WESTERN THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 17665, 24 February 1916, Page 5

WESTERN THEATRE

the german offensive. ADVANCE MADE AT SEVERAL POINTS. HEAVY LOSSES INFLICTED. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright) LONDON, February 22. Received February 22, 3.25 p.m. Official: In Artois, after a violent bombardment, the enemy strongly attacked our positions at Bois de Gvinchy, and pierced our first line trenches, which were completely wrecked, along a front of 800 metres. Also at several points they gained our supporting trenches, which, despite counter-attacks, they still occupy. In this section the enemy’s strength Is seven battalions. Our curtain of fire from rifles and machine guns caused heavy losses to the enemy. South-east of Roclincourt we blew up a mine and occupied the crater. . Artillery is continuously active near Verdun. The enemy attacked at Brabant sur Meuse and obtained a footing in some sections of our advanced and supporting trenches. Counter-attacks drove them out from most parts. Two German attacks were repulsed. Artillery is active between Chapelotte and Bau de Sapt. GERMAN REPORT. AMSTERDAM, February 52. Received February 23, 9.15 p.m. German communique: We stormed and captured 800 metres of French trenches east of Souchez, taking prisoner 326 men. GERMANY’S GAINS. DEARLY BOUGHT. PARIS, February 23. Received February 23, 10.30 p.m. Communique; The Germans, after a violent bombardment, renewed extremely brisk attacks between Brabant sur Meuse and Serbelois. They occupied Bois Haumont and the salient north of Beaumont at the cost of considerable losses.