In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 62, 17 June 1916, Page 6

In the West.

GERMANS’ VERDUN REPORT.

[United Pbeb* .&a«noiATioN.] (Received 12.50 p.m.) Amsterdam, June 16. A German communique states: Our Counter-attack repelled the French ; south of Mort Homme. The enemy repeatedly attacked the adjoining trenches,, but failed, suffering heavy losses. HEROIC DEFENCE OF VAUX FORT PLIGHT OF THE GARRISON. (Received 1.55 p.m.) London, June 16. One of the most heroic incidents in the defence of Vaux Fort was the defence of the north-western outer works by the 101st Regiment, composed of Parisians. A semi-official story relates that the position was difficult, but important. Because it obstructed the German eiforts to encircle \aus fort, the Germans determined to capture the work at any cost. Bombardment with eleven-inch shells began on Juno Ist, and lasted all night. The regiment was isolated, supplies being unobtainable and the water exhausted, but there were no complaints Every man stood to his loophole with a stock of. grenades, awaiting the iufantrv attack. The bombardment continued until the evening, and the infantry advanced at eight o clock. A hail of grenades was loosed, and the Germans turned and fled in disoi dei. The French fired a rocket, asking the artillery to aid the defenders with a curtain of shells. A rocket exploded the entire supply of rockets, deluging the trench in red and green clouds of densest smoke. The fire spread, and the regiment worked heroically to extinguish it and save the stock of grenades, and they succeeded alter an hour Meanwhile, the bombardment was renewed, and the infantry returned to the assault. At 2.80 in the morning, the defenders were ordered to let the Germans come dose, and their fire was withhold until the enemy were fifteen paces from the trench Then the officers and men hurled then grenades with the utmost speed, mowino down their assailants. One Geiman reached the trench and received a gVo'nade full in the face. Ihus the second attack was beaten off, but tin regiment was still isolated. Umbt became almost unbearable and they feared it more than the enemy.