Progress of the War.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15606, 2 June 1916, Page 6

Progress of the War.

[I here is no sign of any end to' tho terrific struggle on the Mouse. The official reports indicate that the battle on the Mort Homme-Cumieres front is proceeding with undiminished violence, but there has been no appreciable change in the position. It is evident that the Germans arc concentrating their attention on this section of the line with the object of breaking through between Mort Homme and tho Meuse, and so forcing the French to withdraw from their present lines as far as Avocourt. On Tuesday the enemy launched repeated attacks on tho trenches between Mort Homme and Cumieres, but failed on every occasion, with 5 losses which are described as important. The terrific artillery fire completely levelled the French first lino trenches below the Caurettes wood, and forced the withdrawal at this point. The Germans actually succeeded in forcing the French back towards Chattancourt, due south of Cumieres, but vigorous counter-attacks restored the line, while, parties of German troops who had crept along the river bank as far as Chattancourt, were completely destroyed by the French . fire. On Wednesday the enemy concentrated tho fire of his heavy batteries on tho lino between Avocourt and Hill 304, doubtless in preparation for an attack in this section. At tho same time the French achieved an important local success on the south-west slope of Mort Homme, where a strong position was captured with 200 prisoners and seven machineguns. Tho artillery dP both sides was very active on Wednesday between tho Meuse and Fort Vaux. What appears to have been a fairly big affair occurred in Upper Alsace 011 Tuesday. Tho enemy, after a strong artillery preparation, attacked 011 a front of over 2500 yards eastward of Seppois, but was thrown back by a counter-attack. The Italians defeated tho Aystrians in the Lagarina Valley 011 Wednesday. On the Asiago plateau tho Italians have been forced to retire at several points, but there are signs- that tho impetus of the Austrian offensive is being checked. The fighting is developing between Posina and tho X'pper Astico Valley.