In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 24, 4 January 1916, Page 5

In the West

ENEMY ATTACK ON THE TRENCHES. LITTLE TO REPORT ON WIDE MOVEMENT. United Press Association. 'Received 8.50 a.m.) Berlin. January 3. A German official message states that the troops attacked bet a eon La Bassee and Bethune on a wide front. The occupants of one enemy trench were buried by the explosion of a mine. Some were shot and the others fled.

ALLIES' OFFICIAL MESSAGE

FIGHTING FOR HARTMANNSWEILLEBKOPF,

SLIGHT RETIREMENT BEFORE ENEMY’S ARTILLERY.

(Received 8.50 a.m.)

Paris. Januarv 3

Official.—Bombardment by field artil_ lery of tbe Dunes region started on the Ist inst. We blew up two munition depots ,in the Argonne, and too batteries dispersed the Germans on the road from Avoncourt to Malancourt. At Hartmmins-Weilerkopf, following a violent bombardment, we retired along a front of two hundred metres to the south of Rehfelsen, but tbe enemy did not attempt an infantry attack.

VARIOUS REPORTS. London, January 3. General Haig reports: The enemy sprung a mine on Sunday in front of our trenches eastward, of Guiughy, but did not attempt to occupy the crater. Our artillery bombarded the enemy trenches northward of Fromelles and eastward of Ypres, and the Germans vigorously, but not seriously, replied.

Amsterdam, January 2

A German communique states; — Strong English detachments failed to penetrate our position north-east of Armentieres.

FRENCH ARTILLERY SHELL LUTTERBAGH.

(Received 11.25 a.m.) Berlin, January 3

A German official message states that French artillery shelled Gutter-* bach, killing a girl and wounding a woman and some children.

Tiie High Commissioner reports:— London, January 3 (.1.31) p.m.)

In the Argonnc, near Four do Paris, there has been an decent five by live French trench cannon on the enemy works. Flying Germans leaving shelter were -taken by the quickfires of the French seventy-lives.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. London, January 2. General Sir Douglas Haig sent the following message to General J off re: “The past year has knit more closely the ties of union for our two nations. I pray and believe that our united strength in 15)10 will enable ns to finally drive the enemy far beyond the borders of your beloved country.. All ranks send testimony of their deep friendship and admiration for yourself and the armies of France.”

General Joffra replied : ‘“1 trust the mutual confidence and co-operation of all ranks will lead to still greater success, and that our comhined efforts will enable us to defeat our enemies completely. 1 wish to express my deep sympathy with the affection and comradeship we all feel towards yon and the British armies under your command.”

Mr Philip Gibbs reports that half a gale with drenching rain, ushered in tlie New Year on the British iront ) hut the howling wind was outdone by the roar of the great British guns, which “strafed” the Germans. The

air was swept by incessant rush of shells, to which the enemy made feeble reply.