Second Edition. In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 60, 13 March 1915, Page 6

Second Edition. In the West.

SIR JOHN FRENCH’S REPORT.

Ukited Press . Association.

Wellington, March 13. The High Commissioner reports un3er date ' London/ March 12th.— Sir John French reports: Since last communique the situation on our front between, Armentiers and La Bassoe has materially altered by the successful initiative on the part of the troops engaged. Shortly after eight o’olocx on the morning of the 10th March, these troops assaulted and carried the German trenches in the neighbourhood Of Neuve Chapelle. The co-op-eration between all the artillery and infantry was very good, with the result that the losses incurred were not great in proportion to the results achieved. The mutual support of inlijridual battalions afforded during the operations was a marked feature of the attack. Our heavy artillery was very successful in part cf the observed results, and the prisoners’ statements confirm the accuracy of our fire and the damage caused. Before noon we had captured the whole village of Neuve Chapelle, and infantry proceeded to confirm and extend the local advantage. At dusk the whole labyrinth of trenches on a front of ibont four thousand yards was in our hands, wo had established ourselves about twelve hundred yards beyond the enemy’s advanced trenches. A number of German prisoners was captured and brought to headquarters during the day, 750 or probably moie. During the 11th the enemy made efforts to recover the ground lost, and ill counter-attacks were repulsed with leavy loss. TVe contiiiue to make steady progress, and hard fighting is still proceeding. The focal initiative displayed by the troops daily is admirable, and says much for the spirit that animates the Army. The success achieved on the 10th and 11th was a striking example of this spirit. Further information received from the general headquarters says that during the night of the 11th and 12th and early in the morning, several counter-attacks were made, but easily repulsed by the Fourth Corps and Indian Corps, with heavy losses. Sjxty prisoners were captured , from the enemy in a night-attack, and the village of Le Pinette was captured jby the Third Corps with slight losses. A fog prevailing hinders the operations.