WESTERN THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 17662, 21 February 1916, Page 5

WESTERN THEATRE

PBENCH COMMUNIQUE OPERATIONS IN ALLIES’ PAVOUB (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright) PARIS, February 19. Received February 20, 5,5 p.m. Communique: In Artois, northward of Hill 14 0, we exploded a mine and seriously damaged a German trench. Another mine caused a huge crater between two trenches. We occupied the southern edge, and the German attempt to dislodge us was stopped dead by our artillery. Co-operating with the British south of Eprise our curtain of fire rendered abortive an enemy attack that was in preparation. The enemy after an intense bombardment in Upper Alsace launched an attack north of Largitzen, and temporarily gained a footing in our trenches. A counter-attack immediately expelled them. ARTILLERY ACTIVE LONDON, February 19. Received February 20, 5.5 p.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports; Artillery has been generally active on both sides on the Yprcs front. We bombarded the enemy position north of the Canal. GERMAN REPORT AMSTERDAM, February 19. Received February 20, 5.5 p.m. German communique: The British again attempted to recapture the positions south-east of Ypres, but were repulsed with bloody losses. THE VALUE OP YPRES MUST BE HELD LONDON, February 19. Received February 20, 5.5 p.m. The attack at Ypres occurred between the railway canal and Commines. Some military experts point out that if our position here contracts much further, and if we lose as much ground there this year as hist year this will mean the abandonment of Ypres. The German success therefore should he taken with indifference, and counter - attacks, though expensive, are forth making. The intrinsic gain may he Very small, hut the peril of the Ypres salient is important, and the Germans aim is to damage our springboard for the next offensive.

MORE EITEMY EEnfFOKCEKENTS INDICATIONS OF STRENUOUS OFFENSIvK LONDON, February 19. Received February -0, 5.5 p.m. Trains of artillery and infantry continue to arrive in west and south Belgium, and many Gorman war councils are being held at Louvain. It is reported that the Crown Prince is commanding the best troops available. Germany has accumulated vast quantities of poison and gas and munitions.