IN THE VOSGES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3986, 20 July 1915, Page 5

IN THE VOSGES.

SPLENDID FRENCH CAMPAIGN. DETERMINED GERMAN ATTACKS fail. ENEMY’S TERRIFIC LOSSES. PARIS, July IS. The I\'rench official eye-witness oi the fighting in, the Vosges describes the attack on Hill 627, dominating the region of Fontenelle and Laumois. The Germans, by saps exploding .powerful mines, approached within 20 metres of our positions on the hill and then assaulted. At the cost oi very heavy losses they succeeded m establishing themselves on the summit on June 22. The Germans endeavored to transform the position into an impregnable, fortress. . • French preparations to recapture the hill were completed on July Bth, when tli too columns, by numerous artillery, scaled: the hifig it and carried it alter two days fightThe whole garrison and two battalions of the "Fifth Bavarian Ersatz Brigade were killed or i-nipiisoned. Thanks to the rapidity of our movements, the French losses were barely a quarter those of the German. The principal attack against- the centre of the hill was su-ccesshil in loss than 10 minutes. Chief credit is due to the artillery. The prisoners are all suffering Horn nervous shock due to the hoiubaidment, They expressed horror at the shelling whereto they bad been exposed. . .. The German defence was practically wiped out, though it comprised five lines of trendies and dug-outs extremely deep. Flanking works could enfilade the position d we got- a toothold The works were protected n.v trunks of trees, while corrugated iron •uid cunsliields iornied cmbrasuies. (Received July 19. 8.30 p.m.) A Communique reports sharp actions mi the heights of the -Meuse. AYe recaptured the trench section which the enemy occupied on daHi'dav upon a ridge on the southoi u slope of the Soil vault ravine and repulsed a i'resit German attack' accompanied by jets of burning bond, iUKI inflicted very heavy losses, taking met 200 prisoners.