FIRST PHASE OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1915.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 68, 20 March 1915, Page 5

FIRST PHASE OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1915.

INCESSANT BATTERING OF GERMAN LINE IN CHAMPAGNE. WEARING DOWN RESERVES OF MEN AND MUNITIONS. WELLINGTON, March 19. The High Commissioner has sent the following cablegram from London: — "'The reports of a British observer with the French forces include an interesting account of operations in the Champagne district in the last three weeks. He points out that sustained efforts have been made by the French with the object of keeping constant pressure on the enemy's first line of defence, thus affecting his use of the railway between Bazancourt, near Rheims, and Challerange, north-west of Verdun, and wearing down his reserves of men and ammunition. These operations started on February 15, which, it is considered, marks the opening of the 1915 campaign, the first phase of which is worthy of note for the future history of the war. The account concludes that, hitherto, the French have progressed steadily, • not being-forced back on any day behind the line held in the morning, and this ' despite innumerable xonnter-attacks. It is not mereljr eyjuestjon of ground, i tut of increased mor at superiority, -i. . - . . . . - 'f - ~' V