THE NORTHERN ARMY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17198, 19 June 1916, Page 7

THE NORTHERN ARMY.

RUSSIAN ARTILLERY EFFECTIVE. PETROGRAE, Juno IG. A communique states:—Our artillery in the Dvinsk region prevented the enemy taking the offensive in several sectors. (Received June 18, 11 p.m.) PETROGRAE, June 18. 1 A communique states:—Vo are bombarding the Evinsk positions with visible success.' GERMAN COMMANDS. HINDENBURG LOSES GROUND. VON MACKENSEN’S INCREASED POWER, By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received June 18, 5.5 p.m.) PETROGRAE, June 17. Field-Marshal von Mackensen has been appointed to command the Germans south of Dvinsk. This indicates ‘that the Kaiser no longer places implicit confidence in von Hindenburg. Von Mackensen will control Von Hindeburg’s right wing, and also the entire group of Austro-Germans under Prince Leopold of Bavaria, bolding the front from the River Nicrgen to Polesie. Military critics comment ironically that the Germans sent. General Ludendorf, chief pf staff of tho Northern Armies, to assist tho Austrians. A solitary officer, however talented, was a poor substitute for the tens of thousands ot bayonets of which the Austrians are in dire need. The Germans do not dare to seriously weaken the northern front,

but they sent some troops southwards. The first German reinforcements to arrive were a division of Guards, who made a despornto endeavour to arrest the Russian advance from Lutsk, but failed, suffering heavily.