GERMANS FOLLOWING VALLEY OF THE SAMBRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15701, 31 August 1914, Page 6

GERMANS FOLLOWING VALLEY OF THE SAMBRE.

ATTEMPT TO ENVELOP TWO BRITISH CORPS.

BRITISH FIGHT THEIR WAY AGAINST TREMENDOUS ODDS

GERMANS THOUGHT THEY MIGHT REPEAT SEDAN. (Received August 30, 5.5 p.m.) , London, August' 29. The third' German Army is attempting to force the passage between the Meusc and the Sambre. The. chief natural obstacles are the forests- The largest army is following the Valley of the Sambre, where it will meet the ' fortifications of Maubeuge. Twenty-three thousand acres of the forest of Mormal serve as a defensive screen to the French. There are no great natural obstacles in the direction of. Lille. Here the British force is lending aid. On Sunday the' British wore brought to Mons by forced marches to prevent the Germans turning the French Army's left. After retiring from Maubeuge on Monday the British were ordered. to retire to the Cambrai lines. The German commanders thought the British were beaten, and it might be possible to repeat the .Sedan coup. They accordingly sent 300,000 cavalry and infantry to envelop two British corps and one division of cavalry. Throughout Wednesday the British were marching south battling against tremendous odds- It is believed the Cambrai line extended through Nouvion and Hirson to the River Sormoune, which unites with the Mouse at Mezieres. '•