HOW THE FRENCH RECAPTURED A LOST POSITION

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2518, 20 July 1915, Page 5

HOW THE FRENCH RECAPTURED A LOST POSITION

FORTIFIED HEIGHTS CARRIED BY : ASSAULT.

; Paris, July 18. A'French "Eye-Witness," reporting on the fighting in the Vosges, describes the attack on Hill 627, dominating the region of Fontenelle and Laumois. The Germans, by saps and the exploding of powerful mines, approached within twenty yards of our position. The hill was then assaulted at the cost of very heavy losses. The enemy succeeded in establishing themselves on the summit of the hill on Juno 22. The Germans endeavoured to transform the hill into an impregnable forties, The French preparations for its recapture were completed on July 8, when three columns, supported' by numerous artillery, scaled the height and carried it after two days' fighting. The whole garrison, consisting of twi battalions of the sth Bavarian Ersatz (reserve) Brigade, were killed.- or made prisoner. Thanks to the rapidity of our movements, the French losses were barely a quarter of those of the German. '

The principal attack,' against the centre of the hill, was successful in less than ten minutes. The chief credit was due to the artillery. The prisoners' are all suffering from nervous shock, duo to the bombardment. They expressed horror at the shelling ,to which they were exposed. The German defence was practically wiped out, though it comprised five lines of trenches,_ and dugouts, and extremely deep flanking works that could enfilade our position if wo got a foothold in the works. The defences were protected by trunks of trees, while corrugated iron and gunshields formed embrasures. HUGE OUTPUT BY FRENCH MUNITION FACTORIES, ("Times" and Sydnoy "Sun" Services.) London, July 18. M. Millerand, French' Minister for War, speaking in the French Senate, stated that the output of "soventy-fives" had increased by 1100 per cent., of big guns by 800 per cent., and of mitrailleuses by 1500 per cent. M. Millerand observed: "Since the enemy have seen fit to dishonour war, let me tell thorn that to defend ourselves and protect the lives of our children we will follow them in every field. We have formed a section of gas asphyxiators, in which -the technicians of the army and the servants of the university will co-operate."