In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 32, 9 February 1915, Page 5

In the West.

THE POSITION AT WESTENDE. United Press Association. Dunkirk, February 8. The Franco-Belgians forced a pas. sage between the west of the great dune and the sea, sending a damaging fire from the now position against the enemy’s extreme right before Westende. MASSACRE OF THE WOUNDED. Paris, February 8. A German non-commissioned prisoner avows that he witnessed in ‘August a massacre of twenty wounded Frenchmen by German troops. UNEVENTFUL OPERATIONS. Paris', February 8. Official: Except for several small attacks at Nieuport and the bombard.* ment of the northern quarter of Soissons, the operations are uneventful.

MAJOR CORRIGAN’S REPORT.

Sydney, February 9.

Major A. Corrigan, a New Zealander, was ai passenger by the Venutra from a visit to England. While there lie was attached to the Royal Marines. Subsequently he was sent on a staff mission to France, his duties taking him to Nieuport, where he visited the firing line and trenches, witnessing an important series of engagements. He gives an interesting account of the terrible effect of shell fire and the general devastation caused by the war operations. He declares'that the system of dealing with the wounded is wonderfully complete, Within half an hour of being struck the wounded are in the hospital. The Germans’ bravery is undeniable, but they are sadly lacking in initiative. The prisoners seemed overjoyed at being taken. Corrigan does not expect the war to last long, and if the present steel grip is kept on the Germans he will not be surprised to see it ended by October or November next. The only question is that of sufficient men, and they will be available.

FRENCH PROGRESS REPORT.

(Received 9.25 a.m.) Paris, February 8

A communique states: A violent artillery duel took place at Quinchy. Wo captured a trench west of Carenchy by a coup de main and repulsed attacks at Massiges and Fontaines Madame. A violent infantry action is progressing at Bagatelle. We have maintained our positions. THE CLOUCESTERS AT CLOSE QUARTERS. “MEET ME TO-NIGHT IN DREAMLAND!” Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Received 8 a.m.) London, February 8.

An officer, describing the fighting in Belgium, says: “At one point a hand-to-hand struggle occurred outside the Gloucesters’ trenches. The boys proved too good for them at this game, as in addition to blackening their eyes, they rolled them in the mud. They took thirty prisoners. When the Germans were retiring after an artillery duel, some of our chaps played mouth organs and sang “Meet Me To-night in Dreamland!” while others kept up a duel - of rifle and machine-gun fire.”