HEAVY FIGHTING ON THE VERDUN FRONT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2741, 8 April 1916, Page 5

HEAVY FIGHTING ON THE VERDUN FRONT

ANOTHER GERMAN SHAMBLES ENEMY GAINS FOOTING IN HAUCQURT VILLAGE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright . , , ' . ' Paris, April 6. A communique states: — A »surprise attack on a trench in the Saint Hubert district, in the Argonne, inflicted on the enemy considerable losses. •"After an extremely violent bombardment, a series of attacks by large numbers was delivered against our two principal salients on the AvocourtBethincourt front. Our tire broke all the enemy's attempts against Bethincourt. t "The enemy simultaneously made desperate efforts in the centre against Haucourt, and after repeated bloody sacrifices gained, during the night, a foot-; ing in the village, which we keep ifnder fire from dominating positions. "After a short artillery preparation we launched' a keen attack, debouching from Avocourt redoubt, in order' to reconnect the redoubt with one of the works on the borders of the wood northward of Avocourt. It was completely successful,- besides carrying : a large portion of the wood centre." (Rec. April 7, 10 p.m.) ' . Paris, April 7. A communique 6tates:' "The Germans attempted to attack Povre Hill, biit. our fire prevented them from leav ing their trenches. "Hand-to-hand engagements south-west of Fort Douaumont enabled us to progress two hundred metres along a five hundred metres-front. The enemy' 6 counter-attacks failed. "Our aeroplanes in March brought down thirty-one German machines, Vhile the guns brought down four. ■ ' "We lost thirteen." 4 HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. The High Commissioner reports, London, April 7, 2 a.m. "East of the Meuse a violent bombardment, presaging an enemy attack, was directed, but was prevented by pur artillery fire. "South-west, of Fort Douaumont a series of hand-to-hand fights enabled us to' progress in the communication trenches and works of the enemy over a front of 500 metres and over 200 metres deep. . "An enemy counter-attack completely failed." REPORTS FROM THE BRITISH LINE HEAVY ATTACK BY THE HUNS REPORTED'. The High Commissioner reports: — . \ London, 1 * April 7, 0.40 a.m. "In the early morning (PApril 6). after very heavy bombardment, the enemy himself strongly, attacked the- new British trenches at St. Eloi; fighting is going on all day,'and_ is still continuing. "The artillery'on both sides was active to-day about Lievin, Lens, and south of Boeslnghe." ' ■ , SEMI-OFFICIAL "EXPLANATIONS" IN HUN PRESS. - ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.)

'. ' * , London, 'April 7. -The semi-official German news agencies, including the "Cologne Gazette", explain that the slowness of the Verdun advance is' due to tlio very strong fortifications, which compel the Gorman artillery to advance step by step and batter down the obstacles gradually. These agencies pay a tribute to General Joffre and the French troops and point out the excellence of the French system of communications, whicli enable General"Petain (the French commander) systematically to remove his wounded and bring up reinforcements.

HOLLAND'S WARLIKE PREPARATIONS

AS INTERPRETED BY A DUTCH EX-WAR MINISTER.

; . Amsterdam, April 6. M. Colyn, formerly Dutch Minister for War, rejects the possibility of the intention of Great Britain to land new armies on .the' Dutch coast. The assumption is incompatible with the assurance of neutrality which Holland has respected. "The question, however, is what Germany may think if Germany judges our defensive capacity inadequate, and is apprehensive of a British invasion through Holland. ' Would it nob be strango if we were approaclicd from tho German side with proposals to which we cannot submit, because complianco would mean the abandonment of neutrality towards the Allies? While a waiting attitude might be adopted towards Great Britain, something positive should be done with regard to Germany." He suggested strengthening the Dutch forces, to make it dear to Gormou.y that Bellnijd -lmcl tho power and intention to m-event any menace to Gormany's opfen flank.

BRITAIN PROTESTS AGAINST SCARE CANARDS.

(llec. April 7, 8.40 p.m.)

Amsterdam, April 6. Tho British Legation lias protested to tlie Dutch Government against the canard tliat England had sent an ultimatum to Holland asking that troops might bo allowed to pass through Zeoland. "Our relations," says tho Note, "were never mora cordial." , The protest lias niado a good impression in Holland. Tho Dutch Government has official'/ notified Sir Edward Grey that tho navigation o£ the North Sea is now so dangerous as to mako it impossible for Holland to undertake tho transport for exchange of British and German incapacitated prisoners.