Russia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 56, 2 November 1914, Page 6

Russia.

OFFICIAL NEWS.

([Fib Prim. Ablooution 1 Wellington, November 2:

The Government war news includes a message giving an official communication from Eussian headquarters relative to the operations between Warsaw and Skiernewicp, London, 31st October. The Eussian, river line of defence ran along the Niemen, Babr, Nartw, the middle of the Vistula and the- San. The Germans had not previously tested the strength of the centre of this line. Eussian reports

so far issued have spoken only of the northern and southern front. The Germans advanced principally from 'the south-west. The Germans reached a line south-east of Clone and Prusskow, and were within six miles of Warsaw. German aeroplanes dropped bombs in Warsaw killing, 100 persons. The brunt of the defence fell on two Russian corps,, especially one containing Siberian troops, which had to oppose three German corps. Splendid work was done at Prusskow and Itakitima. The Germans, covered by wood and gardens, delayed the Russian advance, and placed machine guns on the roof of a church. The Siberians long refrained from returning the fire from the church. 'Their regiment lost its colonel and many officers and 270 men, but held good till reinforced. Several Russian corps arrived and drove the Germans back, the rearguard engagements lasting 18 days. Another regiment distinguished itself at Casimierz by a brilliant bayonet attack. They drove the enemy through a wood, inflicting heavy loss, and the Germans retired rapidly to south-west country, west and south of Limicz and Skiernewice, where they recovered, and the Germans seized provisions and some valuables, but the country was not devastated. The, population are strongly for Russia., and are offering every service to the Russian soldiers. Great enthusiasm prevails at Warsaw, which is in striking difference to the attitude before the war and the Grand Duke's appeal. The Germans, when retiring, demolished the bridges, railways, and stores. ' Every sign was shown of a deliberate and well-executed retreat. Less prisoners were taken than in the case of the, Austrians. The Russian artillery worked with great precision and effectj and the Russian infantry attacked throughout. There is no sign of further German aggressive movements on this side before winter, but there is always the possibility of an early conflict to the southward, which the Russians need to secure and complete their conquest of Galicia. The enemy must guaru the,base of joint action between Germany and Austria.