In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 88, 13 August 1915, Page 5

In the West.

THE PEACE TALK.

GERMANY’S DEMANDS.

United I’k ess Association. London, August 12

Tlio 'l’imes’ Milan correspondent s;ivs that Germany is making preliminary overtures to obtain tlie Pope’s mediation for a discussion for peace upon the basis of the restitution of Belgium.

Petrograd, August 12

The Novoe A reinya declares that the peace terms suggested by Germany included tlie restoration of all territory the Allies have occupied and tlie opening of the Dardanelles, while all Germany asked was a free hand in Kgypt and against .Russia's allies.

THE FIGHTING IN ALSACE-

LORRAINE.

FRENCH BATTERIES’ DEADLY WORK ON GERMANS. (Received 8.30 avin.) Paid it,- ‘August 12. Advices from Basle state that some Bavarian regiments were almost annihilated in attacking Thann. The French batteries compelled the Germans to evacuate Dornacli. FRANC 0-BRITISH RESOURCES. (.Received 8.30 a.m.) Paris, August 12. Mr Thomas, in an interview, said France was making a fresh effort comparable to England’s. Scores of new munition factories have been started, and tens of thousands of workmen placed at the manufacturers’ disposal. Even now the army is equipped to reply to any blow or take a strong offensive. Every day increases the FraucoBritish output, and our resources assure victory. GERMAN ATTACKS REPULSED. * i; .' >!(Received 8.30 a.m.) Paris, August 12. I i A, communique plates : The German attarltsJat MaiTe 1 Tbere k se and Fontaiiif Aux Glptnues were completely |repulspd( .(There was fairly lively fighting* J'rnin ■ trench to trench at Bois Le Pretre with grenades and large:bombs. Alfe’ WW’ at jLinge was, repelled after grenade lighting. ~ BOMB A DMfe N T OF OSTEND,. ; • .t’ ■ 1 Paris, August 12. The naval statement says that ten French hydroplanes from Dunkirk dropped twelve incendiary bombs on a Zeppelin which was returning, disabled. to Ostend, and also dropped forty-five bombs on Ostend. "--il—- 1 ' t • ~,TH E SLAUGHTER AT HOOCE. r London, August 12. MFiPhillip Gibbs, the correspondent lit tlie Daily Chronicle, says that the GelTiiaiis have not yfet made a serious cpunter-attack at litocge. Our artil-lery-destroyed ten machine-guns during the preliminary bombardment. In spite of, tlie des,tn((itivo effect of our shell tire, the Germans who survived the ordeal fought doggedly. There was some hand to hand fighting literally, for some of our soldiers used their fists to give the knock-out. When daylight came many German dead lay among the wreckage of the trenches and (lug-outs. The German batteries were prodigal in their expenditure of shells, but we managed to straighten our line and consolidate without serious loss. Hooge is likely to become prominent in despatches, for it is a point where there has been continual nagging on both sides, and Hooge is not what soldiers call a health resort. Renters account says that after our initial charge there was some hot bayonet work in the trenches. The scene at daylight was weird; dim forms swaying about, stabbing, shouting and swearing; fleeing Germans and pursuing Tommies, amidst an incessant din. Our bursting shells which pitched in the enemy’s reserve trenches prevented him bringing up his reinforcements. The cries of the wounded and the moans of the dying were awful, lint as the sun rose the fighting died down.

LIVELY WORK IN THE ARCONNE Paris, August 12. Official: The bombardment in the Argonne lias redoubled in intensity. There is a large use of asphyxiating shells. A violent (Herman attack followed at dawn, and at least three (Herman regiments advanced on our positions at Hinarville Hoad, Vienne le Chateau, and Souyelte ravines, and on the Uouyet-te ravine. Tin* Germans in the centre of this sector penetrated our position, but were driven out by a counter-attack, retaining a part of the first line of trenches. Wo made prisoner a number of Wurtemburgers. further east, towards Fontaine and Charmese. the enemy launched an attack, which was completely repulsed.