IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1915, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

COMMANDEER'S REPORT. MANY AERIAL COMBATS. Receiced Dec. 21, 9.3j p.m. London, Dec. 21. General Haig's despatch says: There is fceavy artillery work on both sides of the Ypres and Saiut Jean. We shelled the enemy trenches at Zonnebike, Zandvoorde, and Cheliweltten-bas-heln. There was considerable enemy aerial activity yesterday, but they unsuccessfully attempted to prevent our aerial reeonaissances. There were forty-four aerial combats, and two of the enemy craft were brought down behind the enemy lines; while others were damaged. One of our machines is missing.

SIR JOHN FRENCH DECORATED. A RAILWAY DAMAGED. - fteceived Dec. 21, 11.40 p.m. _• Paris, Dec. 21. U. toineaire thanked Sir John French for his services to tne Allies, and General Joffre decorated him with the War Cross. A communique states: Our heavy artillery northward of Gratreuil damaged the railway and trains are interrupted. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG. QEBMAX CRITICISM. London, Dec. 20. German criticisms on Sir Douglas Bfttg's appiontment show they are not certain how to view the change. The Lokal Anzieger says that Sir IDonglas Haig lacks experience in commanding large masse of troops, BUTCHERS AT WORK. BAYONTSTTIXG THE WOUNDED.

Times and Sydney Sun Services.

London, Dec. 20. An officer writes: "Here's a true yarn. I was at the medical front helping to evacuate wounded. It was pitch dark and rawing in torrents. I heard a acream, picked up my rifle and started potting, and by good luck got a bag, thankg to the-many lights that were going up, It was a Bosche sniper, dressed in a khaki tunic, who was evidently polishing off the wounded with a bayoliet." J AIR RAID ON METZ. Paris. Dec. 20. A communique states: Seven of our aeroplanes made a raid on the Sablon3 station at Metz and threw thirty-three botnhs. FRENCH COLONIAL RECRUITS. Paris, Dec. 20. Decrees permit natives in French *JSnies to enlist for the duration of the V They may be called on to serve tad.