ZEPPELIN RAID

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13294, 25 September 1916, Page 5

ZEPPELIN RAID

15 OVER ENGLAND Two Raiders Brought Down CAPTURE OF COURCELETTE FINE WORK BY CANADIANS VENEZELOS PARAMOUNT IN GREECE By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright. THE OPERATIONS ON THE SOMME CANADIANS TAKE A BRILLIANT SHARE IN THE FIGHTING. CAPTURE OF MOUQUET FARM AND COURCELETTE VILLAGE. GERMANS POWERLESS TO STOP ARMOURED CARS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received September 24, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, September 23. The Canadians, who had a brilliant share in the battle on the 15th, forced the Germans back over a mile, and capiured Mouquet Farm after a desperate resistance. They carried the sugar refinery and then advanced and captured the whole village of CourceM'e. Altogether they took 1200 prisoners, including 32 officers. Our artillery barrage advanced before the Canadians stage by stage with remarkable precision. The infantry moved forward in successive way>es, and directly the first lines of the German trenches were secured the assaulting waves pressed on. In their midst were several armoured cars. The Germans were powerless to stop the cars, which assisted materially in s!lenc :p .', the machine-guns and enfilading the enemy trenches. The attack was so successful that it was decided to press on past Courcelette and Mouquii Farm. Within 12 hours the Canadians had captured the whole defensive works on a wide front to a depth of from 1000 to 2000 yards, despite the Germans' fighting with the courage, of despair. BRITISH IMPROVE THEIR POSITION GERMANS CLAIM TO HAVE BROUGHT DOWN 11 AEROPLANES. GERMAN LOSSES ON WEDNESDAY ESTIMATED AT 30.000. (United Service.) Received September 24, 5.5 p.m. RERLIN, September 23. A communique states that the battle on the Somme has been resumed. The French attacked the Combles-Rancourt line and the British Courcelette without result. We brought down 11 aeroplanes on the Somme. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received Sepiember 2i, 5.5 p.m. PARIS, September 23. Liberte publishes a statement by a French staff officer that the Germans in the battle on September 20th lost at least 30,000. \ (High Commissioner's Cable.) LONDON, 12.25 p.m. Saturday. The British official report states that there has been heavy artillery work on both sides. In isolated actions we improved our position and pushed forward detachment in several directions. LONDON, 2.50 p.m. Saturday. British official: "Southwards of the Ancre we further advanced last night east o: Courcelette and captured a strongly-fortified system of enemy trenches on half a mile front. "West of Mouquet Farm a violent enemy counter-attack was driven back with heavy losses." GERMANY WANTS AN ARMISTICE EXPECTED MOVE THROUGH SPAIN AND AMERICA. PROSPECTS NOT CONSIDERED HOPEFUL. LONG AND ARDUOUS TASK AHEAD OF ALLIES. NEW YORK, September 22. The United Press Association Agency has received the following London dispatch:—"Germany will attempt another peace kite about the middle of October, according to the expectations of the British military and civilian authorities. Apparently well-authenticated rumours have reached London that Germany, having suffered immense losses in the recent Allied offensive, is endeavouring to suggest an armistice through Spain or the United States. "It is understood that King Alfonso is not responsive, and the Germans now hope to tempt President Wilson on the ground that if successful his action would favourably affect his re-election. "Americans conversant with inside British sentiment are certain that such a move from Washington would not only fail, but would be bitterly resented by the Allies, and would permanently eliminate Washington as a possible mediator. "Every indication points to the fact that not only are the Allies unified and purpose continuing the war until a definite peace is obtainable, but also the Army, Navy, and political leaders are united in their determination to assume the responsibility, if necessary, for the continuation of the war after Germany is willing to quit. "The British soldier's only present worry is possible over optimism of civilians, because of recent and coming successes. The soldiers realise that the Germans are not yet beaten, and that a long and arduous task is before i them." * THE|CAMPAIGNS IN THE NEAR EAST CONFIDENCE OF THE SERBIANS UNIMPAIRED. SILISTRA ABANDONED BY GERMANS, BULGARS AND TURKS. RUSSIANS' BOMBARDMENT OF VARNA. GREAT BATTLE IN PROGRESS ON THE CERNA. BULGARIANS REMOVING GUNS FROM MONASTIR. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) CORFU, September 22. The Serbian Skuptschina (Parliament) has passed the following resolution: "Opposed by sorrow, but having kept faith with the ideals ef humanity, Serbia with head erect confidently surveys the future." (United Service.) Received September 24, 5.5 p.m. BUCHAREST, September 23. Official: Germans, Bulgarians and Turks have occupied a fortified line, abandoning Silistra. The Russians are bombarding Varna. , SALONIKA, September 23. A great battle has been raging tor two days between the Serbs and Bulgars on the right bank of the Cerna at Brod, near Monastir. A whole army corps on both sides is lighting stubbornly night and day. It is reported that the Bulgars are removing part of their army and guns from Monastir to Babouna Pass, where German officers are superintending the construction of powerful defensive works. BERLIN, September 23. A communique states that two Roumanian divisions attacked both sides * of Hermanns tad t. We repulsed the Roumanians south-west o! Topraisar.

