In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 35, 11 June 1915, Page 5

In the West.

MESMERISED GERMANS. BLACK TROOPS INSPIRE FEAR. FRENCHMENS BRILLIANT CHARGE. CAPTURE OF ENEMY SALIENT. UmrifT* Psm» Assort a ttoh. (Received 9.10 a.m.) Paris, June 10. Official.—Details of the capture of si strongly-fortified German salient at Queenevievre between the Oise and the Aisno show that heavy bombardment on the sth smashed the defensive works, and aerial bombs in the night prevented the enemy re-build-ing. A minefield was exploded on the morning of the 6th, and French infantry leapt from the trenches. The Germans, who already lost heavily, sheltered in small groups in the holes. Many were buried alive. The assault was entrusted to a battalion of Zouaves and Sengalese and sharpshooters from the Britanny Infantry, each man having 250 cartridges and two hand-grenades. Within twentylive minutes, after a brilliant charge for a distance of 180 miles, during which 2000 Germans were slain, the position was taken, and 250 were made prisoners. The Zouaves charging further away captured three 77r millimetre guns. The Germans were mesmerised by the black troops’ sudden bayonet attack and did not fire a shot. The Germans were mown down by the French 75,5. A few officers bravely advanced to the trenches, but were not followed by their men, and were killed. The positions were maintained despite German reinforcements motored from Royo. Over three thousand Germans were killed and 1500 wounded, mostly slightly by bursting shells.

FRENCH REPORT PROGRESS. (Received 8.55 a.m.) Paris, June 10. A communique states; Lust night the Germans re-attacked the reiinery at Souchez, hut were speedily repulsed. The Germans bombarded Me liv'd le, but did not attempt to recapture it. Our gains at Hebuteerue extend one kilometre over a front ot eighteen - hundred metres. PREPARING THE WAY. GETTING READY FOR THE GERMANS’. (Received 10.35 a.m.) Paris, June 10. The capture of Neuville clears the way to the great plain of Douai and Lens. .M. Viviani is hastening forward heavy naval artillery to meet the German advance with men from Galicia.