FIGHTING IN THE OPEN.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 53, 2 March 1916, Page 5

FIGHTING IN THE OPEN.

FRENCH ADVANCE AMID INFERNO OF SHOT AND SHELL CHARGE OVER WALL OF GERMAN CORPSES. LONDON, March 1. An_ infantryman in a sap before Douaumont relates that he saw Germans advancing at the double. Suddenly from the height of the slopes on cither side heavy French artillery, shortening the range, ploughed the foremost ranks with 6in and Bin shells. Then dozens of batteries of seventy-fives came into the open, and began a rapid fire on the advancing battalions, and these melted away. The French were eventually confronted with tenfold the number ot Germans, and withdrew 2,000 yards behind the fort, in good order, the artillery and the rearguard maintaining a curtain of fire to prevent the enemy coming too near. Before the enemy had time to establish himself on the crest of the plateau the French were ordered to retake the positions. It was like a battle of olden times. There was little shelter and no trenches. The French advanced amid an inferno of shot and shell, carrying everything before them. One officer participating in the charge had to climb a wall of German corpses. Machinegun sections were more numerous than in any previous battle. They kept pace with the infantry, and took up positions in the open regardless of cost. • When the moon rose the machine-guns were still firing 200 rounds a minute, enfilading the ravines where the enemy were trying to approach. Seven regiments were thrown upon the hill. Preparatory to the advance the German general, addressing the men, urged them to fight without pity, saying: "Re-member,-the. French shoot all prisoners." Seven regiments were shattered and broken by tbe French artillery, but still fresh troops swarmed over the dead, until it seemed as if the German reserves, were inexhaustible. Describing the French counter-attack, a wounded French colonel says:—"Hardly had the command 'En avant!' been uttered than our men threw themBelves forward with terrific dash."