THREE ATTACKS ON GRAND SCALE AGAINST VERDUN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16203, 13 April 1916, Page 5

THREE ATTACKS ON GRAND SCALE AGAINST VERDUN.

GERMANS CONFIDENTLY REVERT TO DENSE FORMATION TERRIBLE CARNAGE INFLICTED BY FRENCH ARTILLERY Paris, April 11. The attack on the Avocourt-Bethincourt sector on Sunday was made by the Germain in dense formation. The moment the Germans leapt from their trenches the French artillery opened a furious fire against them as they came through the woods, over the plateaus, and along the ravines. The Germans dropped in hundreds,, but immediately reformed, returning to the charge. They were thrice repulsed, and thrice returned, the only results being futile carnage Even more violent was the simultaneous struggle around the village of Bethincourt. The Crown Prince was evidently resolved to carry Mort Homme'at any cost. The attack waS made by JO,OOO infantrv, divided into two sections, the stronger attacking totally and the remainder trying to force a parage beta umieres an the Manse Both attacks developed into desperate hand-to-hand contests, each side fighting like madmen. The Frenchmen again ..1 , _ -. r iority, and when the conflict subsided the Germans ir the battalions attempting the flank movement by withdrawal from Bethkcot heightened the enemy's hopes of finding a vulnerable point. The «ionf that he reverted to attack m close formation enemy was so rrench arttoy , splendid , oppor . ■ *Ia- became dangerous. The French tumty to break to wherever the enemy; ' iD on a scale, failed. , jvas advancing, and three attars, eaui e