BATTLE IN PROGRESS IN FRANCE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2245, 3 September 1914, Page 5

BATTLE IN PROGRESS IN FRANCE

PUSH AGAIN BEAR BRUNT

FRENCH ARMY DELIVERS SHARP COUNTERATTACK

1 (Rea. September 2,10.5 p.m.) , ■ ' y '■ ' London, September 2,. morning. Mr> Martin Donoh'oe, correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle," on Monday, cabling from a town in the Somme Department, says the Germane are throwing the whole of their weight against the British, who are on the Alliee , left wmg. The battle commenced with very heavy artillery fire, in which the Germans were well served by aviators. \ The freshly-arrived troops from England arrived in time to participate in the conflict, after spending several days' carrying out strategic movements in troop trains. Many were reservists with South African experience, and all were in the highest spirits as tnev mashed to the front; They cheered for the French, and groaned for "William the Weed," as they nicknamed the Kaiser, apparently confusing him with the Albanian Prince William of Wied. mi- . i the artiller y fire slackened the German infantry force struck at tho Allies' left, and the British bore the brunt of the attack. Masses of Germans hurled themselves for hours against a wall of steel, but towards evening the British were compelled to give ground slowly, after a day of most sanguinary lighting. ■ ■ . . The success of the Germane was dearly purchased. The attacking German Infantry fell in heaps. Tho stories of the recent German atrocities against the British wounded bad maddened our men- ■• The French right and centre contrived to hold tneir own, and when the full force oi the German attack* was spent towards evening the French trooua delivered a sharp counter-attack, the Germans losing heavily. ■,s The fight was contnmed to-day, when a fresh onslaught was made upon the British, who were still on the Allies' teft. ■ The British are now being reinforced, and are confident of being able to check the enemy's advance. The Department of the Gomme extends from Amiena towards La Fere. 'ALLIES'LEFT FORCED TO GIVE GROUND. It> officially stated that on the Allies' left wing a series of circumstances , favoured the Germans, and. despite counter attacks/ the Allies had to give ground. Our armies have nowhere been broken. The morale is excellent. ' - . • Antwerp, September 1. A rumour is current that General Pau brilliantly defeated the Germane tear the town of Perqnne, which lies twonty-eix miles north-east of La Fere and about the same distance north-east of Amienß. It is impossible to. obtain confirmation of the Tumour. , London, September 1. "The Times" military correspondent states that from the conflicting information available, he deduces that the British temporarily occupy the second line. ' It appears certain that the Germans have considerably advanced in the direction of La Fere. Amiene is probably already in the Germans' possession. \ AN EXPECTED GERMAN ONSLAUGHT. ' London, September 1. "The Times," in a leader, says: ''The anniversary of Sedan, according to the German time-table, was to mark tho final downfall of the French Army. No doubt to-day will witness a fresh dramatic onslaught on tho Allies." The "Daily Mail," commenting on the probable attack in connection with tie anniversary of Sedan, says: "At the West estimate three million men will be engaged on both sides. Germany is entering on a titanic undertaking in assailing strong armies on suoh a wide front. With the prospect of almost certain, disaster should the-blow fail, and with the feare of the Russians in their hearts, the Germans must advance and be prepared to sacrifice limitless thousands in forcing back.the Allies. The question is, how long even the best troops can endure such slaughter ?."-