Battle of the Aisne.

Northern Advocate, 22 September 1914, Page 5

Battle of the Aisne.

GERMAN ATTACKS CONSTANTLY REPULSED,

ENORMOUS' GEBMAN LOSSES.

TRENCHES STREWN WITH DEAD,

(Press Assn.—Reed. 1.15 a.m.)

PARIS, Sept 21

A British cavalry officer declares that the fighting on the Aisne AA-as desperate, especially in the neighbourhood 'of Laon, where the Germans concentrated their main effort against the British. The latter's infantry Avas magnificent. The Germans, in great force, made nine counter-attacks, all of which were repulsed. The British losses were heavy, the German losses ten-fold those of the British —so enormous that they can have few fresh troops to replace them. .

The French captured eighty officers and men of a German Guard who were all dead drunk in a village.

A lieutenant of the''lNventy-sixth Artillery Regiment said the Tenth Army Corps had been constantly fighting since the beginning of the campaign. Almost all the horses had been x killed. The Germans are lighting daily from 5 o'clock in the morning until 8 o'clock in the evening without eating or drinking. So far the Germans have the advantage of heavy artillery, but the British captured and destroyed three eleven-inchers mounted on concrete emplacements. French guns of heavy calibre are being hurried to the front. The bulk of the fighting along the line of General French's command is done in enclosed country, consequently it is for the most part an artillery battle. The gunfire on both sides is appalling. The Germans' attempt to break our front where it stretches East and West along the Aisne failed. The enemy's loss was enormous! It is estimated at five Germans to one of Allies.

(Press Assn.—Reed. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, September.2l

The ground in front of the British trenches is strewn with dead. Each attack strengthens the lesson of the folly of attempting to rush the entrenched British.

The enemy made a night attack in an effort to pierce the lines covering Soissons in a tremendous rain. It Avas impossible to see more than a yard or tAvo. The British Avere asleep, but the outposts gave timely Avarnings. A hot fire thinned the advancing lines, and the bayonet put the issue beyond doubt. The Germans declare that they can hold their Aisne position for three months as it is a natural fortress of hills; Avoods and quarries, which they have had time to strengthen. About Soissons the enemy's position is practically unassailable- from the front, but their communications are by no means secure.