RUSSIAN PROGRESS IN EASTERN GALICIA

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2575, 24 September 1915, Page 5

RUSSIAN PROGRESS IN EASTERN GALICIA

! FURTHER SUCCESSES THE MYSTERY OF RUSSIAN STRATEGY ByTeleerapl.—Preaj Association—Copyright Petrograd, September 22. A communique states: "We captured a forest south-eastward of Luzk, and dislodged the enemy from the bridgehead near Ivanic (north of Dubno) on the Ikva. We have captured two villages westward of Kremenec, and token numerous prisoners." (Rec. September 23, 9.50 p.m.) Petrograd, September 23. A communique states: "There has been a desperate action ' west of "We occupied a village west of Molodetchno with the bayonet, capturing machine-guns, and'similarly captured Smorgono. The Germans are fleeing in disorder towards the passages." GERMAN 'OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. Amsterdam, September 22. A German official communique states : "The Russians attacked _ FieldMarsbal von Hindonburg south-west of Leunewarden, on the Dvina. Fighting " the Russian position south-west of Dvinsk, on a front' of three kilomotres, capturing 2000. „ „ , "Our attack is progressing north-west and south-west of Qschmyana. "Our right win" 1 has reached the district northward of Novo-Grodek. "Prince Leopold lias stormed positions on the west bank of the Mystchanka, on both sides of the. Minsk-Brest Litovsk railway, capturing a thousand prisoners. Osj;rof after house-to-house fighting."

MOST BRILLIANT EXPLOIT OF THE WAR HOW THE VILNA ARMY EXTRICATED ITSELF. (Reo. September 23,-11.20 p.m.) Petrograd, September 23. • The Russians' retreat from Vilna -gas one of the most brillia.it exploits of the war.' The enemy almost encircle'd the city, and then, throwing off huge masses of cavalry, followed by light infantry, pierced the communications. Von Hindeaburg hoped to compel the Vilna army either to. fight or retreat southwards, which' would Save confused every otlier army on the Russian line. The Vilna anny, however, attacked the enveloping columns, turned their backs upon Vilna, and fought on two fronts in order to clear ilioir line of retreat. It is now evident, that .tliey have successfully oountered and driven off tho enemy's columns. STAND AT VILNA OF GREAT TACTICAL IMPORTANCE. .("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. September 23, 5.30 p.m.) London, September 22. The "Times's" correspondent at : Petrograd says that tho Russian stand on tlio Vilna line has been of great tactical importance in checking the enemy and securing tlie retreat from the Vilna region by road, after the rupture of the Vilna-Molodetclnio railway. "The possession of Vilno affords the enomy a baso for a further offensive, being at tlie junction of the_ roads to Dvinsk, Minsk, Lida, Daranovick, and Rovno. He is unlikely to initiate operations until he has obtained and secured a tenure on • the , Vilna-Molodetclino-Lida lines, and while wo retain our positions on these lines tho Germans will be apprehensive of the safety of their rear."-

RUSSIAN STRATEGY REVIEWED MILITARY CRITICS PUZZLED. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, September 22 Colonel Repington, tie military correspondent of tile "Times," Gays: "From .tile month the Grand Dnke Nicholas left the front it appeared as if his wise strategy was not completely favoured. The Russians in the fighting at Skidel hung on much longer than seemed wise, aiid are now partially enveloped near Czuczin. The troops at Vilna also stood fast, although the Germans were, on the Vilna-Dvinsk railway, and the presence of a part of General von Mqokensen's anny on tlie Dvina was dctccted. I expected toheaT of the continuation of the orderly retreat which had heen the despair of the German Headquarters since the grand operation in the East began, but the Russian front has remained. unchanged, and General von Hindenburg has heen given a chance, of which he boldly availed himself. Tho reason the German caralry was permitted to traverse the difficult lake district between Dvinsk and Vilna is not known. As this district favoured a defensive war, a few divisions might easily hold up four times their number, but from the moment the German cavalry advanced from the, Svenda until they swooped on the Russian main lines of communication with Vilna, they seem to have encountered little resistance." GERMAN 'ATTEMPT ON PETROGRAD DISCOUNTED.("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) ~ (R'ec. September 23, 5.30 p.m.) London, September 22. Mr, Stanley Washburn (the 'American war correspondent), after two weeks with the northern army group, in which he motored over twelv hundred miles . of country, thinks that a. serious German advance against Petrograd is utterly out of the question this season. "It is believed that tho next German move will he) a concentration in sufficient strength to enable the enemy to take t3ie' Riga-Dvina-Dvinsk line, regardless of 'cost. Even if i they are successful, the Germans cannot roach Pskoff inside of three months, and even if that position be carried the difficulties of a further advance will be insurmountable. The peasants prophesy a long, severe winter. Probably the enemy ' will be in a similar position further south. Statements by German prisoners and deserters indicate, that the Gorman army dreads tlie spectre of the Russian winter.