In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 45, 24 February 1915, Page 5

In the West

WITH THE FRENCH FORCES

LINE OF 500 MILES EXPLAINED.

Times and Sydney Sun Service London, February 23

A British observer, who is with the French forces, says: - “Ihe Allies line is something, over 500 miles in length. At very few points are the lines more than 300 yards apart. Then closeness is shown by the large use of hand grenades, which cannot be thrown fifty yards. One is apt to think that the trenches are really only a line, which is-broken once the trench is captured, but in reality the trench is only the front face of a work resembling a small fort, with a, regular nest of bomproof shelters, mach-ine-gun emplacements, and deep communicating trenches. This front line is succeeded by others of similar construction though, less highly developed. / ,

“The French Army has been steadily improved . both in personnel and material, and the reserve divisions are now nearly if not Tjuite of the same value as the active divisions, and the Territorials are taking a far more considerable share of the active work than has been the case hitherto.”

WAITING THE WORD TO CO.

United Press Association

Paris, February 23

Ifc is believed that the German line in the Champagne district could he broken if the moment were considered suitable for a general allied offensive. French successes in the Champagne district have been greater than in any other part of the western line. The latest' German efforts resulted more disastrously than ever. ♦

HIGH COMMISSIONER’S REPORT.

Pee Press Association. Wellington, February 23. The High Commissioner reports, under date London, February 22 (5.30 p.m.):— Paris reports that in the Argonne and on the Meuse, at the entrance to Oheyyp Woods, the French captured a trench, establishing positions. At Esparges we gained ground at one point, but lost at another in infantry engagements. Three ,of the enemy s regiments continue in Alsace on both banks of the Fecht. The French outposts retreated and the main body is strongly resisting the enemy’s dense deep formations, and have caused him heavy losses. London, February 23 (2.50 p.m.) The enemy continues to show considerable activity in the neighbourhood of Ypres. Several attacks and counter, attacks having taken place. A<t six o’clock on the morning of the 21st, the enemv exploded elaborate mines and destroyed one of our trenches. A new line was prepared a, short distance in the rear and was immediately occupied, and any attempts/ at further progress - was completely frustrated. Near Givenchy, our infantry, after a successful bombardment,. captured the enemy’s trench and blew it up, and attempted to attack the ‘enemy along the La, Bassee Canal. A coun-ter-attack was easily repulsed by our artillery fire. South of the river Lys there has been an increase in artillery and r-fle fire, in which our troops show marked superiority. Along the remainder of the front, only artillery duels have taken place, thick weather having handicapped the work of our aircraft. ,

London, February 23 (4.35 p.m.) Previous reports of Sir John French regarding the bombardment of Rheims reported yesterday show that they was* extremely violent; the first one lasted six hours, and the second five hours, 1500 shells being thrown into all parts of the town. What remained of the Cathedral 'was specially aimed at and it suffered seriously.* The interior and roof, hitherto resisting, was now pierced. Twenty houses were burnt and twenty civilians killed. London, February 23, 5.35 a.m.

Petrograd reports that round from Semza, the Russians took Jebwadno after a fierce battle. Between Raciaz and Plonsk the Russians captured several villages, taking 500 German prisoners, It has been ascertained that in Western Galicia on the 7th inst the Austrian losses were very heavy. In the region north of Zakliozyn, in the Carpathians, the Russians, after capturing the height at Smolnik, east of Suplaow, repulsed counter-attacks of the Austrians, who regained fifty paces

twice, but were driven back each time 'with enormous losses. On the night of the 20th four German attacks on the height of Rosyiowa proved fruitless. In the Wychkow region the Russians carried a height In an essen-

tial part of the enemy’s position. In Eastern Galacia, the Russians attacked the Austrians south-east of Stauslauaw; and in fierce fighting with the bayonet drove off two brigades, repulsed counter-attacks by large forces, and took 1500 prisoners and seveial guns.

GENERAL FRENCH’S REPORT.

(Received 8.45 a.m.) London, February 23

Sir John French’s reports states: There has been considerable activity

a t Yprcs. The enemy on the 21st .ninecl and blew np our trenches. We prepared and still hold a new trench close behind the former one. We blew up the enemy’s trench it Givenchy and repulsed an attack along the La Bassee canal. There was increased artillery rifle fire south of Lys in which we showed marked superiority.

IN THE REGION OF RHEIMS.

(Received 8.45 a.m.) Paris, February 23

A 'com unique states: 1500 shells fell in Rheims on Sunday and Monday The interior and roof of the Cathedral was further damaged, and they smashed twenty houses.