ECHO OF THE GREAT RETREAT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2515, 16 July 1915, Page 5

ECHO OF THE GREAT RETREAT

THE CROSSING OF THE SAN BY A WAR CORRESPONDENT By TclSgraph—l'ress Association—Copyright London, July 14. The Press Bureau states that Mr. Bernard Pares, at tho end of May, described the enemy's tremendous efforts to cross ■ the River San. A crossing was effected in boats. Tho Russians had placed a mine whicli'did not explode at forty yards from the Russian sido of tho river. Masses of the enemy were already at the bridge, when a Russian officer and a private courageously ascended the bridge, mado a now connection, fired tlie mine, and tho bridge was blown into the air. The shock sent the two Russians flying,'but they survived. Five days' severe fighting after the crossing showed that even bite halfannihilated Russian regiments wero masters when the issue depended oil tho bayonot. Tho enemy daily sent aeroplanos to the Russian rear—ten were sent simultaneously in one. day—but in at least five cases they were brought down. Tho enemy's repeated'attempts to break through in closo formation failed. Tho Russians have splendid ambulance organisation, tlie most complete of its kind, and a wide system of hospitals, besides flying columns which give first aid to the wounded, who are carried in very sensible and comfortable two-wheelers. _ It is mentioned by Mr. Fares that tho enemy is using none but explosive bullets in 0110 area. [Mr. Bernard Pares is Professor of Russian History, Language, and Literature at the University of Liverpool. When in Russia he is correspondent of the "Spectator" and of the "Westminster Gazette."]