THE ATTACK ON VERDUN.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLI, Issue 12821, 13 April 1916, Page 5

THE ATTACK ON VERDUN.

[Bv Electric Tixwi:.u'h —Corvitiuur.j

DESPERATE FIGHTING.

Received April 12, at 9.10 pan. Amsterdam, April 11

An official German communique says: The French counter-attack on the Haucoorfc-Bethincoiirt line collapsed, with great enemy losses. We captured a block-house south of Crow's Wood, also Fnrther defensive works south-east of Douatimont.

Received April 12, at 9.10 a.m. Paris, April 11. A communique states that north of .Vines our artillery caught a strong German column marching on Cbeniin <lcs Dames, and inflicted serious losses. There was a somewhat intense bombardment off our .Mort Homme-Cnnii-eres front, bnt there was no infantry action. After a violent artillery preparation, accompanied by an discharge of itcar shells, the Germans :<t 4 o'clock in the afternoon strongly attacked between Douaumont and Vans, and gained a footing in our advanced elements, but they woro quickly (triren out. , • [A message from the High Connnis--ioner dated London. April 12, says that the Germans, after a very violent ..rtillorv preparation, with a great us« „t lacbrvmose shells. launched at powernil ntta'ck aginst the French trenches between Douaumont and V anx. _ After •raining a footing in a few portions or rlw; French advanced? line the enemy tvere ejected by a counter-attack, the Krench making*prisoner of'loo men uninjured.] Received April .13, at 1.20 a.m. Paris, April 12. _

Including reinforcements, it- is estimated that 450,000 German*.were brtrre Vcrdnn on the Ist April. It- is ( oniputed that 200,000 were killed or mounded between 21st February awl Ist April.

KeceivetS -April 13, at 9.10 a.m. Paris, April 12. The Petit Journal's story of the latest fighting at Douaumont states that there was a fnrious bombardment by heavy artillery the entire morning. It suddenly ceased and the- rrencli troops took their places to await the German rush, but the bombardment was resumed with greater violence. Asphyxiating and lachrymatory sheU made* it impossible to breathe. Two German attacking columns advanced simultaneously, and succeeded by •'* vigorous rush in reaching the battered trenches at certain points. The trench bunched a counter-atatack that was so vigorous that ail the enemy forces wenrepulsed. „ . . , It is estimated m well-informed quarters that the Germans Douaumont last Thursday.