Belgium

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 274, 17 November 1914, Page 5

Belgium

THE BATTLE OF YPRES

United Press association. London, November 16. The Daily Mail’s Calais correspond-

ent, describing the bayonet light in the wood near Ypres, says: “Every mail who held his ground was killed. The ground was strewn with forms in every attitude, twisted into horrible grotesq lien ess by waning light. It is almost inconceivable that men can endure what the Germans endured in these bayonet charges. Their losses wore over fifty to one. They fought with

little hope, and no enthusiasm. The battle of Ypres. for us, has been tin l battle of the war. The Allies gained a few miles, with great Tosses, but for the enemy it has been death beyond reckoning in fog, rain and snow. The Germans have been lighting hopelessly in Flanders. Those untouched by bullets or bayonet are dying of hunger and exposure. The southern march from the coast to Ypres continues in a severe snowstorm.”

GERMAN REGIMENTS’ LOSS

Paris, November 16

A hundred and twenty Gormans were captured on Saturday, the residue of the battalion which assaulted the Allied trenches that morning. Several companies, notably the Prussian Guards find Bavarian Corps, which were at full war strength at the beginning, of November, have been depleted by half. ON THE YSER CANAL. Paris, November 16. An official communique on Sunday at midnight stated that the most noteworthy incident of the day had been the throwing back of the enemy on the right bank of the Yser Canal. The enemy evacuated the remaining portion of the left bank, and unsuccessfully attempted the offensive southward of Ypres. GERMANS INUNDATE THE COUNTRY ROUND OSTEND. (Received 8.15 a.m.) London, November 16. Germans inundated the country round Ostend to prevent the Allies’ advance. Belgian’ engineers have blown up the German-owned villas commanding a position at Coxyde, between Nieuport and Dunkirk, with l concrete foundations suitable for mounting guns, and they have also blown up a strongly-fortified German chemical factory at Schooterfrz.

CHURCH RELICS BURNED AND CATHOLIC SOLDIERS SHOT.

(Received 8.45 aim.) Paris, November 16

It is semi.ofßcially stated that tlie Wurtembergers occupying Guilli wilier set fire to the houses. The commander collected relies in the church and -superintended their ignition, the chnrcl} being largely consumed, and the Catholic soldiers who refused to throw petroleum on the relics being shot.

HUNDREDS OF UNKNOWN CRAVES.

Times and Sydney Sun Services. (Received 8 a.m.) Loudon, November 16. A correspondent says that round Rainschappelle, where the Germans broke through the Belgians, there are hundreds of rough graves, mostly piles of turf over shell holes, while many were buried singly in holes made by the shells which had killed them.

THE COMMERCIAL CLASSES'. GERMANY’S PROSPERITY SAPPED BY THE WAR. Times and Sydney Sun Services. (Received 8 a.m.) London, November 16. The Copenhagen correspondent of the Times says; A distinguished neutral businessman reports that the commercial classes of Germany now realise that Germany has been checkmated in all directions, and ho blames

England for he collapse of the grand plan of campaign, which has aroused ferocious fury and the most intense hatred of England. Far-seeing commercial men realise that Germany’s prosperity, which was at its zenith in July, is being sapped by the prolongation of the war, and will spell eventual ruin. REPORT FROM THE ALLIES. [United Press Association.] (Received 11.20 a.m.O Paris, November 16. A communique states that simple cannonading proceeded along the line from Nieuport to Dixmude. The

inundations now extend within threo j miles to Hixschoote. The Germans’ ! attempt to cross the canal between Dixmude and Hixschoote was hurled back, and a German regiment was entirely destroyed south of BixI schoote. The German attacks to the south-east of Ypres were repulsed. We assumed the offensive, and recaptured several positions.