In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 73, 27 March 1915, Page 5

In the West

TOMMIES IN THE TRENCHES. "CET DOWN AND GIVE US A CHANCE." LATEST GERMAN BRICADE

ORDER

Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Received 8.0 a.m) London, March 26.

"Eye-Witness" says: During the German counter-attacks from Boisdubier, our men became so excited that they clambered up the parapets as they could not restrain their impatience. In some places there was not room for all the men to shoot simuland those below shouted: "Get down and give us a chance!" They even, pulled them down, those in front taking their places. The German officers frequently invited certain death, riding forward and directing the attack within a few hundred yards, and none, of those exposing themselves escaped. A mach-ine-gun officer maintained his fire throughout our bombardment, and when the Tommies charged, he awaited death calmly, standing on the parapet of the trench, and emptying bis revolver.

Airmen under cover of a mist and ; at the greatest risk descended to an altitude of 800 feet above the hostile batteries, effectively assisting our artillery. r . We must not, he says, overlook, tho heavy death roll, and must remember that our casualties at Neuve Chapelle were incurred in a single attack in a few days. With a gradual advance for many weeks the het results would have been the same. The British, while attacking, as already has been shown, as well as defending can endure the highest test with cheerfulness.

"Eye-Witness", states that a recent German brigade order says the officers must do everything possible to prevent the men becoming dull and lethargic. Billeted troops ought to be given stirring history lessons, particu- \ larly on recent achievements. All the officers must cheer up the men and give them every encouragement. The order prepares the way for victory, and expresses dissatisfaction at the uncleanliness, laxity in saluting, prevalence of unbrushed hair, a'nd dirty hands.

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT.

The High Commissioner reports from London, March 26 (4.35 p.m.): Army—Men killed 1101, wounded 97, misiug 13, prisoners 174. Sir John French reports nothing new. Paris reports that the German attack on Notre Dame De'Lorette failed.

>-- On the Meuse and the Moselle, the German attempts at attack were easily and immediately repelled, there being two on the wood at Consenvoye, two on the wood at Lescauers, three on Eparges, and one on the wood at La Pretre.

MISCELLANEOUS.

■' Paris, March 26

])e Claux has been sentenced t,o seven years' imprisonment and military degradation, and Bechoff to two years.