HAND-TO-HAND STRUGGLE FOR VAUQUOIS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 64, 16 March 1915, Page 5

HAND-TO-HAND STRUGGLE FOR VAUQUOIS.

FRENCH FIGHT WITH SPLENDID DASH.

COUNTER-ATTACKERS MOWN DOWN BY MACHINE GUNS.

PARIS, March 15.

An official report regarding the capture of Vauquois says that the Germans counter-attacked on tbe afternoon of February 28, supported by artillery and by machine-guns mounted behind the ruins.

The French soldiers, though their conduct was heroic, were unable to create a defensive position while fighting, and were obliged to retire, but they returned to the assault, and in a charge drove the Germans from the southern half of the village. Further German attacks were repulsed with great loss. The Germans, however, secured -reinforcements from Chepy during the night, and Vauquois was finally lost. The French attacked four times next day, but were driven back by the Germans' slanting fire. The French losses were serious, but the morale of the troops was not destroyed, and the attack was resumed at dawn. Three regiments left the trenches and rushed to the plateau, which was terribly cut up, and its abrupt slopes were almost impracticable. Nevertheless, tbe enemy was forced to abandon tbe trenches and .withdraw to the village. Finally, with splendid dash, the three regiments penetrated the ruins, and engaged in hand-to-hand fighting in the streets. Four German attacks were repulsed, and the French installed themselves securely in a high street which divides the town, after inflicting great loss and making prisoners- of 200 Germans. The enemy did not attack on March 2 or 3, being evidently worn out. but a violent bombardment at "midnight enabled him to reach the plateau, where tho French artillery and machine-guns mowed down almost aU the attackers. The survivors took refuge in holes in the earth and fled. Desperate attacks and counter-attacks were continued, the Germans each time bringing up fresh troops. The prisoners taken belong to three army corps and one brigade of Landwehr. •The Fireaeh poiltlon Is now leeur* '