The War News.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 20 April 1916, Page 3

The War News.

THE WEEK'S

FRIDAY

The Clash at Verdun — Another Attack Fails — SJnking of the Sussex — Official German Disclaimer Another attempt to smash the French line at Verdun was made by the^ enemy on Friday, the spot selected being in Caurette Wood, between Dead Man's Hill and Cumieres, on the west,bank of the Meuse. Liquid fire was used, but the attack was completely repulsed. On the right bank the enemy fiercely bombarded the French tifiliches. When, on the cessatioiji of the bombardment, the French manned the trenches to resist the anticipated infantry attack, the bombardment was , renewed with asphyxiating and blinding shells. The German War Minister has been assuring the Reichstag that all is well, in a manner which indicates that the Germans are feeling the need of such assurances. He cheerfully promises the enslavement of the rest of the world. The fighting at the St. Eloi salient continues of the grimmest. There are five mine craters in the disputed area, and of these the British hold three and the Germans two. Bombing parties on both sides are endeavouring to push the other out of the way.

SATURDAY Activity in the West —Attacks on British line—ltalian Success in Trentino Attacks have been made on the British positions north and south of Albert. Near La Boiselle the enemy raided the trenches, but were driven out. Three attacks at Carnoy reached the British lines, and the enemy was then repulsed. The Turkish report that 3000 British soldiers. were killed in the fighting at Felahieh, Mesopotamia, on Sunday, is refuted by Sir Percy Lake, who state's that the figure exceeds the total number of casualties.

French pasitions west of the Meuse, on the Verdun front, have again been subjected to bombardment.

A surprise attack on the Italian positions above the Ledro Valley, in. Trentino, developed into a deadly hand-to-hand struggle. The Italians drove back the enemy, and occupied the slopes of Mount Sperone.

Reports from Washington state that the Sussex tragedy is likely to lead to the rupture of diplomatic relations between the tTnited States and Germany. In view of the gravity of the situation Mr Wilson has cancelled all his engagements. The merchant shippnig destroj^ed during the war is estimated at 2,201,822 tons. Half the British mercantile has been requisitioned by the Imperial Government.

MONDAY

Russian Successes —Vilna, Qalicia, Armenia —Further Italian GainsFierce Alpine Fighting—Advance on the Tigris Further successes have been gained by the Russian arms. In the Vilna region an offensive by the Germans was twice repulsed / with heavy loss. The report from Petrograd states that heavy losses were inflicted on the Austrians near the River Strypa. This is amplified J by an Austrian communique, , " which admits the abandonment oM :s advanced positions. I J^'urfkish attacks against the Russian centre west of Erzeroum were continued for six days. Their complete failure resulted **£ in the enemy falling back in disorder. The Turks are now being energetically pursued. During a severe blizzard the Italians captured all the enemy positions on the crest of a mountain ll,OOOft above sea-level in the Trentino. Their defeat in this region and near Sperone is admitted by the Austrians. There has been no infantry attack by the Germans at Verdun since Thursday evening, when a small attack south of Douaumont was repulsed. Another success lias been gained by the British relief expedition in Mesopotamia. On Wednesday the Turks were driven back over a distance varying from one mile and a-half to three miles. The explosion of mines east of Vermellos, causing considerable damage to the enemy's position, is reported by Sir Douglas Haig. Bomb attacks by the enemy at St. Eloi were repulsed.

SUMMARY.

, TUESDAY

Servians to Salonika—Greek Railways to be Used—Australians at El Kantara

Excitement has been caused in Greece by the decision of the allies to use Greek railways in transporting the Servian Army from Corfu to Salonika.

The Russian forces in Armenia have gained further successes over the Turks in the coast region of Caucasia and in the vicinity of Baiburt.

Artillery activity is reported from several sectors of the Verdun front. Two hundred Germans were captured by the French in an attack south of Douaumont. A successful reconnaissance was made by a force of Australians on Thursday along • the caravan route from El Kantara. WEDNESDAY Blow Aimed at Dvinsk—Progress in Armenia — Failure of Turkish Plans The development of a new offensive by the Germans against the Russians is reported. General Yon Hindenburg is said to have regrouped his forces, with the object of making a maximum effort to take Dvinsk. The failure of the Turks in the •Tecent operations in Armenia is emphasised. An attack has been made by two divisions of Germans on the French positions between the Meuse and Douaumont, the enemy suffering heavy losses. A raid of military importance was made on Sunday night by French aeroplanes in the Metz" region. THURSDAY Russian Victory — Capture of Trebizond—Continued Activity in West—Servian Troops at Salonika The capture of the port of Trebizond by the Russians is announced. The army overcame incredible difficulties, and shattered the most obstinate resistance.

The German attack between the Meuse and Douaumont was of extreme violence, troops from five divisions being thrown against the French positions. By a counter-attack the French have partly expelled the enemy from the trenches in Chauffour salient, in- which the Germans gained a footing. The first portion of the Servian army has arrived in Salonika.