"THE GUN FIRST."

Taranaki Daily News, 3 April 1916, Page 5

"THE GUN FIRST."

- A«i INCIDENT AT VERDUN* , T Received April 2, 5.5 p.itf, v ; ' : " ■'< " Paris, April T< Newspaper correspondents point out a novelty in the German battle plan at Verdun. The use of 12in. guns was such as to produce an impenetrable curtain of fire, thus cutting off some French detachments. One such detachment worked the sole remaining 3in. gun two days. They were hungry and thirsty, and nearly dead from and gave up every hope of escape. The lieutenant in charge refused even a drop of water, lest there should be insufficient to clean the gun, saying, "The gun is thirstier than I am/' v /

THE NEW BRITISH LINE, , FRATERNAL CONFIDENCE. >■■ Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, March 31. The new British line includes Notre Dame de Lorette, Ablain, St. Nazaire, Suissy, Carency, La Folie farm, the Labyrinth, Neuville St. Vaast,. La Tarctte and Vimy heights. The Frencli transfer of these historic places is evidence of the magnificent feeling of confidence existing between the French and British.

GRAVES IN FLANDERS, i Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, March 31. The (Press Bureau states that the Government has appointed a national committee to arrange for the permanent care of British graves in France and Belgium, Tiie Prince of Wales is president. A report shows that progress has been made in registering, marking, and identifying graves. It 'has been decided that no permanent memorials sh/dl be erected in war time. ✓