BATTLE OF LA BASSEE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15830, 29 January 1915, Page 5

BATTLE OF LA BASSEE.

FIGHTING CONTINUES.

ALLIES GAINING DAY.

GERMAN" MASSED ATTACK.

MET WITH DEVASTATING FIRE

(R«c*ived January 29. 12.5 a.m.)

London, January 28.

The fighting at La Bassee continues in the allies' favour. A German attack on Bethune, to the west, was carried out in massed formation. The enemy met with a devastating fire.

SEVERE GERMAN REVERSE.

REPULSED BY BRITISH.

CONFIRMATION OF REPORT

LOSSES TOTAL 2000.

Wellington. January 28

The High Commissioner reports, under date London, January 27, 5.45 p.m. :

" Paris reports that German aircraft were brought down inside the Belgian Army lines.

" Prisoners' statements show that a brigade, not a battalion, attacked the allies' trenches east of Ypres. The enemy's losses were equivalent to a. battalion and a-half.

" The report of a severe German reverse at La Bassee and Givenchy yesterday is confirmed. The enemy left dead 6 officers and 400 men. The total German losses were equivalent to two battalions.

"In the region of Perthe four violent German attacks were repulsed by the allies. In the Argonne region at St. Hubert, a German attack was driven back by a bayonet charge. A new German pontoon bridge over the Meuse at St. Mihiel was destroyed."

A German infantry brigade numbers 6400 men. Six battalions form an infantry brigade.

ATTACKS NEAR YPRES.

GERMANS SUFFER HEAVILY.

London*, January 27.

Official news, dated January 27, states that several violent German attacks against the First British Division near La Bassee on Monday were repulsed with severe loss. At one place on the La Bassee Road 300 Germans were killed and 55 captured.

The French Government reports similar attacks east of Ypres, where the Germans left 300 dead.

West of Craonne violent German attacks resulted in the capture of some French trenches, but part of the lost ground was regained.

MANY BRITISH WOUNDED.

ARRIVAL AT BOULOGNE.

Boulogne, January 27.

Many British wounded are arriving at Boulogne. Forty motor ambulances plied all night between the railway stations and the hospitals.