A BRILLIANT FRENCH ATTACK.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 122, 24 May 1916, Page 5

A BRILLIANT FRENCH ATTACK.

THRILLING NARRATIVE OF THE OPERATIONS. THE GERMANS DRIVEN FROM FORT DOUAUMONT. (Reed. 8.55 a.m.). , ' ! ‘ '■pvt ■ “ — 1 ‘ “ PARIS, May 23. The Petit Parisienn e states that the preliminary French bombardment on the right bank cf the Meuse lasted for several hours, and that a picked corps, which had been in training for months, wmnt to the assault at midday with frenzied ardour. The Germans concentrated heavy fire oiU them, but the courageous French did not waver for an instant. Using the hajyonet they ewarmed over the German first line. French reinforcements were sent up who passed the destroyed German entanglements with a dash equal to the first onslaught, to the tune of the “Marseillaise.” The principle assault was on Fort Douaumont where the attackers arrived at half past five. They penetrated the south western rampart, killing all resistfers, and welcoming relieving troops with cries of victory. The latter firmly established themselves and are awaiting the desperate counter-attacks / which are sure to follow.