In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 31, 5 October 1915, Page 5

In the West

THE GERMAN WAY. ANNOUNCE NO DEFEATS. United Press Association. (Received 11 a.m.) London, October 4. Tlie Press Bureau publishes Sir John French's official statement, which points out that in order to allay the uneasiness in Germany, the German headqu&rters have announced nothing regarding the Allies' victories in Artoise and Champagne except the retreat of one division, and are silent regarding the capture ol twenty-five thousand prisoners , and Lot) guns-. THE KING'S CONGRATULATIONS. 1 London, October 4. The King sent the' following message to Sir John French: "I heartily congratulate you and all ranks on the success of our gallant efforts since the'commencement of the combined attack, and 1 recognise that this 'strenuous and determined fighting is but the prelude to greater deeds and 'further victories. I trust, the sick land wounded are doing well."' - ; k I Sir John French replied: "The forces are deeply gratfe'hiW ft>r your message, and there is no sacrifice that the troops are not VrcpaVed' to make to uphold the traditions of the army and secure a final and complete victory." f \ ■ \ '.) .'■ FRENCH'S SPECIAL ORDER. London, October 3. Sir John French's special order for to-day (October 3) says:—We have now reached a definite stage in the great battle. The Allies southward have pierced the enemy's last line of entrenchments and effected huge captures of prisoners and gnns. Our right was heavily opposed, but was !brilliantly successful, securing Yimy 'ridge. The operations of the British have been most successful, and'have had great and important results. The First and Fourth Army Corps, on the morning of September '2~>. carried file enemy's first and most powerful line of entrenchments, - from oiir extreme fight Hank at Crenay to a po\nt north' f |h| fe<P[))/.olfeijn redpjjbjt, a distance"' of 6.500 yards.' The [enemy's positron was exceptionally strong, consisting of » double line. in eluding *lafge redoubts' and '.V network of trenches and bomb-proof ! shelters. Some <s{%; } wfre, ,'large Cases, thirty feet- below the

'ground. i.: ■■''■ LJ The Eleventh Army Corps, Third Cavalry Division, and Twentieth Division were subsequently thrown out of the light alter, .the ' vicissitudes , attendant on every great battle. The enemy's second line of posts was taken.; commanding the position on Hill 70. which was, finally captured. The' iiritish established themselves, consolidating on, a strong line in close proxiinity to the Germans/ third and last line.

The niiiin operations .south oi La Rassee were much facilitated by subsidiary attach bv /.thW/rhirfli alid Indian Army Corps. In the Second A liny operations the Kfth Army Corps cast' of Ypres reiuleVcJl i great help, and made important captures. The total of British captures was over three thousand men. twenty-five and many machine-guns. The enemy suffered 'heavy losses, particularly in their many counter-attacks and endeavors to wrest hack the captured positions. The Field-Marshal concludes: "I desire to ekpi'es s my deep appreciation of the army's splendid work, and my heartfelt thanks to the brilliant leadership of Sir Douglas ..Haig and the Oeneruls under his orders in the mam attack. Thejtwwps displayed jmagnrfieeMt spirit, indomitable 1 courage, and dogged tenacity. The old army and the new armv of Territorials .vied with each other in heroism., I am confident that the same glorious spirit* will con, tinue.until our efforts are,.crowned with final victory." OFFICIAL NEWS/ j The High Commissioner teports: London. October I v*3& p.m.) \ ()1 -th of 'Arras progress continues. At Civenchv and Hill 115 the French occupied, five cross-roads. Fighting was continued at Quinnevieres and Nouvron in the Champagne and at Austil. and at the latter place the eneniv were repulsed. Kreiic-b aviators dropped ort.v | ju .<v e shells at Sablons station. Met/. Other aviators bombed a jnnet.on and stations behind the German frontier.