HEROISM ON THE AISNE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15767, 16 November 1914, Page 9

HEROISM ON THE AISNE.

FRENCH GUNNER'S FEAT.

KILLS 600 GERMANS.

LANCERS' GALLANT CHARGE.

Times and Sydney Sun Services.

London, November 13.

The Times' correspondent says:— " The battle of the Aisne is like the smile of the Cheshire cat—continually fading away and reappearing. At presi nt it is showing its broadest grin. The supply of heavy artillery and airmen is greater than in September. It may not portend a reenidf'seence of violence, but both sides are engaged in firm sparring. The fighting in this district immensely influences matters on the left wing,

" The allies' prospect of turning the (German position above Soissons has materially improved. The ground lost at Vailly was quickly recovered. The Germans dislodged the allies by unexpectedly dragging up heavy artillery and assembling a superior force of infantry. Outnumbered and ranged, the French were compolled to retire. Their guns could riot be moved, and held out to the last. Finally only one gunner was left in action. Tie vowed that he would stick to his post until he fired the whole of the ammunition. He poured shell after shell into the steadily-advancing enemy, but though he swept away line after line he, failed to wholly check them. He Mill had twelve shells whin the Germans were 300 yds away, and fired the last when they were only 100 yds away. The gunner then coolly removed the breach, and escaped after having killed GOO.

"One momentary retreat was marked by a gallant charge of the ''.nxli.-di 1,-Hirers, who were fully exposed to the enemy's fire, and had to choose between retreating or remaining under fire without a chance to reply ;> either suited their temper. and they charged the German batteries, a mile away. In less than 11 minutes all the German artillerymen were sabred."