THE ROUMANIAN CAMPAIGN.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 4 January 1917, Page 5

THE ROUMANIAN CAMPAIGN.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS. MACKENSEN PUSHING ON TO J BRAILA. I Received 10.20. ( LONDON, Jan. 3. The latest news from Roumania states that General Brussiloff has arrived at headquarters to confer with King Ferdinand and his French military adviser. Despite the resistance of the RussoRoumanians Mackensen is pushing on to Braila and Focsani. The enemy has also broken through the Carpathian passes into Moldavia, forcing a way down the valley leading to the Sereth, whose rapid current makes a passage most hazardous, and is an admirable spot for a Russo-Roumanian stand. Thus far all German attacks in the Brailla region have been broken. The Russians are resisting the German advance from the Moldavian highlands in nearly all the valleys. If the Ser- j eth line proves untenable, owing to j the enemy converging from west and : south, the Russo-Roumanians will probably retire beyond the Bessarabian frontier. The Germans meanwhile are carving out demonstrations preventing the Russians sending fresh effectives southwards, also increasing their activity at Tchikserada in order to hamper Russian freedom to manoeuvre. The length of the Russo-Roumanian front beginning at Tchikserada, shifting to Sereth and terminating at Brailla is 200 kilometres. BIG BATTLE IMMINENT. LONDON, Jan. 3. The Russians have reached the Sereth line, where a big battle is imminent. ATJSTRIANS CLAIM SUCCESSES. LONDON, Jan. 2. A wireless Austrian official message states that the Austro-Germans are before the defensive lines at Braila and Focsani. Archduke Josef has progressed in the Poulesoi and Sorcija reTons. We stormed several positions south-eastward of Harja. GERMANS STILL PROGRESSING. Received 11.55. LONDON, Jan 3. "Wireless German official: The Archduke Josef repulsed, with heavy losses, strong attacks against Mount Faltucanu, and stormed several hills between Susita valley and Putna valley. They repulsed the Russo-Roumanian:;' counter-attacks, and occupied Barsesos and Topesci after the battle. Mackensen is further progressing, and stormed three positions in the Focsany region. He pushed back the Russians at Dobrudja, despite stubborn resistance.