FIERCE FIGHTING ON THE RUSSIAN FRONT

SEVERAL OF THE HALICZ FORTS REPORTED TO HAVE FALLEN. GENERAL BRUSSILOFF RESUMES THE OFFENSIVE, HUNDREDS OF PRISONERS TAKEN. LONDON, September 23. A telegram from Petrograd states that General Brussiloff destroyed an entire German division at Naraiuvka, in the Dniester sector, and crushed a Turkish regiment south of the Zlota Lipa. The Kaiser has gone to the Galician front from the Somme. Several of the HaHcz forts.have fallen. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) :'i r ' Received September 25, 5.5 p.m. PARIS, September 53. The Journal's Petrograd correspondent reports that the battle is raging with redoubled violence north of Halicz, on the banks of the Naraiuvka River. The resumption of General Brussiloff's offensive after a 24 hours' bombardment began simultaneously at ton points. Hundreds of prisoners were taken in the last two days. AMSTERDAM, September 23. A German communique stales: "Near Korytnica the Russians still occupy small portions of our positions. A vigorous artillery duel is in progress between the Sereth and the Strypa. We again lost the summit of the Smotree, in the Carpathians. The Russian attacks on Baba and Ludowa were unsuccessful." TO CRUSH THE ROUMANIANS. HINDENBRUG CONCENTRATING 51 DIVISIONS FROM ALL FRONTS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received September 24, 5.5 p.m. PETROGRAD, September 23. It is believed that General von Hindenburg collected 30 divisions from the French, Russian and Italian fronts, and added 14 Bulgarian and seven Turkish divisions, hoping to crush Boumania. The success of his scheme depends on the offensives on the Somme, in Galicia, and on the Isonzo coming to a speedy standstill. DISINTEGRATION OF GREECE SEVERAL PROVINCES PROCLAIM THEIR INDEPENDENCE. OTHERS WAVERING IN THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO ATHENS. APPEALS TO KING CONSTANTINE TO ABDICATE. HIS AUTHORITY AND PRESTIGE PRACTICALLY GONE. VENEZELOS WIELDING EQUAL POWERS TO THE KING. ALLIED FLEET AT CRETE—PREPARED FOR A LONG STAY. (United Service.) Received September 24, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, September 23. Mr Jeffries, from Athens, states that the Kingdom of Grece is merely a name. Athens no longer governs Salonika, Lemnos, Hamas, or Mitylene. A proclamation of independence has been issued from Epirus and Larissa. Following suit are Crete and the Cyclades Isles, while Phocis and Acarnania are wavering. Only Athens and Pelaponessos remain. Dr. Wallis reports that Athens is placarded with the newspapers' last appeal to the King: "0 King! 0 King! abdicate." A Styr journal publishes a declaration by a former Royal courier: "We made a revolution, disobeyed the commands of the King and Government because of the treason at Kavalla, the magnitude of the catastrophe impelling me and other hitherto fanatical, enemies of the Liberal party to join the rising." Placards have not been removed because King Constantine's authority and prestige have practically gone. Quantities of arms have been stored unhindered in private houses. Constantine and Venezelos are holding co-equal powers, the King not daring to challenge Venezelos' acts. Constantine's rash promise to the Kaiser of no intervention is responsible for the whole trouble He appointed Gournaris and Skouloudis because they were unlikely to do anything. Subsequently temporarising he continuously saw the tide turning, and stubbornly imitated Canute, patronising the Reservists' League, and the wandering anti-Venezeltsta Zaimis resigned because he was over-ridden by Streit, Stratose and mim Kaiserites and pro-Germans surrounding Constantine. Streit actually formed a Ministry, contemptuously and openly stating that there is no need to worry about the Piraeus fleet ATHENS, September 23. The Allied fleet at Salamis has been increased to 85 ships. They are prepared for a long stay. 29 FRENCH AERIAL SUCCESSES (High Commissioner's Cable.) \ LONDON, 4.55 p.m. Saturday. The French official report claims success in 29 aerial combats, in which 24 German machines were brought down, most of them being destroyed. u urunn no nnn«uniiUTi Arnuiuum i nun mmi-*

