THE VERDUM SMASH

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 49, 28 February 1916, Page 5

THE VERDUM SMASH

GERMANS STSLL HELC UP -' FRENCH MOVEMENTS FULLY EXPLAINED i PARIS NEVER MORE OPTIMISTIC THE BOURSE GRADUALLY RISING MILITARY CIRCLES QUIETLY CONFIDENT PITIFUL SLAUGHTER OF GERMANS * - WHAT THE GERMANS INTENDED The most sensationalnews to-day is that detailing operations northward of Verdun. The descnotions fully denote that one of the most bloody battles ever waged in the history of the world is still in progress. The Germans are advancing to the attack in what are termed solid walls of flesh, which are being torn to pieces by French arillery and mown down by machine guns. The French are stolidly confident and seem gleeful that the attack has come in the way it has, and nothing backs up their confidence so much as the fact that since this action began the Bourse has been steadily going up. The Germans have achieved something, but anything of consequence has been retaken and held. The Douaumont Fort was captured but no sooner than possession was gained they were being driven out and it was soon firmly held again by its French owners.. Up to going to press to-day the Germans had made no headway of great moment, and from the super-optimism in French military circles there seems little chance of them doing so.

THE GERMAN SMASH FOR VERDUN.

WILL SACRIFICE 200,000 MEN TO GET THERE. PACKED RANKS MEET FRENCH MOWING MACHINES. TORE THROUGH SOLID WALLS OF FLESH. m\ THE SLAUGHTER OF GERMANS WAS PITIFUL. ~, • (Reed. 8.25 a.m.) PARIS, February 27.. A neutral just arrived from Germany declares that he learned from best sources that the Germans are ready to sacrifice 200,000 to capture Verdun. A wcunded soldier says the slaughter near Melancort was pitiful, German infantry 'advanced in an unbelievable fashion, averaging a man for every eighteen inches. They rushed forward quicker than guns could be fired. He saw them falling over their own dead, and shells tore through the walls of flesh, but still they came on as if fascinated, but there was no shouting or singing as in earlier stages of the war; they just charged into our mowing machines.

ENTIRE GERMAN BATTALION TAKEN PRISONERS

PARISIANS WERE NEVER MORE OPTIMISTIC

THE BOURSE IS GRADUALLY RISING

FRENCH MOVEMENTS FULLY EXPLAINED

MILITARY CIRCLES ARE QUIETLY CONFIDENT

(Reed. 8.5 a.m.)

PARIS, February 27.

Le Temps states: The French imprisoned 'an entire battalion. Pioneers report that the Imperial Guards were supplied with two kinds of flame-throwers, the smallest hurling flames twelve yards, the biggest 55. Parisians were never more optimistic than they are to-day. The B'ourse has -4hown a gradual rise since the beginning of the battle. Military circles are quietly confident and grimly glad that the long threatened attack has come. They describe the German advance in different places as purely stra tegic, in fact advantageous to the French since both sides are playing for stronger positions. , /

According to a prominent French military critic, the French evacuated on their left wing, the height extending from the south of Champneuville to Beaumont, whereon it would have been dangerous to prolong their stay, because the Meuse Avould h'ave hampered the falling back of their soldiers and the latter would be uneasy knowing the river was only a short distance in their rear. Accordingly all the first line retired to heights between Poivre hillside and Vauche wood. The Germans are now assailing this position, the whole operation being, not one of siege, but of battle against one of the French armies.

It must be remembered that the garrison at Verdun ,and its forts will only figure in these combats as an element of resistance. The enemy's big gun s might demolish the fort of Douamon.t without destroying anything but an inert block of concrete. Operations are on such a magnitude as described must be carried on to an end. Despite the snow Germans cannot remain long inactive, awaiting better weather, while a thaw would make a much worse situation. PORTUGAL USING GERMAN INTERNED LINERS. AN INFERNAL MACHINE FOUND IN BULOWS BOILER. THE GEIȣAN-PORTUGESE TREATY DENOUNCED. f" PORTUGAL READY FOR ALL EVENTUALITIES. \.C, _ "* l V*~' (Reed. 8.50 a.m.) LISBON, February 27. The Premier, in the Chamber of Deputies, justified using German Steamers on the ground of economic necessity. He added, an infernal machine was found in the Norddeutdher liner Bulow's boilers, which would blow up the ship the moment she left her moorings. The explosion was averted-but the machinery is ruined. Senhor Casta urged the denunciation of the Gernilah-Portugese treaty, adding: ,r We are ready for all eventualities/'

BOMBARDMENT NORTH OF VERDUN CONTINUES.

VIGOROUS GERMAN ATTACKS ALL REPULSED.

POSITIONS CAPTURED AND RECAPTURED

THE DESPERATE STRUGGLE STILL PROCEEDING

(Reed. 8.5 a.m.)

