LONG, STERN FIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 126, 21 October 1914, Page 2

LONG, STERN FIGHT.

REALISTIC DESCRIPTION BY EYE WITNESS.

(Ou the battle front, by way of Taris. September 1!)).

Overpowering fatigue and privations resulting from five days of unrelenting struggle brought about last night a temporary lull in the combat of the powerful armies that are face to face along the rivers Oise, Aisne anil Wocvrc. The roar of canon, machine guns and rifles died down early last evening, and the presence of two armies, composed probably of 1,000,000 or more men within touch on an uneven line and ready to spring to a fatal grip, scarcely could be conceived, so intense was the stillness, broken only by an occasional vagrant report.

The soldiers of the Allies and the Germans alike were snatching a little rest, huddled up in the strong entrenchments, In soma places the trenches were half filled with water, as equinoctial storms continue.

Tlib French and British, like the Germans, have now entrenched and settled down for the stern light, which threatens lo be even longer and more sanguinary than the battle of llarne.

Progress iy being made at some, points by the Allies, but very slowly, and the developments of the lust twenty-four hours aio not important except that it is ollicially confirmed that the Hermans have received reinforcements from Lorraine.

There were a few isolated encounter? to-day, but both sides appear to have abandoned the rash movements aerois the open, which marked the early stages of the war. Obviously the deadly ma-chine-guns have taught a lesson. One of tljo incidents of yesterday when fighting was awful in its sacrifice.! was widely recounted to-day. IA British infantry regiment, upon receiving an order to advance and to take a German position, knelt for a moment in prayer. Then the men, knowing that their charge was to be terrible in cost, sprang to their feet, and, with fixed bayonets, clambered out of the shelter of the trellcli.

In short and rapid rushes they advanced in wide open order, alternately lying down and then making another dash of fifteen yards. From the German position came the thick hail of the machine guns, the attacking so'diers hurrahed and sang as they pressed forward. Many fell with cries of determination on their lips.

Finally those who remained of the regiment reached and took the German position after a desperate, hand-to-hand encounter.

This was only one among many similar acts of courage; and discipline on the part of French, British and Germans alike at various points along, the line.— San Francisco Examiner, September ill