FURTHER ENEMY SUCCESS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17260, 12 April 1918, Page 5

FURTHER ENEMY SUCCESS.

GERMANS REPORTED IN

MESSINES.

BRITISH REGAIN GIVENCHY

ENEMY USING CAPTURED

GUNS.

(Reuter.)

LONDON, April 11. Reuters correspondent, reporting on me evening of the 10th, says: Throughout the day the struggle north of Bethune waxed and waned. An artillery duel developed to the southwards, and the infantry battle extended to the vicinity of Wyt_ schaete. During two days' fighting the enemy pressed us back at certain places, necessitating readjustments of our line- Elsewxiere tne enemy is flinging his main might into au endeavour to destroy tLe fighting powers of the British. This morning tiie Germans were reported to be in the village of Messines and in Ploegsteert Wood, although probably in only small numbers. The enemy obtained a footing in Estaires tnis morning, but it is reported was driven out later. Our troops are lighting magnificently, well supported ny artillery- Tne enemy emDioyed at least eight divisions. The spearhead of the enemy assault was the centre of the Portuguese front. Owing to the thickness of the weather considerable numbers or Germans trickled through whilst the alarm was being given- Consequently they attacked In the rear as well as dense waves frontally. The Portuguese were forced to retire. They brilliantly fought a rearguard action and averted a s«rious menace on this front, but the retiring movement became inevitable. Givenctiy, which is valuable tactically, was captured by the enemy. A counterattack drove him out, but this was not in sufficient numbers to withstand oncoming waves, and early this morning the Germans re-car-ried Givenchy. Just before dark, the Fifty-fifth Division, consisting mainly of Lancashire Territorial?, made a fine charge, again.restoring Givenchy.

To-day there has been little dls. to further attack along the southern flank."

Yesterday's thrust and battle aro Betting northwards. The Germans are shelling all towns and villages a long way back, also roado, with a steady insistence, employing to the utmost their great hauls of artillery on other fronts.