PARIS, February 27.

A communique states: Northward of Verdun bombardment continues without relaxation. Eastward and westward of the Meuse .the enemy's attacks 'at different points of the front have been met by vigorous counterattacks. All the enemy's fresh attempts in the region of Champnielle, and against Poure Hill, where we are solidly established, were repulsed. A desperate struggle rages round the Douamont front, an advanced element of Verdun's old defensive organisations. The position was captured this morning by the enemy after several fruitless assaults, costing him very great losses. It was again rushed and passed by our troops and all attempts to force us ba*ck failed.

WHAT THE COLOSSAL ONSLAUGHT INDICATES

GERMANY SEEKING SOLUTION AT ANY COST

IT IS A CASE OF NOW OR NEVER.

ATTEMPT TO SHATTER BY ALTERNATE STROKES

AND DRAW THE ALLIES FROM THE BALKANS

TO ISOLATE AND SUBDUE ROUMANIA

(Reed. 8.30 a.m.)

LONDON, February 27

The consensus of opinion in Sunday newspapers of the colossal onslaughts northward of Verdun indicates-that Germany seeks 'a solution at any cost because she is unable to await the Allies' higher strength and surer combination in more various initiatives. It is with Germany a case of now or never on both sea and land.

An observer states the present attempt is to disorganise 'and shatter, by alternate strokes, the Allies' plan s for a combined offensive in their own time; and, secondly, by indirect means, clear the Allies from the Balkans with a view to isolating and subduing Roumania. This demands on their part absolute coolness and self control. Finding the weather still unsuitable for complete operations on the eastern front, Germany has brought from thence every man that can be spared for the next six weeks. Moreover, Germany has massed on the west front two ' thirds of her armies, with 'a vast proportion of her accumulated shells, and could she force France and Britain into a premature offensive she would be able to employ her maximum degree of strength 'against them, and if they are beaten to a standstill she will transfer her troops to the east and tackle Russia in her turn. The Observer praises the French soldiership displayed in the past week, in making, the utmost slaughter of the enemy while straightening her line, and in economising her men for the purpose of a great French offensive which is already being planned. He adds: Verdun, however important, is not vital, and its fall would not he a thrust at the Allies' vitals; it would only dent their armour.

TWO GERMAN AEROPLANES BROUGHT DOAYN IMPORTANT ENEMY STATIONS BOMBARDED. (Reed. 8.5 a.m.) r .In the region of Verdun, Adjuta it Navarre, in a monoplane, brought down with a machine gun, two Geiv.nan. aeroplanes without our lines. Two aviators were killed and two others were taken prisoner. Nine of our aeroplanes dropped 144 bombs on Metz and on Sablon station. Another squadron bombarded the enemy establishment at Chambley, northeast of Pontamouson. GERMAN NEWSPAPERS ADMIT APPALLING LOSSES. REGIMENTS FIGHTING" IN A SEA OF FIRE. (Reed. 8.5 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, February 27.. German newspapers admit appalling losses northward of Verdun. The Frankfurter Zeitung describes the German regiments as fighting in a sea of fire. THE'RECORD FIGHT OF MODERN TIMES. AN INCONCEIVABLE ARTILLERY BOMBARDMENT. GERMAN REGIMENTS SEIZED WITH PANIC. PARIS, February. 26. Latest news shows that the battle raging at Verdun is the most terrific of modern times. Though a twenty-four hours' snowstorm abated the ferocity in some sectors on Friday, eye-witnesses narrate that the German cannonade was such that all trenches and fortifications were completely overturned.. A surgeon who was present on the 22nd narrates that he saw a whole German brigade advancing in massed columns. Suddenly it was caught in the converging fire of several French batteries and annihilated almost to a man in a moment. Eight successive attacks on Haumont were repulsed with enormous losses. ' ' Two Baden regiments were shattered by the fire of three batteries of !75's, which were suddenly unmasked. The survivors were seized with mad panic and fled. Out of 2,500 in one regiment, 70 answered the roll call. A communique says: We attacked and captured ian enemy salient south of St. Marie Apy, making prisoners 300. There is snow in abundance at Verdun. The activity of both artilleries is extremely intense on the whole front .especially east of the Meuse, where fighting was pursued with the same vigour. Several German attacks by large bodies of effectives wkere carried out with unparalleled violence at Poivre Hill, but were unsuccessful. We stopped an attack at Vauchewood. There was no infantry fighting west of the Meuse. THE ROUMANIAN ARMY GETTING READY.

