed a strong raiding party south-west of 'Achevillo.

Our aeroplanes yesterday machinegunned infantry from low altitudes, and dropped two tons of bombs on a large dump at Courtrai and other targets.

We brought down , five machines Three of ours are missing.