The Western Front

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 251, 1 April 1915, Page 5

The Western Front

ALLIES ATTACK ZEEBRUGGE EXCITING ENCOUNTER IN THE AIR.

GERMAN SUBMARINES DRIVEN INTO HARBOR..

Received March 31, 10.55 p.m. Rotterdam, March 31. The Germans at Zcehrugge flew a captive ballooiu.

Allied airmen attacked it, but batteries drove them off. Four Taubes pursued o.iem, and an exciting encounter followed. One Taube fell on the dunes and two airmen were killed. The Allies later reconnoitred Zeebrugge, assisted' by a British squadron. They bombarded a submarine squadron and drove armed trawlers into the harbor;, i

POSITION REVIEWED,

FRANCE READY FOR OFFENSIVE;

Faris, March 30.

The War Review sums up to the position to January 10. Germany failed to crush France and sustained a severe defeat of high significance; France established an impassable barrier against the most formidable effort ever attempted. France will make an effort in her own time when the necessary means are ready. The Germans at Yprcs showed that they were insufficiently prepared for the offensive. France is daily strengthening her forces and the British have been heavily reinforced. 'The number in training in England is very large. Russia continues to draw on her immense reservoir of recruits. Hitherto she has only used five per cent. France is superior to Germany because the latter's wastage is greater and her losses double ours. As Germany's resources are largely expended' and scarcely sufficient to cover the defensive, 'France will'begin the offensive with the 'entirety; of her forces.