VIOLENT FIGHTING ALONG WHOLE CHAMPAGNE FRONT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16035, 29 September 1915, Page 7

VIOLENT FIGHTING ALONG WHOLE CHAMPAGNE FRONT.

FRENCH OCCUPY SEVERAL NEW POSITIONS.

NEW LINE CONSOLIDATED FACING GERMAN FRONT.

Wellington, September 28. Cabling from London, under date 27th inst., the High Commissioner furnishes the following report: —

" In the Champagne there is violent fighting on the whole front. Several new points have been occupied, notably Trou Bricot, north of Jacques farmstead. This point was passed by the allies in their advance, and the enemy had maintained himself there. " The French occupied several other positions behind the new front, where the enemy had remained.

" The French troops now occupy an extended front before the second defensive position of the enemy. " Over seventy guns have been captured, including 23 pieces taken by the British. Four counter-attacks in the Argonne were completely repulsed in spite of a violent bombardment by projectiles of all kinds, including asphyxiating bombs. The enemy reached a few points in the first line only.

" There was an intense bombardment between the Meuse and the Moselle, and also in Lorraine.

" A violent storm brought to a standstill the operations in the Vosges."

PROGRESS OF THE NEW FRENCH OFFENSIVE.

GAINS MAINTAINED AND FURTHER ADVANCES.

Paris, September 27. The new French offensive is being continued in the Champagne The gams hare been maintained, and new German positions captured.