m. ftnn.Li.uo rnnnmuuni ucnmani o LUnu rifuni GREECE COMPLETELY UNDER HIS „,..,. m SZ^lmmm _„„„_ TIMF TO SHORTEN IT. THUMB. BARON VON S«S TESTIMONY. T|lc SSSJIUSTSS. fc* by the battle of the Somme thp Allies (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) desire to draw the Gorman troops from the south-eastern theatres. It advises AMSTERDAM, Sept. 23. the General Staff not to hold what is Baron von Schenk, the German agent, not . worth holding. Villages and long who was recently conducted from positions arc being lost, ... . .. „ , . ~ . but even greater shortenings of the Athens to the Bulgarian lines, has re- Wostern front would bcnent & the . turned to Berlin. In an interview he al situation. stated that Greece was completely Colonel Gaedke, the noted German under M. Venezelos' thumb. writer, says: "We have gone through • terrible days. Germany's wall of de- ... _..« _......._ i,inccv nas tottered more than once, but IN THE BALKANS thank . God k has not collapsed. Our enemies have not achieved decisive re<snl+c " THREE STRONG MAIN LINES. U1 SFRENCH HINDERED BY BAD HUNNISH FRIGHTFULNESS WEATHER. (Australian and N.Z. Gable Assn.) ITALIAN ADVANCE CONTINUED. ; NEW YORK, September 23. I The Times ) The New York Triouno » commenting i nwnrw a an t oa ° n the re P° rt that Germany is considerLONDON, Sept. 23. ing the resumption of a / mhless sul) _ Mr Ward Price, British official cor- marine campaign, says.—"Why can the respondent in the Balkans, reports that idea never seem to be eradicated from there are three main lines of strong tne German mind that the world is condefences before Monastir. The Allies ( l uerab!e b J' te r>or? The German has .... .. - . ... . raped women, murdered children, deare attacking the first and the second. stroyod churches> and bcfou]od h ' Uffian The stronger runs to the other side of habitations, believing that by these acts the former Creek frontier, from Kla- he might terrify strong men and reduce doshnitza through Kreinian to Starko- soldiers to .terror, but has neither „ roD terrified nor conquered the world. He ',.',. . ... .. n ,. . , has only roused the world as it has never (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) bcon rousod since the firgt Hght of LONDON, Sept. 23. modern era dispelled the darkness of the The War Office reports: "We sue- barbarian inroads. What he has really cessfully raided the enemy trenches at donc tne Germans cannot now know, several points on the Struma and the but h e will know when the first days of , . ~ . . . peace break the iron ring which surDo.ran fronts. Naval a.rcralt bombed rounds him> and ppmit , () approa( . h transports nearJDrama, apparently with him the sentiments and emotions of milgood results." lions of men and women the world over. A French communique states: "Bad N ever in human history has a more terweather has hindered operations on the , 1 ,,,,e Judgment awaited a nation than ... ~ „ , . „ that which awaits the German when at whole of t he Balkan front. laßt thp gQQB and men f)f thp Am& hayp ROME, Sept. 24. accomplished their task,~which is yet A communique states: "The Italians but at its beginning." continue to advance in the Upper ■ E »"' s BELCIAN SPIES FICHTINC EAST OF SUEZ 22 °" TH - TWO GIRLS EXECUTED. A TURKISH CLAIM. (The Times.) Received September 24, 5.5 p.m. AMSTERDAM, Sept. 24. (United Service.) Twenty-two Belgians were sentenced CONSTANTINOPLE, September 23. to death for espionage on Friday, and W r )m Zl qU i\ St n S * CaSt / 17 have alread y b^a executed, includbuez we attacked hostile troops in the . vicinity of Tnvale Wells, and ing hvo » irls - There is tremendous the enemy to retire. indignation throughout Belgium.

