THE STRUGGLE FOR VERDUN.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 166, 27 June 1916, Page 5

THE STRUGGLE FOR VERDUN.

The above map shows clearly the defences north and north-east of Verdun, mentioned in to-day’s cables. The Germans have captured Thiaumont, 41 mi les north-north-east of the city, and they are now pressing towards Fleury and Froide Terre Hill. Fleury, which was lost and regained on Friday, is the nearest point, to Verdun which the enemy has reached, the distance being about 3| miles. South of Fort Vaux, which fell to the Germans a fortnight ago, there have been violent bombardments of Fumin and Chapitre Woods, and the Damloup batteries.

" Henceforward Germany’s offensive will shrink. The lesson of Verdun is that big guns and heavy explosives will play a greater part in future battles. Fortunately this comes at a time when our production of munitions is increasing and every week adds to the strength of the Allies. “ I have never taken the view that the defeat of the enemy was a light task ; but the victory will be ours. It is sure, though it may not be swift. We must crush Germany’s military power. The blockade is a great factor, but not a factor which will bring a complete victory. That must come after a military defeat. I would not like it to come in any other way.

“ Only a military victory will destroy Prussian militarism and protect civilisation from a repetition of the present calamity. A peace forced on Germany because she was impoverished in food and material would be a moral defeat for the Allies. The Central Empires would be able to say that they defeated their enemies on every battlefield, crushed Belgium, held the richest industrial departments in France, drove back the Russians, and hurled the British from Gallipoli, and were only forced to make peace because the enemy starved their women and children. That was not the kind of peace which would last.

“ Only a smashing military victory would bring peace. Germany will understand that victory. We shall get it, and it must be complete and final.”

BRITISH FRONT IN FLANDERS.

VISITED BY FRENCH PREMIER.

ARTILLERY VERY ACTIVE

(Received 27, 8.50 a.m.) Paris, June 26. M. Briand visited the British front on Saturday and Sunday, accompanied by Sir Douglas Haig .

London, June 26

Sir Douglas Haig reports:—Our artillery was very active on the whole front. The heaviest shelling was at Neuville St. Vaast, north of the Ypres-Menin road. The only other incidents were small unsuccessful raids on the Britisn trenches. German mines were exploded without any casualty.