CAMPAIGN IN FRANCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16666, 26 September 1914, Page 9

CAMPAIGN IN FRANCE.

GERMANS ARE DESPERATE. AIDES’ PROGRESS SLOW. AN ARTILLERY BATTLE. ?y Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright PARIS, September 24. The following official note was issued to-day:— The situation on our front is unchanged. Our officers believe that the Germans would have retreated before now but for the condition of the roads rendering it impossible to transport heavy cannon. The Germans are fighting like desperate men, their officers sacrificing their forces witlidut reason, driving thein again and again to the charge as If blind. The official statement explains that the battle on the Aisne 'assumes on a large portion of‘ the front the characteristics of fortress war, analogous to the operations in Manchuria. The exceptional power of the artillery on both sides imparts special value to temporary fortifications. The fighting is therefore a matter of parrying successive entrenchments, guarded with accessory defences, notably barbed wire entanglements. Hence the advance is only from five hundred metres to a kilometre daily. OFFICIAL REPORT. NO NOTABLE CHANGES. (Received September 25, 11.5 p.m.) PARIS, September, 24. The following official announcement bos been, made: — On the left between the Soinrao and the Oise we have made progress in the direction of Roye. Detachments occupied Peronne and maintained their position notwithstanding vigorous attacks.

The enemy between the . Oise and the Aisne has continued to keep largo forces firmly entrenched. We have advanced slightly north-west 'of Berru. There has been no change between Rhoims, the Argonne and the heights of the Meuse. The struggle continues with alternate retirement at certain points and advance at others. There lifts been no notable change in the region of Nancy and the Vosges. Some detachments of tho enemy tried to penetrate French territory, driving back our light covering force. Tho movement on the Soramo has been arrested.