THE ATTACK ON KOVNO.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8215, 12 August 1915, Page 5

THE ATTACK ON KOVNO.

GERMAN ASSAULTS BEATEN OFF

PETROGRAD, August 11

An official communique gives details of the German assault on Kovno on August 8. The enemy, about midnight, opened a bombardment from the village of Piple. Guns of all calibres up to 16in. was employed, and a hurricane of fire lasted for two haurs. Our batteries vigourously replica. About 3in the morning an assaulting column, in close formation, marched against oiu- positions, but by concentrated fire, the explosion of mines, and gallant counterattacks, the enemy was thrown back along the wholo front within an hour, suffering enormous losses. The exhausted Germans were hurled into si neighbouring ravine, where thay prepared for fresh assaults. At noon on the Bth the enemy's fire increased to a terrible intensity, but the protracted and destructive hurricane of fire from his powerful guns failed to shake our troops.' Our artillery valiantly supported them. The incessant cannonade lasted all day. At nightfall enemy columns, which had been massing, rushed to the assault. After attacks lasting two hours they succeeded in taking part of the trenches in our advanced position. Later on, our reserves swept forward and repulsed the Germans, with enormous losses, the enemy only retaining his works near Piple.