A STATESMAN ON A SECRET MISSION TO RUSSIA

(Reed. 8.5 a.m.) 1 BUCHAREST, February 27. The .first line of the army, numbering a quarter of a million of fully trained men, has been placed on a war footing. The influence of interventionists is increasing, owing to many prominent Socialists and democrats daily joining the war party. M. Filipescu ha s gone to Petrograd on la secret mission. RUSSIAN CAPTURES AT ERZEROUM. TURKS THROWN BACK FIFTY MILES. (Reed". 8-5 t m.) PETROGRAD, February 27. A communique states that Russian losses at Erzeroum were comparatively insignificant. We captured 236 Turkish officers, 12,753 men, 323 guns, and a large quantity of stores, munitions, arms and provisions We threw back the enemy rearguards to; 50 milea westward -'of''.Ewrttown* and occupied AschKaJa.

A PASSENGER SHIP SUNK. ]

GERMANS CLAIM BIG ' ADVANCE. FRENCH RESISTANCE BREAKS DOWN. PARIS, February 27. A Gorman wireless says considerable advances have been made in the Kaiser's presence eas tof the Meuse. "We captured hills south-west of Douxemont, a] so fortified positions east, thereof. "The enemy's resistance on tiro plain of the Woeuvre broke down on the entire front to Marphoville, south of the Paris-Metz high road. We are closely pursuing. "The reported capture of Champ Neuville proves erroneous.'" GERMANS CLAIM CAPTURE OF DOUAMONT FORT. LONDON, February 2(5. A German wireless says that ths armoured fortress of Douamont, in the north-eastern corner, and the pillar of Verdun's permanent main line of fortifications. Douamont is now firmly in our hands.

MINED OFF DOVER

AN ASSISTING STEAMER

ALSO MINED AND SUNK

(Reed. 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, February 27

Lloyd's report they have just received news that the Maloja was mined off Dover and sank, the people aboard being picked up. She was bound for India with passengers and mails. It is believed all the passengers 'and crew were rescued. LONDON, Feb. 27., 10.15 a.m.

The Maloja had 140 passengers when she struck. When the terrific explosion occurred scores of vessels raced to the scene, but it is feared there will be some loss of life. A steamer going to her assistance was also struck by a mine 'and sunk.

MAJORITY PASSENGERS SAVED

(Extraordinary).

LONDON, this day

Official: Majority of Malojas' passengers Avere saved.

PUBLIC SERVICE RETRENCHMENT.

THE COMMITTEE'S RECOM-

MENDATIONS

(Reed. 8.30 a.m.)

LONDON, February 27

The Committee on Public. Service retrenchment does not consider present pay over -high, or that staffs are permanent, bjit v'acan)siie|s occurring should not be filled. It recommends the reorganisation of the Circuit County Court .simplification under the Insurance Act, temporary suspension of old age pensions where recipients are earning over the statutory limit, the reduction of unremunerative postal facilities, and that the minimum ages be six for the admission to school of children.

THE NEW PIRACY. POSTPONED BY GERMANY. (•Reed. 8.25 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February 27.. Mr. Stone, chairman of the Senate Committee states that he heard indirectly through a German official source tbJat Germany had postponed the inauguration of the new submarine proposal. GERMAN SUPPLIES STOPPED. FROM DUTCH SOURCES. (Reed. 8.25 a.m.) (February 27. The Telegraaf says that for the past ehree months the exportation of copra, linseed oil and margarine to Germany has been entirely suspended. The result would have been attained earlier if Britain had placed these articles on the contraband list. Since this has been done prohibition has been enforced with greater strictness. KUROPATKIN AGAIN. NORTHERN COMMA.NDER-1N- • . CHIEF. (Reed. 8.30 a.m.) Kurcpatkin has been appointed Commander-in-Chief on the northern front.

AN AUSTRALIAN'S DIARY OF THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE. (Reed.! 10.30 a.m.) 7 LONDON, February 25. A highly intei'esting diary of an officer of the seventh Australian Divisional Supply Column describes the incidents of the first few days He says, on February 18th, after a period of comparative quietness, great activity developed along the line to the south. Incessant bombing of artillery showed the French were heavily engaged, while further north we were closer still in touch with fighting. We were sending lorries on all sorts of dangerous missions, taking supplies and ammunition. Big shells were bursting near the roads, land sometimes Ave could see aeroplanes soaring overhead. Frequently these marauders would find themselves "in very unpleasant places, for suddenly our anti-aircraft batteries sent forth a dozen shrapnel shells, bursting all round the aeroplane and almost invariably our own intrepid airmen would soar up and englage them. Then we hear crackling of machine guns from the skies above.

THE FRENCH VERSION. PARIS, February 2(5

A communique says: Severe fighting continues north of Verdun. The enemy is still directing efforts agaiust the front east of the Meuse.

According to latest information, our troops are holding their positions against repeated enemy onslaughts, which are regardless of sacrifices.

The fighting in the Douamont regioi* was particularly fierce. We broitght our advanced lines from Orues and Hennemont nearer to the foot of the Meuse hills without fighting. Our artillery on both banks of tlxe Meuse is replying unceasingly to the enemy's bombardment.