POSITION IN GALICIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15915, 12 May 1915, Page 9

POSITION IN GALICIA.

PASSAGE OF THE DONAJEC.

RUSSIANS FORCED BACK.

LINE NOW STRAIGHTENED.

(Received May 12. 1.40 a.m.)

Petrograd, May 11.

It is stated in military circles that the Germans brought up eight army corps from Cracow, massing artillery in overwhelming force on the western bank of the Donajec, in .West Galicia, which is high and precipitous and dominates the low country on the opposite side of the river.

The Germans, by a costly series c f frontal attacks, and a reckless disregard of life, after a week forced the passage of the Donajec and formed a new front east of the river.

The Russian line is now straightened, and the Russians are holding their own ' with increasingly frequent counter-attacks. The troops have been thrilled by the splendid example of General Korniioff's 48th Division, which was cut off during the retirement along the Gorlic-Zoigroo-Dukla Road, but cut its way through by a heroic effort and rejoined its own army corps. Its losses were, heavy, but it restored Russian confidence in victory, which was severely tried during the retirement.

The Russians who suffered a reverse are chiefly the victors of Przemysl, and are not the Grand Duke's main force. The Germans must master the line of the Wisloka defences before they can menace the Grand Duke's strategy on the southern slopes of the Carpathians.

'ACCOUNT OF THE ACTION.

TUNNELLING TO THE RIVER.

CROSSING UNDER FIERCE FIRE

(Received May 12, 1.40 a.m.)

Amsterdam. May 11

Buda Pesth messages give the following description of the crossing of the river Donajec at Oftinov:— There were high banks on both sides. The Russians were well entrenched, and bridge construction was impossible. Working silently at night the Austro-German forces bored great tunnels towards the banks fitted with rails and pontoons on wheels. The tunnels were blown up at the last minute and 20 pontoons launched. Nine were destroyed by gunfire but 11 reached the other bank. Many of those on the pontoons were dead or dying, but there were sufficient survivors to enable the other pontoons to cross. At least 2000 Austrians and Germans were killed in the crossing at Oftinov. The Russian artillery was amazingly good at first, but later was weak owing to lack of munitions.