HEROIC RESISTANCE

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 143, 17 June 1916, Page 6

HEROIC RESISTANCE

DEFENCE OF IMPORTANT FRENCH WORK SPLENDID EFFORT BY ISOLATED REGIMENT. (Received June 17. 3 p.m.) LONDON, 16th June. One of the most heroic incidents of the defence of Vaux Fort was the defence of the- north-western outer works by this 101 st Regiment, composed of Parisians!

The semi-official story relates that the position was difficult, but important, because it obstructed the German efforts to encircle Vaux Fort. The Germans were determined to capture the work at any cost., A bombardment by 11-inch shells began on the Ist June, and lasted all night. ,

The regiment was isolated, supplies were not obtainable, and the water was exhausted; but there were no complaints. Every man stood to his loophole with a stock of grenades, awaiting an infantry attack. The bombardment continued until the evening, when the infantry advanced at 8 o'clock. A hail o£ grenades was let loose, and the Germans turned and fled in disorder.

The French fired a rocket asking for artillery -aid for the defenders' with a curtain of shell fire.

A rocket exploded the entire supply o£ rockets, deluging the trench with red and green. t flames and the densest smoke. The lire spread, but the regiment worked heroically to extinguish it and save the stock of grenades. They succeeded after an hour's work.

Meanwhile the bombardment was renewed. The infantry returned to the assault at 2.30 in the morning. The defenders were ordered to let the Germans come close. Five was withheld until they were within fifteen paces away from the trench. Officers and men hurled grenades with the utmost epeed, mowing down their assailants.

One German reached the trench, and received a grenade full in the face. Thus the second attack was beaten off, but the regiment was still isolated, a-nd thirst became almost unbearable. They feared it. more than the enemy.