In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 26, 31 May 1915, Page 5

In the West.

“EYE-WITNESS” STORIES. THE BATTLE CF FESTUBERT. Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Received 8 am.) London, May 29. The Times’ correspondent at British headquarters tells the story ol the Festubert battle. It commenced on the night of the loth with an advance into the German lines between Xeuve Chapelle and Givenchy. The results of the fortnight’s lighting are that we have driven back the German front more than a mile. It now resembles a string of heads, each head a fortress, enfilading further advance. It will he necessary to destroy these piecemeal before a connected forward movement is possible. At the outset of the advance, the enemy attempted to establish a barrage lire behind us, making it perilous to send up men and munitions, but rain nullified the cannonade, numerous shells sinking into the earth and not bursting. Bombs formed a large part in the attack in clearing the enemy trenches. Seven Welsh Fusiliers seized live hundred yards, and making 102 prisoners. An unparalleled exploit is recorded of a company of Scots. Guards who were cut off and fought to the last man. They were found afterwards lying dead and surrounded with swathes of the enemy. At Festubert the advance was due to the magnificent initial work of the engineers in working under heavy fire. It was a most important lesson at the present phase and of value to the young officers. All the battalions at Festubert except the Territorials have been fighting since October, including the first, who were at Ypres, where there were desperate losses, and in consequence new drafts of officers wete made. It seemed a risky experiment, but it worked perfectly, the youngsters being popular and keen and highly competent. The army is full of strenuous optimism and unshaken confidence. and is determined to finish tlie job. OFFICIAL CASUALTY LIST. The High Commissioner reports from London, May. 29th (1.10 a.m.): — Army Men. Gas killed ... ... 26 Killed ... ... ... 236 Wounded ... ... 1528 Missing ... ... ... 25 Officers. Killed ... ... ... 37 Gassed ... ... ... 5 Wounded ... ... 64 THE NAVAL CASUALTIES. DARDANELLES. Naval Officers. Killed 8 Wounded , ... ... ... 18 Men. Killed ... ... ... 107 Wounded ... ... ... 66 ALLIES’ PROGRESS REPORT. The High Commissioner reports from London, May 29 (1.10 a.m.): —

The British progressed in the direction of La Bassee. Near Dangres the enemy’s counter-attacks were continued with increasing violence, but all failed, and the integrity of the Allies’ position was maintained despite the continued bombardment which was conducted with extraordinary intensity. In the North Bourse region it was particularly difficult, but the Allies progressed one hundred metres. At Bolders and Borse Le Pretre the Allies’ last attack enabled them to reach two points on the road to Feyenhage, making lot) prisoners. Official: We captured the whole village of Ablain, after very hot lighting, annihilating or putting to flight three German companies. Fighting continues at Neuville. We captured a fresh group of houses in the western outskirts ,and brought down an aeroplane near Thiancourt.

PROGRESS NORTH OF ARRAS. The High Commissioner reports from London under date 30th May (1.15 a.m.) Paris reports that fresh was made north of Arras. The Aides are now masters of the entire village of Ablain. Groups of houses wc-ie captured at Neuville. An enemy aeuiplane was brought down near Thiescourt.

WITH THE FRENCHMEN.

The High Commissioner reports fronm London, May 29th (3.2(1 p.m.): Last night the French progressed east of the Aix Xolette-Souchey road. Towards midnight the Germans coun-ter-attacked the French trenches at Ahlain and Straizare, hut they were easily repulsed. In the Argonne district and Fontaine Madame the French took portion of a German trench. PLUCKY Fiji ANS. HEAVY PERCENTAGE OF CASUALTIES. (Received 11.50 a.in.) Auckland, May 31. Suva, May 23. The Fiji contingent in Belgium has lost six killed in action and three who died of wounds. | Twelve were wounded out of fortythree in the trenches.