The Western Front

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 244, 24 March 1915, Page 5

The Western Front

THE ALLIES' SUCCESS,

GERMANS' HEAVY LOSSES.

COLONIALS TO THE FORE. Paris, March 22. A communique states: —The Germans had two serious reverses near Bagatelle. Two French companies' stormed the trenches after blowing up three mines. Later the Germans exploded two mines 500 metres away and bombarded our trenches, and then attacked on a 250 metres front, but were hurled back after hot hand to hand fighting. Despite re- j inforcements the artillery caught them falling back and inflicted very; heavy losses.

A court-martial has opened on 11. Desclaux, chief army paymaster (M. Caillaux' cx-sceretary), and six others, on a charge of misappropriating army provisions and supplies for the friend of Deselaux' friend, Madame Bechoff. | The guns drove off two Taubes at i 'Nancy on Saturday, also a Zeppelin at Fort Virt, north-east of Calais. ' London, March 22. I Toronto papers publish a message showing that six colonels were killed in the fighting at Xeuve Cliapelle and St. Eloi, indicating that whole battalions were taken into action by their leaders. The fallen colonels were Laurie (Irish Rifles), McAndrew (Lineolns), McLean and Uniaeke (Gordons), Nicholson (East Lancashire*), and Prie'iard (Northamptons). Seven majors and 22 captains were killed. The rest of 83 officers killed were lieutenants. The first conclusion was that : .t was /a thoroughly British victory, but the dotails showed that the oresenee of the Canadian and Indian troops made it almost an Empir c . victory. On the basis that 19.') commissioned ; officers wore killed or died of wounds since March 10. the proportionate loss of men was 7C30, not computing wounded or missing. The first instalment of a retrospect on the war. compiled from official French •oiirivs. frankly admits that the northern eamnaign in France in the early stages was characterised by individual and collective failures, rash deployment, precipitate retreats, premature waste of men, the .inadequacy of certain troops and leaders, whereby the cnemv turned a difficult terrain to account and secured the maximum profit. General Joffrc thereafter concentrated his energies on a strategic retirement, and in September fixed a limit for the retreat and suitable for an offensive. On September 5 the desired situation existed, and that night General Joffrc sent the following message to all armies: "The hour has now come for an advance at all costs. Die where you stand rather than give way.'

TRENCHES 'HELD DESPITE MANY

ATTACKS.

PROGRESS MADE. Paris, March 23. Official.—We hold the trenches at Notre Dame de Lorette which were disputed. Five German counter-attacks at Eparges were completely checked We progressed north of Badonvillcrs. ALLIES' COUNTER ATTACKS.

NUMEROUS GERMAN POSTS BOi*BED.

ENEMY'S ATTEMPTED RAID * QUICKLY AVENGED. ft

Received March 24,*12.5 a.m. Paris, March 23.

French aviators replied to the Pans raid bv bombing the aerodrome at Gits, Bel-num. and the railway stations at Lichterfelde, Essen, Merkj, Wyfvge, and rlove. Five hundred arrows were dropped on a German captive balloon in Champagne. Bombs were dropped at Bazancourt station and on the enemy's batteries at Brimont and Vailly, also at Cernay station, Mulhcim barracks, Staden station, and several samps, also on the aviation ground near Valenciennes.

HOSPITAL BOMBARDED,

GERMAN'S' DASTARDLY REVENGE

FOR DEFEAT.

Received March 24. 12. 5 a.m. Paris, March 23.

Official: Owing to defeats at La Boisselle the Germans bombarded the. civic hospital at Albert, despite the Red Cross flag which w«f flown there. Five old men were killed and several wounded.

GERMAN AIRSHIPS.

FLYING OVER FRANCE. DRIVEN' OFF FROM PARIS. lIOMBS DO NO DAMAGE. Received March 24. 12.5 a.m. Paris. March 23. A Zeppelin threw three bombs at Villiers Cotheret. and proceeded towards Paris. Its approach was signalled at nine o'clock on Monday night, and it was driven oil. Several Tallin's attempted to approach Amiens, but were driven oil'. Tliey dropped bombs on Doullens, but no 'ham was done.