In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 2, 5 April 1916, Page 5

In the West.

A VISIT TO VERDUN. COLONEL REPINCTON’S VIEWS. STRENGTH OF THE GERMANS. / VERDUN’S FALL WAS EXPECTED IN FOUR DAYS. A CRITICAL PERIOD OVERCOME. FRENCH SUPERIORITY IN ARTILLERY AND AVIATION. A CARPET OF GERMAN DEAD. (Unitwd Press Association.! (Received 8.25 a.m.) London t April 4. The Times says that Colonel Repington visited General Joffre, and from what he had seen at Verdun, Colonel Repington states: “The situation is to General Joffre’s liking. There are thirty German divisions at Verdun and thirty-four before the British, showing either that the Germans intend to attack the British or that they expect the attack the rest of the German line, which is thinly held and destitute of reserves. It is vexatious to the British not to be in the fighting, but we shall be.

Colonel Repington says the Germans expected to capture Verdun in four ' days. Tile situation was critical on 2oth February, when General Retain brought up his second army and took over the command. His important task was to re-establish French mastery of the air over Germany, and he so bombed the fresh battalions in Maxell on a front of four hundred metres that the fresh aviators restored the balance in the second week in March, and now no German aeroplanes penetrate the French lines. General Joffre is enthusiastic, over General Petain’s use of heavy artillery, which renders the position so supplejdiat the medium French ordnance can outfight the enemy’s heaviest. The French artillery fight day and night, and hold every road, ravine, wood, and cantonment under fire. No Germans within five miles can be given a moment’s rest. If General Retain gives ground, as at Malancourt, he exacts three lives for one. The Verdun front is carpeted with German dead, the whole line being drained with men and guns'to ; save the Crown Prince from failure. The morale of the French army was never higher. The French trust theii chiefs, who are confident of victory. General Joffre and General Castlenau have ample reserves. THE BRITISH SUCCESS AT ST. ELOI. London, April 4. General Sir Douglas Haig reports: We captured the crater at St. Eloi which the Germans had Held since Thursday, and we are establishing our lines beyond the crater. The artillery on both sides is active. BRITISH RESISTANCE AT VEROUN. London, April 3. M. Marcel Hutin writes to the Echo de Paris: The British have rendered a great service in liberating some of our divisions, enabling us to strengthen our front at Verdun and elsewhere.