IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1916, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

AN INFERNO.

TERRIFIC BOMBARDMENT. " ft, ON HILL 304. ■■* Received June 21, 8.15 p.m. Paris, June 20. The Bulletin Des Armes says that at one time over a hundred German batteries pounded Hill 304 and its immediate surroundings. The summit was transferred into a volcano, columns of smoke ascending in such density that aviators declared that the atmosphere, at a height of eight hundred metres, was as dense as it was near the ground. The trenches were entirely riddled, and the occupants took refuge in shell holes. Notwithstanding the fearful bombardment, and after launching twelve different attacks during the week, the Germans were unable to carry the position.

FIGHTING NEAR VERDUN.

Paris, June 20. A communique states that-three German attacks on Hill 321, on the right bank of the Meuse, were smashed. DOGS IN THE VOSGES. Paris, June 20. Hundreds of Alaska and Labrador dogs, which during the winter rendered yoeman service at the Schlucht Pass, drawing heavy loads over almost inaccessible country for revictualling the French army in the Vosges, are now harnessed to trucks on two-foot light railways running everywhere behind the front up the sharpest gradients. Eleven dogs and two men can pull a ton on precipitous slopes, and two teams, each of seven dogs, are equal to five horses with great economy of men. BRITISH ACTIVITV. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, June 20. The official review of the operations on the west front, referring to Sir Douglas Haig's summary of events of the last five weeks, says this discreet statement fails to reveal the unceasing activity of the British. It is not stated that the new British sector is one of the two requiring the most vigilant watchfulness and the hardest efforts, daily consuming large numbers of men and shells. It is impossible to estimate the value of the untiring and methodical efforts which in each succeeding period strike a blow progressively increasing. BRITISH AIRMEN. Amsterdam, June 20. In an undated interview, Captain Boelke, a German aviator, said he regarded British airmen as brave and tenacious sportsmen. The fact that so r- any were brought down in the German lines was not a proof of unskilfulness, but of intrepidity. > , REPORT FROM GENERAL HAIG. Reecived June 21, 9.15 p.m. London, June 21. General Sir Douglas Haig reports: There are mining activity and some bombardments on both sides. We surprised and bombed a large working party, inflicting numerous casualties. A GERMAN REPORT. Amsterdam, June 20. A German communique says:—The enemy attacks at Thiaumont Wood were repulsed, as were also repeated night attacks at Flumin Wood. Two English biplanes were destroyed and the aviators killed. Our air squadrons attacked the railway station, military works and fac- | tories at Beccart, Raoue and Etape.