THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 275, 6 November 1916, Page 5

THE WESTERN FRONT.

Germany’s Verdun Failure. « Grown Prince Beaten Back. Now in Pre-Offensive Lines. i , , [recter’s telegram,] (Received 6, 9.5 a.m.) > Paris, November 5. t There is much enthusiasm over the capture of Vaux. The r victory is due to the splendid work of the heavy artillery. For . the first time, the Germans evacuated the position without being attacked by infantry. The Parisians bracket General Mangin with Major Raynal, who surrendered in June when not a single cartridge was left in the fort. * The front is now similar to what it was on February 3rd, before the great German advance. FRENCH ADVANCE BEYOND FORT VAUX. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.] Paris, November 4. A communique states:—There has been intermittent cannonading. on the Somme and at Verdun. Later. On the right bank of the Meuse, after the capture of Fort Vaux, our infantry continued to advance as far as the outskirts of the village of Vaux to the north of Vaux Lake. We hold the western part of the village, and advanced several hundred yards to the north-east and east of the fort on the slopes descending to the W'oevre. We gained a footing on the crest dominating the village. The enemy did not counter-attack. The usual artillerying continued elsewhere. (Received 6, 11.10 a.m.) London, November 5. A French communique says:—Eastward of Fort Vaux we have extended our progress, occupying during the night- Damloup village. 1 TEUTONIC TRAP FAILS. London, November 4. The “ Daily Chronicle’s ” Paris correspondent says that after the evacuation of Fort Vaux early in the morning, the French in the trenches 400 yards away heard explosions marking the blowing up of casements and material. They wisely delayed occupation, and explosion after explosion in the afternoon rent the whole, placeThe cunningly laid mines would have annihilated any troops precipitately occupying the place. The explosions ceased in the night, whereupon the French took possession. This episode is interpreted to mean that the Germans, besides being unable to repeat their former efforts, have abandoned all hope of resuming the assault on Verdun. Moreover, General von Hindenburg (Chief of the German General Staff) whose eyes are fixed on the east, is deaf to the Crown Prince’s entreaties, for more men to win back something* of his lost prestige. THE PICARDY BATTLEFIELDS. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG’S DESPATCHES. London, November 4. Sir Douglas Haig reports: —We completely repulsed a coun-ter-attack on the trench captured on Thursday, eastward of Gueudecourt. The enemy sustained heavy losses. We bombarded the enemy lines eastward of Foquissart and the neighbourhood of Blairyille. There was considerable hostile shelling around Les Boeufs, D’Estremont Farm, and Le Sars. The weather is wretchedly unfavourable for aviation work. (Received &, H.ioa.m.) London, November 5. Sir Douglas Haig reports that heavy rain fell yesterday. Last night there was trench mortar activity. HOW JONES CAPTURED 100 GERMANS SINGLE-HANDED. London, November 4. A sergeant who witnessed Thomas Jones win the Victoria Cross states that the Cheshires captured a village on September 25th, and commenced to dig in. The Germans started a brisk fire. Jones suggested a charge, but his officer declined. Jones’ neighbour fell, and Jones exclaimed, “ If I am to be killed I will be killed, fighting.” He reached the German trenches, four bullets piercing his clothes. Ten minutes later two of his pals went over, saying, “ He’s gone, and we are going too.” They found Jones in a hollow threatening with bombs a hundred grouped Germans who had . their hands up. He mustered them singly from a dugout, threatening instant death for disobedience. Later he’ returned leading his captives. THE FRENCH COMMUNIQUE. Paris, November 4. A communique states = —A fierce attempt was made to eject us from the captured trenches at St. Pierre Vaast Wood, but was defeated. (Received 6, 11.10 a.m.) Paris, November 5. A French communique says:—North of the Somme, the enemy did not attempt to renew attacks on our trenches in the wood of St. Pierre Vaast. There was an intermittent artillery duel during the night.

r NORTH OF ARRAS. London, November 4. Sir Douglas Haig reports: —We successfully raided enemy lines north-east of Armentieres, and expelled the enemy. We bombarded La Bassee Canal and the neighbourhood of Bois Grenier and Messines. NEW ZEALAND MINISTERS AT THE FRONT. # ADDRESSES TO THE TROOPS. (Special from the New Zealand Official War Correspondent.) , November 2. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward are visiting the western front in the New Zealand area, and are the guests of the Corps and Divisional Commanders. One day was devoted to the inspection of the New Zealand troops, an especially interesting ceremony being the presentation of ribbons representing the decorations awarded for distinguished services and gallantry in Gallipoli, and the French campaigns. These ribbons were presented by the Army Commander, who heartily congratulated the New Zealanders upon their splendid fighting in the Somme, battle. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward addressed the troops at various points and received a most cordial, welcome. References made by them to the fact that conscription had been adopted" in New Zealand, and the people’s determination to continue fighting till, a decisive victory was obtained, were, heartily cheered. The Ministers’ itinerary included visits, to the shattered towns ofi Armentieres and Ypres, also, a visit to the headquarters of the army to which the New Zealanders are: now attached. Tordaythey are visiting the Somme battlefield before seeing the Cammander-in-Chief. The visitors were extremely pleased with the appearance and cheerfulness of the. troops.

VISIT TO OBSERVATION POSTS. MINISTERS GREATLY IMPRESSED. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.] . (Received 6, 11.35 a.m.) London, November 5. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward attended the presentation of medals to the New Zealanders in France, and visited and addressed numerous units at various points of the front. The visitors, from a British observation post, secured a fine view of the enemy trenches during the British bombardment. On one occasion the Germans vigorously shelled the spot where the visitors were located half-an-hour previously. The Ministers also inspected the principal English aerodromes. Mr. Massey made a flight. . Sir Douglas Haig gave a luncheon in honour of the visit. They inspected many German dugouts. Both Ministers were impressed with the splendid organisation to keep the troops well fed, also with the organisation at the dressing stations. They visited the New Zealand hospitals and many points of historic interest at Ypres. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward were impressed with the splendid daring of the British airmen.