Successful raids by British forces on Belgium

A message from British headquarters recorded the failure of three German raids on the Somme front, a British success north-east of Guedecourt and the repulse of counter-attacks against a new front east of Beaucourt.

“On Saturday nine enemy aeroplanes were put out of action. British naval airmen have carried out two successful raids on Bruges Harbour. Bombs were dropped on torpedo craft, docks, and railway lines, and buildings were set on fire.

“On Thursday morning British troops captured an important position on the highest point of the Sailly-Saillisel hill. A total of 78 prisoners and a machine gun were taken.

“Heavy toll of British and other shipping is being taken by the German submarines. No fewer than 16 vessels were on Tuesday reported as lost. One British victim, the Hurstwood had three of the crew killed and two injured. Of the crew and passengers of the Port Adelaide, 96 have been picked up at sea. The captain was taken prisoner.

“Eleven more vessels were reported on Thursday as having been sunk by German submarines, and include the Glasgow steamer St Ninian and the Grangemouth steamers Saxon, Briton and Vestra.

“Thirteen more victims are reported on Friday morning of which eight are British vessels.

“Another grave outrage has been committed by Hun submarines. The Anchor liner California, from New York with passengers and mails, was sunk. Thirty of the crew and 13 passengers are missing.“