BAFFLED ENEMY'S VAIN ATTACKS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2356, 12 January 1915, Page 5

BAFFLED ENEMY'S VAIN ATTACKS

Attempt m regain lost trenches SULLEN RETIREMENT TOWARDS OSTEND By Telegraph—Press Association—OouyrisWi _ Paris, January 10. 'A communique states: — "Notwithstanding; numerous attacks, the enemy has been unable to recapture trenches in the Soissons region. The enemy has again bombarded Soissons. Our artillery had great effect on German trenches from Reims to Argonne, dispersing parties of marksmen. We repelled a counter-attack west of Perthes (thirty miles east of Reims), progressed west of Beausejour, and seized a redoubt north of Beausejour. ''The enemy bombarded the Four de Paris region, and we replied, stroying a block-house. We repulsed attaoks in the Apremont forest (five miles south-west of St. Mihiel), and also in the Thann region (in Southern •■ ■ ■ (Rec. January 11, 10.30 p.m.) Paris, January 11. Official.i-"German counter-attacks north of Perthes and north of Beausejour have been repulsed. The rest of the front is quiet, except for a few small abortive attacks in the Argonne district." The Prime Minister has received the following cable message from the High Commissioner, dated London January 10, 7.20 p.m.:— "Paris reports that in the Aisne, in the region of Soisonns, the enemy, notwithstanding numerous attacks, were unable to retake the trenches which they have lost. In Champagne, from Reims to the Argonne, the French artillery fired with great effect ;on the German .trenches, dispersing parties of marksmen. The positions captured at Perthes have been organised, and a German counter-attack repelled. On the outskirts of Beausejour ground was gained in the west, and a redoubt was seized in the north." London, January 11. "Paris reports that in the Champagne district German counter-attacks north of Perthes and north of Beausejour were repulsed. In the Argonne two small German attaocks a't Fontaine Madame, and Saint Hubert failed. A lively fusilade occurred west of Boursuilles and on the Meurissbns Stream. On the remainder of the front matters are quiet." REPORTED WITHDEAWAL OF ENEMY TOWARDS OSTEND. London, January 10. A Rotterdam message reports that the Germans are sullenly retiring in the direction of Ostend. The greatest_ exists in the villages, especially in the Ardennes, where the American Relief Committee cannot penetrate. Eighty per cent, of the population, is unemployed. _ The Germans are- lacking in supplies. There have been many suicides among tho older troops, but the new levies fresh from the atmosphere of victory promoted in Germany are full of enthusiasm.—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) SANGUINARY FIGHTING IN ALSACE. (Reo. January 11, 9.16 p.m.) Paris, January 11. The French entered Burnhaupt (Alsace) in order to inflict the maximum loss on the Germans,'after which they retired to their original position. - The enemy suffered terribly, the French artillery wiping out an entire brigade. They then occupied the heights dominating Cernay, and also the forest of Monnenbrugh, southward of the town. Bitter fighting took place west of Cernay, and several points which had been partured were recaptured by the French. [Previous reports conveyed the impression that the French were compelled to retire from Burnhaupt.] ■ German Version of the burnhaupt affair. (Rec. January 12, 0.50 a.m.) Amsterdam, January 11. 'A German communique says:—"We captured 420 French in the retaking of Burnhaupt. Many French dead and wounded were left in .front of our position and in the neighbouring woods. The situation on the Eastern front i 3 unchanged." ' AERIAL VISITATION FOR DUNKIRK. (Rec. January 11, 10.30 p.m.) Paris, January 11. Twelve. German aviators flew over Dunkirk and threw thirty bombs. The casualties were few and the damage slight, owing to tho precautions which Jiad been taken.