VIOLENT CONTESTS CENTRE UPON DOUAUMONT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16204, 14 April 1916, Page 5

VIOLENT CONTESTS CENTRE UPON DOUAUMONT.

FRENCH TROOPS ALMOST SUFFOCATED BY GAS SHELLS EXTENSION OF BRITISH LINE ASSISTS DEFENCE OF VERDUN Paris, April 12. The Petit Journal, in a story of the recent fighting at Douaumont, says that a furious bombardment with heavy artillery during the entire morning suddenly ceased. The French troops took their places to await the German rush, but the bombardment was resumed with greater violence, and asphyxiating and lachrymose shells made it impossible to breathe. Two German attacking columns advanced simultaneously, and succeeded by a vigorous rush in reaching the battered trenches at certain points. The French launched a counter-attack so vigorously that all the enemy forces were repulsed. It is estimated in well-informed quarters that the Germans have lost 30,600 men at Douaumont during the last three day*. The Journal, in an article headed "Britain's Friendship," says: " The blood of the British is mingled everywhere on the west front with the blood of Frenchmen. At the beginning of the battle of Verdun, when Germany was collecting her best troops against France, our ally relieved us on,one of the most difficult sectors, namely, that of Artois. To-day, in the trenches of Ablain St. Nazaire, Carency, and Souchez, and in every village of Artois, the English, Scottish, Canadian, Welsh, and Irish soldiers mount guard or prepare for the fray." A Berlin communique states; "The French fruitlessly attacked north-east, of Avocourt. Three French counter-attacks prepared by violent fire upon Poivre Hill resulted in heavy enemy losses, without any corresponding gain in country. Twice storming parties failed to pa our curtain of fire, while the third attack collapsed in front of our entanglements." *