HOW FLERS WAS CAPTURED GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS BY WOUNDED PARTICIPANTS. NEW ZEALANDERS OCCUPY THE POST OF HONOUR. GERMAN PKSPECT POP "LAND CRUISERS. THE "DINKUMS" AS GOOD AS THE BEST. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received September 24, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, September 23. Wounded New Zoalandors who have arrived from the Sommc front—to which they were transferred from the Armentieres sector n month ago—all tell stories which confirm the statement that the force displayed splendid courage on the morning of September 15, in the lace of the greatest trial which it has yet experienced. The father of a young family, w*o has been gravely wounded said: ''When our boys went over, it was a magnificent sight. The first wave consisted of men from Otago and Auckland. They stopped over the parapets fearlessly, despite a hurricane bombardment and incessant whizzing of machine-gun bullets. An onlooker might have thought by their carelessness of danger, that it was only a sham fight. Those whose sons and brothers were killed here can well be proud.

IT WAS A GLORTOUS DEATH. They wore so heavily loaded that they were unable to run, for they were carrying shovels and equipment. Unlike the raiders who go to return, it was moving day for these men, and tilings did move. They found a new place to sleep that night, though there were many gaps as the result of those first two hours' walk in extended order over 'No Man's Land,' dodging shells, holes, and German dead lying everywhere as the result of the enemy's earlier fruitless attacks.

"The British reginlfcots wore co-op-erating on our right, and several tanks were alloted to our front. We woro vastly impressed l>y these new engines, and delighted to notice the Germans funk when they realised their deadly powers. When the first car sallied out, 14 German bombers rushed out, thinking it was an ordinary armoured ear. and honed to stop it hefore it reached their trench. They threw scores of bombs, which exploded harmlessly. The tank's machine guns wiped out the whole party. The Germans quickly learned to respect these monsters, which, when they develop greater speed, will lie an even more terrible menace to the defenders' trenches." 'We felt we wore right into it this time." sn.id another. 'AIVi n:gh v.. 1 had lost several, notably a number of Maoris, during the p-ovinus three weeks' bv gas attacks and bombardments, it was our first nroper action on the Soniuie front. When we learned of the magnitude of the operations, and of our important part in them, a thrill went throuch us all. EVERYONE WAS CHEEBFFk., although we knew it was certain that many would not survive. Our bombardment was beyond description. The Germans declare we do not know what shell fire is until one has been in their trenches. Tin- German bombardment was severe enough. Tt caught manv of our chans before the advance. "The assault of the trenches was quick work. There were few moments for rest, and no time to watch a comrade's fate. The single thought .in every mind was to get ahead. As a result, the Xew Zealandcrs entered Flers hefore the Coldstream Guards, the Irish Guards, the Canadians, the Scottish, and other British units. We were all mixed up in the finish. "Otago and Auckland men took the first line, and waited until the Rifle Brigade came up. Then the latter pushed out, taking the second line by an overwhelming dash. Then all the New Zealand forces combined in a final push. The 'Dinkums.' as the RiHes are called, proved themselves among the best. Some of our men got beyond the village and suffered from the machine guns.' A Pioneer says: "It was laughable to watch the Germans surrender. They came into our trenches running, rolling, limping and crawling." A Hawke's Bay man with a broken arm was helping to drag a Dunedin comrade who was more seriously wounded. He seemed indignant at seeing a huge German being carried a stretcher, and wa s determined that his comrade should be relieved of the painful crawl. He saw two Germans scared to death, running into a shell hole and shouting, "Kamerad!" The Hawke's Bay man shouted "Stop!" They did not comprehend, but when he picked up a rifle they (prickly understood, and, approaching him DROPPED ON THEIR KNEES.

A burly Hun carried the Dunedin man a mile and a-half to the rear.

