WAR NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1916, Page 6

WAR NOTES.

EPIC OF THE PASSES, HEROISM OF ROUMANIANS. London, November (J. Mr. Stanley Washburn, the correspond dent of The Times at Bucharest, says:— "Historians will point to the defences of the Roumanian passes as an epic une>:ceeded in peasant soldier heroism, The Roumanians were assaulted on all fronts. Their batteries were unable to rca<'h the enemy's heavy guns, and the advance lines were taken from various angles. Their artillevy was frequently destroyed, yet during the retreat the troops turned doggedly and attacked the enemy with the bayonet until they reached the mountain wall, the King, the Ministers;, and the generals displaying a stubborn determination to see the issue though, regardless of the dangers of the situation. "Providential rains retarded the enemy's transport of heavy artillery. The rivers are raging torrents, and mists densely clothe of the Carpathians.®Mr. Washburn motored to the rear of the passes. Ho regards the northern situation especially as satisfactory He states that lighting raged in Ginmis Pass and Trotus Valley for two weeks. The Germans vainly endeavored to capture Comanesti, and threatened thfc north to south railway. They outnumbered the Roumanians by two to one. After many critical days the Roumanians counter-attacked, taking the enemy on the flanks and inflicting dreadful losses in the defiles, where the dead were piled eight deep. Ihe situation on the western Roumanian front was in the most acute stage at the beginning of Novembei, while supports were being distributed at certain danger points. The heavy rains began during the most serious day, and continued steadily for four days, costing the eMtny invaluable time The last fortnight taken from his already narrow margin of- campaigning weather threatens to make the German gams a wasted effort, for what cannoi be accomplished against Eoumania this year will probably be unaccomplished next year, when the front has been distributed and the army reorganised.

In a message from Bucharest Mr. Bourchier, correspondent of The Times, states that the announcement that the French Ministry is sending groat quantities of munitions has caused satisfaction. France lias informed Roumania that the Ailios will facilitate Roumania's resistance by pressure at the right time and place. M. Braun, correspondent of The Times at Roumanian headquarters telegraphs an interesting story concerning BrigadierGeneral Dragalina, commander of the offensive in the Jiul Valley. Dragalina's bravery and bold leadership inspired the troops. He went out to a dangerous hill post, saw the strength of the German forces, and rushed back to his front j battalion instructing them to • hold on at any cost. Then he chose a Bhort, dangerous route to the rear desiring to warn his reserve battalions. He wa? hit twice on the arm, which had to be amputated. Reuter's correspondent at Bucharest states that the situation in the Carpathians continues to improve, while the extent of the disaster of the enemy ill Jir.l Valley increases. The French mili ay mission arrived at the critical moment, and collaborated most effectively with the Roumanian high command reestablishing a satisfactory situation.