In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 68, 23 March 1915, Page 5

In the West

GERMANS SUFFER SEVERELY AT HANDS OF FRENCHMEN. United Press Association. (Received 10 a.m.) Paris, March 22. A communique states; The Germans had two serious reverses near Bagatelle. Two French companies stormed the trenches after blowing up three mines. Later, the Germans exploded two mines 500 metres away and bomded our trenches. Them they attacked on a 250-metres front, but were hurled back after hot hand-to-band fighting. Despite reinforcements, the artillery caught them falling back and inflicted very heavy losses. OUR LOSS AT NEUVE CHAPELLE. THE PRICE OF AN EMPIRE VICTORY. (Received 9.10 a.m.) London, March 22. Toronto papers publish a message showing that six colonels were killed in the fighting at Nenve Chapelle and St. Eloi, indicating that whole battalions were taken into action by their leaders. The fallen are Colonel Laurie (Irish Rifles). Colonel Mandrew (Lincolns). Colonel McLean (Gordons). . Colonel Uniacke (Gordons). Colonel Nicholson (East Lancashires). Colonel Prichard (Northamptons). Seven majors and 22 captains were killed, and the rest of the 83 officers killed were lieutenants.

The first conclusion was that it was a thoroughly British victory, but the details showed that the presence of the Canadian and Hindu troops made it almost an Empire victory. On the basis of 195 commissioned officers who were killed or died from wounds since March 10, the proportionate loss of men was 7G50, not computing the wounded or missing.

-‘A RETROSPECT OF THE WAR.” FAILURE IN THE EARLY STAGES IN NORTHERN FRANCE. JOFFRE’S MESSAGE TO ADVANCE (Received 9.35 a.m.) London, March 22. The first instalment of “A retrospect of the War.” which has been compiled from official French sources, frankly admits that the northern campaign in France in its early stages was characterised by industrial and collective failures .through rash deployment, ptecipitate retreats, premature waste of men, and the inadequacy of certain troops and leaders, by which the enemy turned difficult terrain to account and secured the maximum profit. General Joffre thereafter concentrated his energies on a strategic retirement, ana September was fixed as the limit of the retreat and as suitable for the offensive to be taken. On the 15th the desired situation existed, and that night General Joffre sent the following message to all the armies: “The hour has now come to advance at all costs. Die where you stand rather than give way.” FRENCH PROGRESS REPORT. United Peers Association. Paris, March 22. The enemy again shelled Soissons Cathedral, which suffered considerably. Contrary to German assertions there was no observation post on the cathedral. We progressed slightly in the Champagne district, and maintained cur gains at Eparges, despite two violent counter-attacks, which were repulsed with heavy losses, lii the Vosges, after losing Great and Small Reichackerkopf on Saturday, we have re-taken the latter, and counter-attacked in an effort to retake the former. The battle continues.

COURTMARTIAL IN PARIS. MISAPPROPRIATION OF ARMY SUPPLIES. (Received 10.30 a.m.) Paris, March 22. A courtmartial has been opened on Desclaux (chief army paymaster), Caillaux (ex-secretary) and six others, on a charge of misappropriating army provisions and supplies for the benefit of Desclaux’s friend, Madame Bechoff. MISCELLANEOUS. London, March 22. The Press Bureau reports that in response to the hundreds of applications made by Belgians abroad, tiie Belgian Government has issued in all States a strongly worded protest regarding the German proclamation imposing a tax on absentees. It states that this tax is imposed contrary to all rules of international law. and assumes the character of mere spoliation. The Government can neither admit tin* prinicple nor recognise the application, and sums so paid must lie reimbursed alter liberation of Belgian territory. The Allies’ casualties at the front for one week were 515). The casualty lists from March 11 show 2(54 British officers killed and 401 wounded.