Allies v. Germany

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 11, 31 August 1914, Page 5

Allies v. Germany

Four Days' Battle

BRITISH VALOR FRUSTRATED THE GERMANS.

ALLIES FIRM IN RETREAT. DREADFUL HAVOC AMONG THE ENEMY. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association. 3 (Received 11.15 a.m.) London, August 30. The Press Bureau states that the War Office gives a. general outline of the British share of the recent- operations. In effect it is shown that they had been four days in battle, from A 24th to 28th. During the whole period the British were conforming to the general movement. French armies had resisted the German advance, and then withdrew to now lines of defence. The battle began at Mona on the 23rd, and the German attack, •tubbornly pressed, was completely checked on the British front. The Germans again on Monday made vigorous efforts with superior numbers to preve»t the British from withdrawing, and tried to drive the British into Maubeugo. The steadiness and ■kill of the retirement frustrated the Germans, who lost very heavily on both days. Their casualties far exceeded the British. The retirement was continued on the 25th, but the fighting was less heavy. The British that night occupied a line from Cambrai to Le Gateau and Landrocios, and intended to resume the retirexne at daybreak of the 26th. The attack of five German army corps was so close and fierce that the operation was delayed. The battle was •Host severe and desperate, but the British with superb resistance against tremendous odds, extricated thom- . selves in the afternoon, but suffered severely. The only guns captured *>7 the Gennans were horseless or

yshattered. Sir John French estimates tlie British losses of the four days at between 5000 and 0000. The German losses wore out of all proportion. The British played dreadful havoc lit on the 26th, where a German infantry brigade advanced down a narrow street in the closest •rd*r. Machine guns mowed down th» haad of the column, and the remainder pamicked, leaving 900 dead

and wounded. Els.ewljor£ .a .German guard of cavalry division charged tiny British Twelfth! Infantry but were 1 repulsed 'with great IoSS,' and broke into absolute disorder.

RESTING AFTER GLORIOUS '"’•ACHIEVEMENTS;': HS?«

THE ARMY REFITTED, READY,

AND UNDAUNTED.

(Received 11.30 a.m.)

The Press Bureau continued: Since the 26th, the British were unmolested, except by cavalry engagements. They have rested and refitted after their glorious achievements, and reinforcements equal to double their losses !iave already joined them. Every lost gun has been replaced, and the army is ready for the next encounter with an undauifted spirit.

To-day’s news again is favorable. French armies brought the Gorman advance to a standstill. General Chetwode, of the Fifth Cavalry Division, in a brilliant action on the twenty-eighth, with the Twelfth Lancers and Scots Greys, routed the German cavalry, spearing large numbers.