ENEMY ACTIVE AROUND YPRES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2394, 25 February 1915, Page 5

ENEMY ACTIVE AROUND YPRES

ATTACKS AND COUNTER-ATTACKS SAVAGE BOMBARDMENT OF REIMS From the High Commissioner: — • Sir John French's report states that the enemy oontinues to show, considerable activity in the neighbourhood of Yyres. Several attacks and counterattacks have taken place. At 6 o'clock on the morning of February 21. the enemy exploded an elaborate series of mines, and destroyed one of our, trenches. A new line, prepared a-short distance to the rear, was immediately oocupied. Any attempts by the enemy at further progress were completely .frustrated. Near Givenchy, our infantry, after a successful bombardment, captured one of the enemy's trenches, blew it up. and attempted to attack the enemy along the La Bassee Canal; A counter-attack was easily repulsed by our artillery fire. South of the River Lys there is an increase in the artillery and rifle fire, in which our troops showed marked superiority. • Along the remainder of the front, only artillery duels have taken place. Thick weather has handicapped the work of our aircraft; [A Press' Association message, in briefer, terms, covers the same grourid.] VIOLENT BOMBARDMENT OF REIMS FIFTEEN HUNDRED SHELLS IN SIX HOURS. The following report (dated London February 23), has been received by the Prime Minister from the High Commissioner:— "Sir John French reports that the shelling of Reims, reported yesterday, was extremely violent. The first bombardment lasted for six hours, and the second for five' hours. Fifteen hundred shells were thrown into all parts of the town. What remained of the Cathedral was specially aimed at, and Buffered Beriously. The interior and the roof, hitherto resisting the fire, have now been pierced. Twenty houses were burnt, and twenty civilians were killed." ; •; „ .. A French communique from Pans oonveys a similar message, in briefer terms. ■' ■ ALLIES CAPTURE NEW TRENCHES NEAR BEAUSEJOUR. The High reports:— "Paris reports that the Allies have captured new trenches in the region of Beausejour. Oar batteries exploded an ammunition store north-west of Verdun." ' ■ ' ■ [A Press 'Association message, l in briefer terms, covers the same ground.] (Rec. February 24, 10.40 p.m.) Paris, February 24. Official—"The heavy losses to the enemy on February 21 have been confirmed. Their attack was completely repulsed."