Renewed Activity in West

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 5, 6 January 1940, Page 7

Renewed Activity in West

Successful Penetration Into German Defences

ENEMY DETACHMENT’S LOSSES United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyriffh t. Received Friday, 9.35 p.m. PARIS, Jan. 4. There has been a noticeable change on the Western Front. Daylight activity has increased, but the nights are mostly calm. Contrasting with past experience, patrols have been active almost over the entire front. The Allies were successful in a penetration for two miles and demonstrated that tho German disposition consists of a lightlyheld front line with big gaps between the posts. A French patrol spotted two German detachments of 50 to 100 in a wooded area. The French were not strong enough to take prisoners, but opened fire at fairly close range. The Germans were surprised and scattered with heavy losses. The French suffered no casualties. Air activity has increased and the French brought down a Dornier and a Messerschmitt. FRENCH PATROLS MAKE DEEP THRUST PLANES 250 MILES PAST BORDER PARIS, Jan. 4. The official French radio states that French patrols penetrated nearly two miles into German territory and brought back most valuable information. A mobile detachment ambushed the enemy and took several prisoners. “Oar planes,” the radio adds, 1 ‘ reconnoitred Germany to a depth of 250 miles. “The Germans flew over Eastern and North-Eastern France and violated Belgian territory when homeward bound.” Last evening’s French communique states: “During the day patrol and reconnaissance parties successfully fulfilled their missions at various points of the front. Towards midday two enemy planes were brought down by our fighters.” This morning’s French official communique states: “There was nothing to report during tho night. ’ ’