THE EASTERN THEATRE

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 65, 16 November 1914, Page 5

THE EASTERN THEATRE

■ * , advance sweeps on. GERMANS AND AUSTRIANS IN retreat. PETROGRAD, Nov. 14. (Official).— Fighting continues at St. Alnpouen for the possesion of the Masurian lakes. The German offensive has commenced at Thorn on botn sides of the Vistula towards Wlodawek. The Germans are moving towards the frontier. THE EAST PRUSSIA CAMPAIGN, OCCUPATION OE TARNOW. PETROGRAD, Nov. 14. (Offieial). —Progress in East Prussia continues. We captured live howitzers at Roldan and occupied Tar now. DEFENCES OF THORN. A FORMIDABLE FORTRESS. PETROGRAD, Nov. 14. For several weeks 6000 workmen have been working day and night perfecting the defence of Thorn. The armament includes 100 guns, 60 percent, being of long range. THE ADVANCE ON CRACOW. PATROLS WITHIN 13 MILES OF THE FORTRESS-. Press Association —Copyright. (Rec. 8.45 a.m.) PETROGRAD, Nov. 16. Russian videttes are within thirteen miles of Cracow. AT AUGUST WO. RUSSIAN VICTORY OVER ©ER' MANS. PETROGRAD, October 6. A graphic description ef an episode during the battle of Augustwo has been supplied to the Courier by a wounded artillery officer. “It was during the second week of this series of stubborn engagements,” the officer said. “ The Germans were trying to occupy the western outlets of the Augustwo forests in order to check the impetuous attacks of our troops, but all their efforts were thwarted. “ The main forces of the enemy’s artillery were at this time concentrated to the west, in which direction the Russian army was pushing forward 5n an irresistible stream. On emerging fro n lire forces our troops were anet by a deadly tire from the Germans, v ho had occupied positions enabling them to sweep the open ground in front of the trees and from three sides of a square. Ordered to Take Hill. “To paralyse the activity of the Prussian batteries it was necessary to hold the nearest height, and the command was given to occupy the position and open fire. The position in question was a high hill, the only elevated position among the marshes and lakes, and it dominated all the country roundabout. “.Under the murderous fire of the enemy's shrapnell our first guns ascended the slope of the hill. The soldiers were full of energy and determination, the gunners and infantrymen crawling between the horses and helping to drag the guns forward. All were pushing and pulling and gradually ascending. Belts, straps, and cord -were all called into use, alternately be•jng plied upon the horses and being aised with blocks of wood toprevent the '.wheels from slipping back. Thus they islowly hugged their way up the hill, fthe panting and perspiring soldiers enftangled together, a confused mass of struggling humanity. “ At last a gun reached the plateau, and a sigh of relief went up from the exhausted men. Far below dark groups of German troops were visible, their fire echoing the commands of a young lieutenant. Our soldiers were chuckling with delight:, though the enemy was bespattering the whole hill .with shrapnel. V Battery Reaches Height “ A second and third gun were -yaq 9.i Dim cup uoos pun ‘tin IqSnoaq * tery was on the height. There was a shrill whirr, and a colossal projectile from the enemy exploded with a deafening report, a cloud of earth filing up and splinters and debris sent flying in all directions. Two horses and four men were killed by this shot, and also several wounded. “ A gun fell on its side with a broken wheel, but tlio gnners left it for a new one and continued their work as if nothing had happened. But the fire soon vielded good results at a distance of about two ..thirds of a mile. Heaps of the enemy’s slain soldiers and dcstr; *- od guns could be seen. The Gerr.-.v.t a P were retiring, but the quick fire of L bur artillery was thundering in the rea; and their retreat became hurried - - ; .disorderly. “Dike mushrooms cur cavalry, -A hidden by artillery, sprung u. •on all sides from their concealed posh •iioijii, pursued and overtook the stru;:jk \gling Germans, JSay.i of sunshine pi ereod the thieft clouds of smoke and glinted back from, the shining cavalry swords which wore hewing paths through the enemy’s reg’meuts. “From different direction- ’h° sound of military bands was heard, and then a tremendous ‘hurrah’ was raised, and a general galloped through the ranks congratulating the troops. The cheers resounded’ with double force and echoed