NAZI BIDS ON WEST FRONT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20073, 20 October 1939, Page 7

NAZI BIDS ON WEST FRONT

ORGANISATION OF FRENCH LINES

COLOSSAL GERMAN EFFORTS CHECKED

RECONNAISSANCE TRIP OF R.A.F. UNITS

VISIT BY DUKES TO BATTLE AREA

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Oct. 20, 10.30 a.m.)

LONDON, Oct. 19,

A Paris communique states that the night was fairly quiet, on the Western Front. Rainy conditions were experienced. The French infantry, supported by artillery and the elements repulsed raids on various parts of the front. . . The military expert of the French journal. Petit Parisian, M. Moricc, reviewing the first six weeks .of the war, 1 sayb that after the Berman attacks the French lines were organised on y more soldierly basis than ever. The constant skirmishing served to reveal and rectify weaknesses regarding., reserves and materials. Despite the ebb and flow of fighting Saarbrucken, Saarlouis, and Mcrzig remain under French fire. “It must be understood, moreover, that, certain conquered territory remains in our hands, notably the Warndt Forest,” proceeds M. Mo rice. “The enemy, strained to the utmost to test our points of resistance, but felt their solidity. The French formations are now less scattered and greater density has been obtained in length and depth. Liaison Perfect. “The French liaison between the infantry and artillery is perfect. This was shown particularly during the 15 days leading up to the German attack on Monday when numerous batteries, previously unused, participated, repulsing the Germans. The entire French Army is now revealing the benefits of the extensive training. The enemy has not achieved a decisive success during the war, despite colossal efforts.” The Royal Air Force, last night conducted a successful reconnaissance over north-west Germany. The aircraft taking part reached their objectives and have all returned safely. Royalty Quickly Recognised.

Correspondents with Ihe British forces in France report that a party of troops who were hard at work digging just behind the British lines had a big surprise yesterday when they found a party of officers had stopped to inspect their work. They quickly recognised among the party the Com-mander-in-Chie.f, General Gort, the Duke of Windsor and the Duke of Gloucester. The Duke of Windsor smiled at their obvious surprise and went up and spoke with several of the men. The Royal brothers then made a thorough inspection of one of the pillboxes held by the British in their sector of the line. ' »

The French press of recent clays lias been publishing stirring- accounts of the first activities of British troops on. the Western Front. The paper Excelsior displayed a front page headed: “The Tommies have received their baptism of fh-e,” adding: “The advance guard of 30,000 arc, with the 32 divisions lighting on the Rhine front, ’ ’ The Excelsior; in a leading article, says: “We know the spirit of our friends from across the sea, We realise fully war is repugnant to them, but they will take their share of. risks and glory like our men with the same.courage and heroism.”