WAR NEWS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1290, 29 August 1914, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

THE LATEST.

LOHGWY FALLEN. Longwy, a second-class French fortress on the river Chiers, has fallen after holding out for 24 days. Half the garrison were killed. NAVAL ENGAGEMENT IN THE . NORTHJEA. TWO GERMAN CRUISERS AND , DESTROYERS SUNK. A naval engagement took place in the North Sea, off Heligoland Bight. Two German cruisers aud destroyers were sunk by the British.

[Heligoland is a srougly fortified German rock fortress, protecting the North Sea entrances to the Kiel Canal and the River Elbe.]

A detailed description of the fighting at Mons and Charleroi, emphasise the magnificent artillery and rifle fire of the British troops in the Allied line, and their conduct through a critical period, while terribly destructive to the Germans, also raised the morale of the French, and inspired a spirit of emulation that promises well for the success of the desperate undertakings which have yet to be attempted. The Allied line is said to have been withdrawn further south to a strong defensive position, suggestive of a tremendous attack by the full force of the northern German Army. It is is stated that eleven German Army Corps have passed to the south of Namur, indicating the assembling of the utmost resources of the invaders in front of the Allied line. A flanking movement by the French troops operating to the south, along the Luxemburg frontier on the French side, has been attended with considerable success. Severe losses to the Germans have , suited from engagements ‘ Southern Lorraine, and in t.. ; vicinity of Nancy. The Russian march to Berlin continues its steady advance. Russia’s intention is to reach Berlin in 21 days. The big German armed merchantman, the Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse, has been sunk by a British cruiser off the west coast of Africa. The loss is recorded of the German cruiser Madgeburg, which had gone ashore in the Baltic, and' which the Germans were forced to blow up. under the fire of Russian guns. Stories of German atrocities continue to horrify civilisation and inflame public opinion against the nation in whose name these outrages are being perpetrated. Further disasters, with loss of life, have befallen peaceful trawlers of neutral nations by contact with the deadly floating mines, with which the North Sea waters have been sown by the Germans.

THE ADVANCE GUARD.

REACHNOUMEA. ALLffELI. Sydney, Aug,. 28. The New Zealand Expedition reached Noumea under a strong convoy, including British and French warships. Further news respecting this force is expected very soon. There is every reason to anticipate that it will be of an entirely successful character.