IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1916, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

HEROISM AT FORT VAUX. GALLANT FRENCH REGIMENT. London, June 16. One of the liir.st lioroic incidents in the defence of Vrux Fort was the defence of the north-western outer works by the 101st Regiment, composed of Parisians.

A semi-official story relates that the position was difficult but important, because it obstructed German efforts to encircle Yaux Fort. The Germnns determined to capture the work at any cost A bombardment with 11-inch, shells began on dune 1 and lasted all

light. The regiment was isc, luted, supplies were unobtainable, and the water was exhausted, but there were no complaints Every man stood at his loophole with a stock of grenades awaiting the infantry attack. The bombardment continued .intil evening. The infantry advanced at eight o'clock, and a hail of 's was loosed. The Germans turned and fled in disorder. Tlie French then fired a rocket asking for artillery to aid the defenders with a curtain of shell. The rocket exploded tlie entire supply of rockets, deluging the trench with red and greet: flames and the densest smoke.

The fire spread, but the regiment worked heroicallv to extinguish it and save the stock of grenade:-. They succeeded after an hour. Meanwhile the bombardment was renewed and the infantry returned to the assault at 2.30 a.m. The defenders were ordered to let the Germans come close. Their fire was withheld until Ihe enemy were within fifteen p?.c,-s. Then the trench officers and men burled grenades with the utmost speed, mowing down their assailants. One German who reached the trench received a grenade full in the face. Thus the second attack was beaten off, but the •vgiment was still isolated. Thirst ber.ame almost unbearable and the men feared it more than the enemy. A GLORIOUS DEFENCE. THEY DID THEIR DUTY. Received June 17, 5.5 p.m. Providentially a rainstorm set in. Canvass sheets were spread, and even drinking tin.-: \vfii e put out, to catch the drops. The bomlardment was resumed, and all day the tienches enfiladed by machine-guns on both sides. Wave after wave ~f Germans assaulted the heroic ■lefen )«rs, but all in vain. The Germans abandoned the attack on June 3, and the regiment was relieved under cover of night. Meanwhile foil' hundred of the thirststrieken defenders' of Vaux Fort held out aniid il.e invested ruins, despite a pitiless bombardment. It is estimated that sine .March never less than 8000 heavy shelis fell iivery day. A few men managed to creep out and bring in a scanty _ supply of water. Every window held a machine-gun, and picked rifle shot Not a German was left a'.ive ir. the courtyard. Barricades were erected at every corner, and before each lay a pile of German corpses. The Germans scaled the roots, lowered greniuVs in baskets, and swung them through the windows.

A Sitretclicr-boaicr named Vanir escaped through a grating, and took out Major Raynal's last message, on June (:, whMi was: "We are near the end. All have done their duty. Vive La Frarer On the same day, the French witnessed heavy explosions within the fort, and the nej-t day the Germans annoum ed its capture. FOUGHT LIKE DEMONS. CANADIANS AT HOOGE. Received June 18. .5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, June 17. The Telegraaf w.ys that people arriving frc.m Co'irtrai state that the German losses in the Canadians' counter-attack at Hooge was severe. They saw many train I'jad; of Wounded men, and strings of ambulance cars. Some of the latter that were standing in the Rue de Lille dripped with blood. German reserve: at Courtrai who were rushed to the fight declare that the Canadians fought- like demons, HEAVY RAINS. ARTILLERY'S DEADLY WORK. Received June 17, 5.5 p.m. London, June 17. The Times' correspondents at headquarters report that a week's incessant • rain has occurred, and infantry work is almost impossible. The recapture of ground reveals that the British artillery work has latterly been of the deadliest description. The Germans have been unable tc consolidate, mount the machineguns, or nmove the supplies of stores and ammunition we had left there. IT.ENCII SUCCESSES. Received June 18, 5.5 p.m. Paris, June 17. A communique says: German attacks •in Avucourt redcubt and the outposts west of Hill 30-1 were easily repulsed. We f.onetrated the first and second German lines at Hill 425, east of Thann. and returned with prisoners, without suffering any lof.j. A GERMAN REPORT. Amsterdam, June 16. A German communique states: "Our counter-attack repelled the French south of Mort Homme. The enemy repeatedly attacked adjoining trenches, but failed with heavy losses." FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORT. Paris, June 1(5. A communique states:—The enemy made several counter-attacks against the lost trenches at Mort Homme, but failed. The enemy opened a violent offensive north of Thiaumont works. Our fire smashed all the attacks, inflicting heavy losses. The miemy attempted an attack on the southern edge of the Caillette Wood. Our artillery prevented the infantry leaving the trenches.