PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7752, 22 July 1916, Page 1

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

ADVANCE ON THE WEST. RBITISH SURPRISED. BUT RETAIN THE MASTERY. On both sides of the Somme French infantry this morning attacked German positions, realising marked advantages. Northwards of the Somme we took enemy trenches from the Maraelon de Hardeeourt to the river, carrying the French line eastwards of Hardeeourt along the Combles-Clery railway. In that part of the battlefield we took nearly 400 prisoners. South of the Somme, between Barleux and Soyeeourt, all enemy first line trenches were taken. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—A diary found on a German commanding officer shows that from tile Ist of July to the 6th a Bavarian regiment fighting at Montauban lost 3000 out of 3600, and a battalion of the 190th Regiment lost 980 men out of 1100. Two other battalions of the 190th lost over half their effective strength. The Germans attacking Longueval and Belville launched several regiments in mass formation over a narrow front. The British, who were organising their new positions, were surprised, but fought heroically against four-fold odds, and gradually assumed the mastery. Sir Douglas Ilaig' lias regained a l(ttie ground at Delvillc Wood and at Longueval. The struggle continues. He lias also pushed forward his line north of Longueval, Bazentin, and east of the Liepsic redoubt. Our bombing parties made substantial advance in the night east of the Leipsic redoubt. Elsewhere the main battle is chiefly confined to artillery fire, with no alteration of positions. General Leehitsky’s cavalry have crossed the Carpathians on the main road from liirilibaba towards Maramaros Sziget. They are threatening General von Pfianzer’s communications and causing intense anxiety in Hungary. An Austrian communique states:— Telegraphic communication with Maramaros Sziget has been suspended. A large portion of the village of Curahmora, in the war zone, was destroyed by fire, 500 houses being burned.