IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 May 1916, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

MORE FIGHTING NEAR VERDUN. Wellington, Yesterday. The 'High Commissioner reports, under date London, May l(i, 3.10 p.m.: — On the west of the Mouse there was a rather lively bombardment of our positions at Avocourt Woqd and Hill 304. Or. die right bank a small German grenade attack north-west of Tliiaumont farm was completely checked. In the Woevre region there is much artillery fighting in the sectors of Eix and Moulainville. iA HERO OF LILLE. Paris, May 16. The British Embassy has given .£2OO to Madame Jacquet, widow of the Lille citizen who was shot f<)r sheltering English and French soldiers. GERMAN INSANITY. AS SEEN BY COLONEL REPINGTON. Times and Sydney Sun Services, London, May 16. Colonel Repington says that the German Staff boasts that 25 divisions have bc-en opposed at Verdun by 51 French divisions. There have been, of course, 30 German divisions fighting at Verdun, but, whichever figure is taken, 110 better proof is afforded of the Germans' miscalculation. It is no act of sanity for 25 or 30 German divisions to attack a doubly strong entrenched enemy. It is certain that if General Falkenliayn has not piled on more troops it is because he has not got more to pile on.

DESPERATE STRATEGY. THE VERDUN ATTACK. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received May 17, 5.5 p.m. London, May 16. Colonel Repington points out that the British are upholding forty German divisions in the north of France.- Germany's plan was to overwhelm Verdun and then send surplus divisions, with heavy batteries, against the British. It was desperate strategy, but beggars can't be choosers. Germany has not moved a single man from the British front despite the cr3'ing need for reinforcements at Verdun, so the second part of the programme may now be placed. Colonel Repington characterises Verdun as a German defeat, adding: "They are floating in the balance. Some fifteen divisions are thrown here and there in search of decision, but suqli strategic reserves are quite insufficient for the situ r - tion."

DIED AS HE WO'JLD WISH. MARCHAND, OF FA SHOD A. Received May 17. 9.15 p.m. Paris, May 16. General Marchand (of Faschoda fame), has been killed in action. DEATH DENIED. Received May 17, 10.45 p.m. Paris. May 17. The death of General Marchand is officially denied.

THE SPRING ATTACK. FORCES AT VERDUN Received May 17 0.15 p.m. London, May 16. In the Daily Chronicle, Mr. Philip Gibbs says that despite the enemy spring attacks the Brit'.sh designed to prevent help at Verdun. Our forces have been large enough to liberate a complete French army, with a mass of guns. By this undertaking the French line, whose centre was at Arras, the enemy's present activity on the whole British front was difficult, to fathom. Perhaps one may consider that the arrival of the Anzacs hernld an offensive. It is impossible to deny the enemy's formidable strength and euormous amount of munitions and troops, who are still courageous in attack, while their industry in defensive work is indomitable.

THE MUNSTERS,

INVADE THE HUNS' TRENCHES. Received May 17, 9.5 p.m. London, May 17. General Haig reports- The Lancashire Fusiliers at Vimy Ridge, after an explosion of mines, seized 250 yards of the enemy's forward line aiji- inflicted considerable casualties The Germans displayed placards on May 6 saying: "The English are shooting down your wives and sisters," The sequel is now published. Two officers and twenty-five men of the Munster Fusiliers were ordered to capture the placards. They crept out at night, and were halfway on N« Man's Land when the German searchlights found them. Two machine-»!ins opened fire. Several men were badly wounded, and the rest lay silently hours. Then they crept on and cut thi? entanglements and sprang into the trenches. The Germans weto so certain that the attack had been driven oft that they became panic-stricken, and did not wait for cold steel. The Ministers then brought back the placards in triumph to th* Irish trenches.