NAZI COUNTERS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20040, 12 September 1939, Page 5

NAZI COUNTERS

HAND-TO-HAND FIGHT Efficiency of French Army BASES IN ENEMY TERRITORY GERMANS USE ELECTRIC MACHINE-GUNS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Heed. Sept. 12. 11 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 11. It is reported in Paris that the French smashed German counter-attacks overnight in ,thc battle on the Maginot frontier. Fierce hand-to-hand fighting occurred on open farmlands along the Sierok-Saarburg road in German territory, in which the Germans were thrust back at the bayonet point. 7 The French also held all gains. Despite the German resistance the attack continued to make important progress over a 20kilometre front east of Saar. It was unofficially stated that the French greatly consolidated their positions on German soil in the last 24 hours, causing heavy German casualties during the counter-offensive. The French General Staff is stated to be conducting the operations with the maximum efficiency and the minimum loss. Light and heavy motorised units are clearing the way for the infantry. The Petit Parisien says .that for more than 24 hours the Germans resisted energetically on the whole of the north-east front, especially by means of artillery which seems to indicate that the French troops have bitten well into the Siegfried Line. The French artillery replied effectively, protecting a series of actions planned with the greatest prudence. The Petit Journal says that all .the French bases for future movements are assured in German territory. Le Matin says that all attacks were brought about slowly with prudence and method. Marshal Gamelin, being anxious to save French blood, would not engage his divisions in badlyprepared battles. Triangle Concentration. French reconnoitring planes to-day signalled that there were troop concentrations near the base of the Moselle-Saar River triangle, and the Germans were later reported to be striking into the triangle formed by .the junction of the Moselle and Saar Rivers on the extreme northern flank of the VS estern Front where the French had advanced furthest into the Saarland. Fifty miles south-east the French are advancing on a 20-kilometre front between the Saar River and the foothills ot the Vosges. Between these sectors, the German counterattacks from the shelter of a maze of coalmines and galleries apparently for a time halted the French advance. The German offensive, striking from Merzig on the Saar River, is apparently designed to relieve the pressure eastward and to protect Trier. The French authorities declare that the offensive failed to modify the advanced positions. Jhe FreAeh forces are driving close to Zwcibruckcn, Blieskastcl and Temrasse. It was said that a direct assault on the Line could be expected at any time. The German resistance north of Bitche is strong. The Germans are retreating stubbornly. A communique describing the German counter-attacks in the region north-east ot bierk suggests that 'they are attacking close to the French frontier, apparently following the French tactics, using the Luxembourg frontier to cover the right flank. The Pans correspondent of the British United Press says that the Germans arc reported to be using machine-guns operated electrically bj remote control.