France.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 17, 7 September 1914, Page 6

France.

GERMANS ENTRENCHED AT MOWS. (Received 8.50 a.m.) London, September 6 (morning). The Observer’s correspondent at Ostend passed the German lines and visited Mons. He states that the Germans fearing an attack from the British troops from the north-west, aro entrenching themselves at Mons. Ihe Germans are behaving atrociously m the district, burning the houses and murdering Belgian non-combatants, particularly the miners, whom they declare are dangerous Socialists. Sacks containing 620,000 aluminium identification plates of the German killed are being sent to Berlin. WHAT DOES !T MEAN? (Received 9.10 a.m.) London, September 6. The Germans’ new movement through Laferte, Souramurre and Rheims is interpreted as an attempt to break the Allies’ line between Paris and Epernay, perhaps also between Rheims and Verdun, realising the danger of attempting to besiege Paris with an unbroken army in the field.

BOMBARDMENT OF MAUBEUCE.

(Received 9.30 a.m.) London, September 6

The Observer’s Osteud correspondent says Maubeuge was bombarded by the famous howitzers. Over a bundled houses in Nimy, Mons, Jemappes and other villages were burned. The terrified inhabitants hung out white flags and implored mercy. At Jemappes the monument to France’s victory over the Austrians in 1792 was destroyed. The Germans demand a requisition and are terrifying the victims with revolvers. He saw in one village the burial place of 105 Germans and fifty Englishmen. Wherever possible the villagers wrapped the Englishmen in Union Jacks. /At Mons he saw a convoy of English prisoners bareheaded in the blazing sun. The citizens offered them straw hats, which the Germans would not permit them to. wear. The Germans taunted the British, saying: “Look at those brave robbers of colonies.” After the battle southwards of Mons many wounded British wore for three days Without help. ' The correspondent saw a German aeroplane .break down near Ostend. The peasants captured two officers, one of whom was wounded. ‘Both were sent to Ghent. |

DISPOSITIONS OF THE FORCES.

(Received 12.20 p.m.) London, September 6.

The Press Bureau states that the first German army is reported to be between La Ferte, Lous Jouarre and Essisesvof Fort; the second is advancing east of Chatpau Thierry; ■ the fdurth is marching southwards between Stippes and Villi sur Tqnbe. .. ;

„ The British have established personal ascendancy over the .Germans, who are conscious the result will not be doubtful if the numbers are even. Rifle are devastated every column of the attack, a lid their superior training and intelligence enable the British to cope with Vast, numbers.

General French, in his report, dwells on the marked superiority of every arm of the service. Since the fight at Cambrai, the seventh French army have been supporting our left, and in conjunction with the fifth array, our right has greatly relieved the strain and pressure. The fifth army on the 29th advanced from the line of the Oise to counter the German advance, and there was considerable battle to the south of Guise. The French gained marked and solid success, driving back three army corps with heavy loss and in disorder. The Allies’ general j-etirement, however, continued, the Germans seeking persistently after the British, but they remained practically in continuous contact with our rearguards.

BRITISH AND GERMANS IN BITTER CONFLICT.

BRITISH GUARDS LOST 300 KILLED'AND WOUNDED,

(Received 12.40 p.m.) London, September 0

The Press Bureau states that on Thursday the Germans made a very vigorous effort at Cornpiegne, where the first British cavalry and the fourth Guards Brigades were principally engaged. The brunt fell on the Guards, who lost 300 killed and wounded. The Germans were not brought to a standstill till much slaughter had been inflicted. Till Wednesday marching and fighting were continuous. The casualties are estimated at 15,000, but many missing may rejoin the Colours. The losses do not amount to a third of those inflicted. The sacrifice is not out of proportion to the achievements. Nineteen thousand of reinforcements have arrived. The British are now south of the fiver Marne between the French positions, BRITISH TROOPS IN EXCELLENT HEART. (Received 1.35 p.m.) London, September 6. The Press Bureau states: The Brit:sh cavalry do as they like until confronted by three times the number of Germans. The German patrols simply fly before our horsemen, whilst their t -oops will not face our infantry. In suite of almost tropical weather and long trying marches our men are well and hearty anti the horses are in exCfclluit condition.

KILLED WHILE CARRYING DESPATCHES.

(Received 9 a.m.) London, September 6

An incursion party of Lilians attacked a motor car in which were the Duko of Westminster and an officer who were carrying French despatches. They put on speed and the Germans fired many shots. The officer was killed.

PAST WEEK’S OPERATIONS!.

THE BRITISHERS’ PART.

(Received 11.4 a.m.) London, September 6

The Press Bureau states: A general survdy of the week’s operations shows no new main trial of strength. There have been battles on various parts of the front, which in other wars would have been considered operations of the first magnitude, but now are merely incidents. The strategic withdrawal and contraction were necessitated by the initial shock on the frontiers and in Belgium, also by the enormous strength the Germans have thrown in the west. While suffering heavily through weakness, the British acted in harmony with the French strategy. The British at Cambrai on August 26th successfully guarded the left flank of the whole French line from a deadly turning attack supported by an enormous force.