Progress of the War.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15561, 10 April 1916, Page 6

Progress of the War.

The Germans continue to batter heavily at various points on the flanks of the line north of Verdun. Tho enemy appeal's to have discontinued his terrific frontal attacks which cost him so dearly during the first few weeks of his offensive, and confines his operations to a series of isolated attacks on short sections of the line on both *ides of tho Meuse. On the west, where the line turns to the south-west in tho vicinity of Bethincourt, the Germans have made slight gains during the last two weeks. Their plan appears to be to

select a short section of front, which is j deluged with shell-fire, followed up by infantry attacks until a small salient is formed. The salient is then hammered at with the object of carrying it, and so straightening out the line. The "corner" in the French line between Avocourt and Bethincourt has been subjected to this method of attack for upwards? of a fortnight, but the German gains have been comparatively insignificant .and very dearly bought. The village of Malancourt, on the extreme; "corner'' of the line, has l>ecn carried, after repeated costly sacrifices of men and material, and apparently the enemy is also in possession of Haucourt, which i-s almost contiguous with Malancourt. On Friday the Germans attacked the French lines between Bethincourt and Chattancourt, but a counterattack recovered all the ground, with tho exception of 000 yards of advanced trenches. Part of of tho latter were recovered during the night, when a violent attack closo to Haucourt was repulsed by the French artillery fire, which inflicted heavy losses 011 the enemy. Further attacks cast of Haucourt wcro repeatedly checked by tho French fire early on Saturday morning. South of the village tho Germans gained a footing in two small works situated below Ilill 287, which dominates the position, and which is still held by tho French. The Germans claim a gain along a front of nearly two miles in this part of the line. In tho vicinity of Douaumont tho French continue to regain ground. Since Thursday there lias been heavy fighting near St. Eloi, for the trenches which wore taken by the British on March 27th. A German wireless mes-

6age claims the capture of the position. Sir Douglas Haig says the enemy has succeeded in taking a portion of tho position, and that lighting is still in progress. A Petrograd

message says the Russians fire now 20 miles from Trcbizond. This is not officially confirmed, but if true, it indicates that the [Russians are steadily beating back the Turkish opposition. Stormy weather., and increasing floods —doubtless caused by the melting of tho snow in the Armenian mountains —are said to bo complicating tho position on the Tigris. Tho British ap" parently aro securely in possession of tho Felahie position on the north bank and are preparing for an attack on tho main lines, which the capture of a position on .the south side of the river exposes to enfilading fire. The capture of a mountain stronghold 011 tho slopes of Ivilima-njaro, with 500 prisoners, ma-chine-guns, and much ammunition, was a notable success scored last week in German East Africa.