In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 84, 6 November 1916, Page 5

In the West

ALLIES' PROGRESS REPORTS

London, November I General Sir Doughs Haig reports

We bombarded the lines eastward of Fouquissart and in the neighbourhood of Blairville. We successfully raided the lines north-east of Armentifres, and expelled the enemy. A counterattack east of Gueudeeourt was repulsed with heavy losses.

A French communique states: On the right of the Meuse, after thn capture of Fort Yaux, our infantry continued to advance as far as the outskirts of the village of Yaux, to tli. 1 north of Yaux Lake, and gained a footing on the crest dominating th.i vil'r.ge. The enemy did not counterat'.ack as usual, but there was artillery activity elsewhere.

The High Commissioner reports:-

London. November 5 (12.10 a.m

A British official report states: There has been considerable hostile shelling in the noighb iHiood of Les Boeufs, d'Estrement Farm, and Le Sars. There has been activity north and south of Ypres and north of La J3assee. The weather is wretchedly unfavourable for aviation.

A French official report states : We captured trenches west of St. Pierre Yaast. We also progressed in the village of Yaux.

FRENCH REJOICE AT VICTORY.

THE LINE "AS YOU WERE."

Press Association—Copyright, Atisfc*^

lian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received 9.5 a.m.) Paris, November 5.

There is enthusiasm over the capture of Vaux. The victory was due to splendid heavy artillery. It is the first time the Germans exacuated a position without being attacked by infantry. Parisians bracket General Mangin with Major Raynal, who surrendered in .Juno when not a single cartridge was left in the fort. The front is now similar to that of February 3 before the great German advance.

THE VERDUN OPERATIONS. Press Association—Copyright, Austra. lian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, November 5. The Daily Chronicle's Paris correspondent states that after the evacuation of Vaux Fort early in the morning, the French, in trenches 400 yards away, heai*l explosions, marking the blowing up of the casemates and material. They, therefore, wisely delayed their occupation of the fort. Explosion after explosion in the afternoon rent the whole place. The cun-ningly-laid mines would have annihilated an,- troops that precipitately occupied. The explosions ceased at night, whereupon the French took possession.

The episode' is interpreted to mean that the Germans, besides being uirablo to report their former effor's, have abandoned all hope of resuming the assault at Verdun. Moreover, Hindenburg, whose eyes are now iixcnl on the east, is deaf to the Crown Prince's entreaties for more men to win back something of his lost prestige.