The Pioneer Battalion suffered while digging communication trenches under a barrage which was intended to prevent supports approaching. Before the battle, Sir William Birdwood again appeared unescorted in almost every trench, renewing his acquaintance with the Gallipoli veterans. The men speak in the highest terms of General Russell. They express surprise at having a cinema operator iii the front trenches on Friday morning, coolly filming the advance/ The men said: ' 'lt would do our people good to see the magnificent steadiness of that great attack." A Kaitangata boy who was badly hit in the jaw, speaking behind his bandages, said: ''According to Haig's latest, our chaps are still there, holding the line. You ran bet your life thev will STICK TO IT AS LONG AS THEY ARE NEEDED. - ' The wounded New Zealandcrs have been concentrated at Brokenhurst and Walton. As soon as they are convalescent, they will be sent to Hornchurch and Corford. Owing to pressure, some were sent to isolated hospitals, but they were, quickly discovered and transferred to the New Zealand hospitals, all of which are working smoothly. There are no complaints, and the men especially appreciate the New Zealand mutton and butter. CONSCRIPTION IN AUSTRALIA TRADES UNION CONGRESS. (United Press Association). Received September 24, 5.5 p.m. MELBOURNE, September 24. The inter-State Trade Union Congress has 'opened to formulate anti-conscrip-tion plans. It adjourned till Monday. ALLEGED TREASON. (United Service.) Received September 24, 5.5 p.m. SYDNEY, September 24. The police raided the headquarters of the 1.W.W.. and arrested four prominent members—Reeve, Glynn, Larkin, and Hamilton—on a charge of treason. They seized a quantity of literature, and • other effects.

A NIGHT-LONG COMBAT CANTERBURY MEN ENGAGED. HEAVY ENEMY LOSSES. COUNTER-ATTACKS REPULSED. MAGNIFICENT MEDICAL SERVICES. X.Z. War Correspondent's Cable.) N.Z. HEADQUAKTER6 (France), September 22. During the (ishting nn our loft mentioned in my last telegram, an enemy trench was entered in silence under cover of darkness without much difficulty. Then we found our left was thinly held by Scottish troops, who had to fall hack. This allowed the Germans to attack fiercely. Bomb-fighting was very hitter, and the trenches were soon littered wilh the dead of both sides. After being driven back twice, the Canterburys finally succeeded in

Capturing the Trench just before dawn. The fighting was strenuous all through the night. By aggressive action we cleared the enemy right off the. position, and at once proceeded to consolidate, it. one captain particularly distinguished himself, showing splendid courage and energy. He continually rallied the tired and discouraged men, and led them personally. The army commander promptly telegraphed bis congratulations, and stated that the troops deserved every credit for their gallantry and perseverance. The corps commander in another message of congratulation stated that the repeated attacks by the Canterbury men, renewed and delivered with such energy and determination, spoke highly of the tine lighting qualities of all ranks, lie particularly desired to express to the colonel in command his appreciation of the sound conception of the plan, and to the captain who led his men bis adiniratidh of his gallant conduct and courageous leading. The \e\ V Zealanders continue lighting with Dash and Bravery in the Somme battle. The commander-in-chief has telegraphed bis appreciation and congratulations. The corps commander on our right also forwarded congratulations, especially referring to the assistance rendered to his corps during the last few days. Not only do we hold our line, but we have also protected positions right and left, outside our own area. Last night there was tierce lighting on our left. The Canterbury Battalion drove the enemy from their trench. The enemy counter-attacked furiously, but suffered heavy losses. We counted 350 of their dead, and took. 22 prisoners. During the last 48 hours our artillery has done magnificent work. In the darkness, through mud, rain and heavy shelling, they shifted their batteries forward into action over ground full of craters. By mid-day yesterday almost all the Kims were in position, and had registered. The batteries were shelling beautifully, the Shells Bursting in a Row on the enemy's lines. The medical services have proved second to none. The stretcher-bearers who were first out have done heroic work. At one stage, an ambulance transport even left their waggons and made their way to a battalion aid post, whence they assisted in conveying wounded men of the Rifle Brigade, under shell-fire and over difficult roads, to a field dressing station. Tin; Director of Medical Services of the army, and the Deputy-Director of Medical Services of ttie corps, expressed great satisfaction, slating that the organisation and the evacuation were splendid. All the casualty clearing stations had reported that the treatment of wounded received through the New Zealand Medical Corps was Superior to Anything previously seen, and not a single case got through without anti-enteric serum treatment'.

Other branches of our forces are doing' excellent work. The transport have overcome extraordinary difficulties. Engineers and the Pioneers, under adverse weather and shell-fire, are rendering valuable services. A canteen has been established well forward. But above and beyond all this, one's greatest admiration must be £or the splendid heroism and dash of the infantry. They went unflinchingly through all the terror of modern battle with an absolute contempt for the tlower of the German Army, and gained the furthest points in the enemy lines. The cable news in this Issue accredited to the Times has appeared in that journal, but only where expressely stated is such news the editorial opinion of the Times