STOP PRESS NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 52, 1 March 1916, Page 5

STOP PRESS NEWS.

JOYFUL FRENCHMEN.

SHOUT, VIVE LA FRANCE.

SING THE MARSEILLAISE

BRANDENBURGERS SHUT IN

THE DOUAUMONT FORT

REFUSE TO SURRENDER

AWAITING GERMAN ATTACK.

(Reed. 1.45 p.m.) LONDON, February 29

Non official messages insist there were great excitement when the General Commanding reinforcing armies, who massed in trenches at the rear, announced that Douaumont was retaken. The cry ljurst from every throat “Vive La France!’’ And all thundered out the Marseillaise. Marcel Hutin explains that a force of JB'randenburgei's are shut in the fort at Douaumcnt, closely surrounded on three sides. They refuse to surrender, hoping a fresh German attack will drive back the French and enable them to hold the fort or escape. A Berlin wireless states that the Kaiser telegraphed to the Diet at Brandenburg, “I much rejoice in the new great strength and loyalty to the death, of the sons of Brandenburg, displayed in the irresistible storm of attack on the enemy’s strongest fort— God Bless Brandenburg and the entire Fatherland.”

Berlin messages state that under cover of snowstorms German artillery is ceaselessly shelling the ridges from Dououmont to Cote de Frouard. The French artillery has occupied itself with front line fire and appears powerless against the Germans’ artillery behind.

A Berlin communique, to last night, states: We counted 228 officers and 16,575 men, unwoundfed prisoners, and seventy-eight cannon, whereof seven are heavy and of the most ‘modern type, also , 86 machine guns. Our troops at Wcevre passed Abaucourt, Dieppe, and Blazce.