TWO DISTINCT BATTLES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17125, 29 October 1917, Page 5

TWO DISTINCT BATTLES.

GOOD PROGRESS BY ANGLO-

FRENCH.

LONDON, October 26. A United Press message states that the Allies had taken practically all their first objectives by noon, and are still advancing along the Passchendaele spurs and around Gheluvelt, and have penetrated, deepar into Houlthulst Wood.

The lighting has resolved itself into two distinct battles, the first from Daasbank to'below the Ypres-Rougers railway, the second along a, .short An-glo-Frsnoh front, centring at Gheluvelt. The correspondent emphasises the fact that there was no attack between the two bafctle3, because, in view of recent lies, the Germans are almost certain to claim they checked the advance there, although none was atLempted.

The German artillery replied only moderately, the British concentration of shell-fire at night time obviously having had its effect.

Prisoners are coming in in a drizzle. Sir Douglas Haig reports :—The Anglo-French launched an attack at 5-45 th*s morning eastward, northeastward, and northward of Ypres, making satisfactory progress. It rained heavily during the latter part of tne night, and is still continuing. The High Commissioner cables •— LONDON, October' 26. A French communique states :—We attacked at 6 o'clock in the morning between Driegraehten and Drassbank, in Belgium. We crossed Snintwansbeck and Vocerbeck shoulder deep in water, and made important progress. Despite the difficulties of the ground we captured the village of Dradrank and Pergoes Wood. Many forms were organised as points d'appui. The High Commissioner cables:— Sir Douglas JJaig reports-.—Early last night the enemy attacked Nieuporfc and the southern portion of Houtbulst Forest, co-mpeiling us to fall back a short distance. Elsewhere all our gains "wore maintained.