The British Force

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 118, 12 October 1914, Page 8

The British Force

GERMANS BECOME HALF-lIEARTED. DECLINE BAYONET FIGHTING. Wellington, Midnight. The following war news has been received by the Prime Minister, dated London, 9th:— An official communication from the general headquarters, describing the movements of the British force and French armies in immediate touch, states:— September 30.—N0 activity beyond slight attacks by the enemy, with artillery fire at intervals. The Allies' airmen succeeded in dropping nine bombs, some falling on the enemy' 3 rolling-stock on the railway near Laon. Tiie enemy's front trenches were found empty in the night. They frequently evacuate in this way to prevent the men in the back lines from firing on their comrades. October I.—The most peaceful day since tho forces were engaged 011 tho Aisne. Only desultory gunfire. A French aviator dropped bombs on the railway station amongst massed troops. October 2.—The Germans were driven from the mill, which they occupied as an advanced post. Their machine-guns were destroyed by the Allies. (At night the enemy attacked our lines, but were repulsed. Tho battalion commander states that German officers are skilled In leading troops forward under cover. Once tho latter deployed 'his men, but they declined to face the heavy fire. Prisoners describe the British fire as pinning them to ,-tihe ground. In one instance, in an attack over oipen ground against an equal force of infa-n'.lry tlieyi sheltered in a sunken road and ditches. The BritiaHi lost ten killed and sixty wounded, while four hundred of the enemy surrendered' after fifty had been killed. Each side had the support of a battery, but the real fight for superiority was between the infantry firei Thfe took place at a range of 700 yards, and lasted only an hour and a half. The Germans wavered. Some put up the white flag, lmt others conth/ued firing. Our men continued also. 'Eventually a large number of white flags v/er« exhibited till along the Gorman ,line. Latterly tho attacks are Incoming more half-hearted. The enemy never 'close with the basnet against "the British. f The War Office denio w the statement ■that the Canadian troops hare reached