BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 243, 14 October 1931, Page 2

BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE

THE 14TH ANNIVERSARY NEW ZEALANDERS’ HEROISM The 14th anniversary of the main phase in the engagement at Passchcndaele, when so much heroism was shown by the New Zealand troops in the face of overwhelming odds, fell on Monday last. The course of stirring conflict which culminated in the disastrous fighting of October 12, 1917, had its beginning on October 4. The weather was at its worst but the early operations of the Dominion forces were marked by several notable successes. These were won at a heavy cost in the face of the terrific machine-gun fire maintained by the Germans. Two British divisions next pressed on and a partial victory was obtained ou October 9. For some unexplained reason the British wounded were left ou the field at the aid posts and another problem was letl for the New Zealanders when they resumed the battle. The preliminary fighting was exceeded in intensity during the engagement of October 12, the New Zealanders being required to flounder through a morass in the darkness to strategic positions. Bellevui {Spur had been fortified by the enemy by mutually supporting “pillboxes” surrounded by barbed wire barriers 30 to 40 yards wide in places. The artillery bombardment of the defences was hampered greatly because the guns sank axle-deep in the mud. Under the concentrated fire of the enemy the advance was checked, but Passchendaelo added a gallant page tu New Zealand’s war history.