In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 67, 19 July 1915, Page 5

In the West

FIGHTING IN THE VOSGES.

RECAPTURE OF HILL 627.

GREAT. FRENCH GALLANTRY. i, "'r ' United Press Association. (Received 8.15 a.m.) Paris, July 18. The Fifench “Eye-Witness” of the fighting in the Vosges decrihes the attacks on Hill 627, dominating the region of’ Foutenelle and Lanmois. The Germans, hy means of saps and/ by exploding powerful mines, approached within twenty metres of our position on the hill, and then made an assault. At the cost of very heavy losses,, they succeede in establishing themselves on the summit on June 22. The Germans endeavoured to transform it into an impregnable fortress, but the French preparations for recapture were completed on July 8, when three columns, supported hy numerous artillery, scaled the height and carried it after two days’ fighting. The whole garrison of two battalions of the Fifth Bavair iau Ersatz Brigade were killed or made prisoners. Thanks to the rapidity of our movements, the, French losses were barely a quarter ol those of the Germans. The principal attack against the centre of the hill was successful in less than ten minutes, the chief credit for which was due to the artillery. The prisoners, who were all suffering from nervous shock, duo to the bombardment, expressed their horror at the shelling to which they were exposed. The Gorman defence was practically wiped out. Though it was comprised of five lines of trenches and ’dug-outs which were extremely deep, tiic flanking works could -enfilade the position once we got a foothold. The works were protected by the trunks of trees, while corrugated iron and gun shields formed embrasures. VIOLENT BOMBARDMENT. Tie Higu * /miiiiissiojier repon:s : London, July 18 (1.10 a.m.) On the right bank of the Aisnc there is fighting with mines and a violent bombardment is proceeding. Twenty shells'fired at Rheims killed one civilian and wounded another. In the Argonno the day was comparatively quiet. On the heights of the Mouse the Germans launched an attack, but it was repulsed. There is continuous fighting at the forest of Apremnnt.