THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 241, 14 November 1914, Page 9

THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE.

AN EVER-CHANGING FACE. AN HEROIC GUNNER. "Times" sand "Sydney Sun" Services. . - . : (Beeeived .November'l4, 8. a,m.) liONDON,.Novomber 13. , "The Times" correspondent says::— The battle of the Aisne was like the smile of a!C%eshrre cat, continually fading away and ■reappearing. The supply : of heavy artillery Wrid airmen is greater llian in September, and ihe fighting in : this district immensely influences the left wing. The .Allies' prospects of turning the Gerifian position above Soissons has materially improved, and the ground lost at Yaiily was quickly recovered. The Germans, dislodged the Allies by unexpectedly dragging up heavy, artillery and'assembling a superior force of infantry. They outnumbered and outranged the Trench, who were compelled to retire. Their guns were immovable, and the artillery held out to the last until finally only one gunner capable of action was left. He vowed he would stick to his post until he fired the whole of his ammunition. He poured shell after shell into the steadily advancing enemy, but though he swept away line after line, he failed to wholly check the Germans. He still had 12 shells when the Germans were 300 yards away, and he fired the last when they were only .100 yards away. Then he coolly removed the breach and escaped, having killed 600. One momentary retreat was marked by

a gallant charge by the English troops. The Lancers were fully exposed to the enemy's fire and had to choose between retreating or remaining under fire without a chance to reply. Neither suited their kidney, and they eharged the German batteries, which were a mile away. The enemy were 2000 strong, but in no less than 10 minutes all-the German artillerymen had been sabred.