The Western Front

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 247, 27 March 1915, Page 5

The Western Front

FIGHTING ON THE YSER,

GERMAN SPIES IN FRANCE.

London, March 25. Dutch newspapers report tha)t the roar of guns on the Yser ba3 increased and the action is uncommonly fierce. The Germans are evidently preparing for a great effort and large bodies of troops are moving. Paris, March 25. Three cyclists were arrested betwesn Dunkirk and Calais on a charge of signalling guidance-to the Zeppelins on the last raid upon Calais. ■*" Marguerite Schmitt, a native of Thiaacourt, has been shot there as a spy in the presence of the troops. She confessed that she was paid 200 francs (£8) for penetrating the French lines. THE FRENCH ARMY. A REJUVENATED FORCE. WAR-HARDENED AND HEALTHY.

OVER FOUR MILLIONS IN ARMS.

Paris, March 25.

A review of the French amy states that the armyi lias been rejuvenated by the scale of promotion of young commanders. The average age of general has been lowered by ten years, and old generals who were at the head of large commands in August have been gradually eliminated, some owing to the physical strain of the war, and the others owing to their appointments to the territorial commands. Eaeli regiment hag now forty-eight officers and non-commissioned officers for every unit, and the strength of companies in nruiv regiments is 250. France has 222y 2 millions at the front and l>/ 4 millions in depots ready to repair wastage, apart from half a million of the 1915 class. The army is war-hardened, wind the health is excellent. They have learned the use of the spade, anil their trenches are now proof against the 77-millimetre •guns, and often against larger guns.

MILITARY OFFICER'S FRAUD.

Received March 27, 12.45 am. Paris, March 26.

De Claux has been sentenced to seven years' imprisonment and military degradaßSn, and liechoff to two years.