THE WESTERN THEATRE.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13792, 12 June 1915, Page 5

THE WESTERN THEATRE.

CAPTURE OF NEUVE9.E.E*

WAY CLEAR TO LENS AND DOUAI.

•FRENCH PROGRESS IN THE AISNE

BRILLIANT WORK OF COLOURED

TROOPS

Parts; June 10,

'A communique states that last night the Germans re-attacked the- sugar refinery 1 at Souchez, but were speedily repulsed. The Germans bombarded Neu/ille St. Vaast but did not attempt to recapture -our gains at Hebuterne, extending a kilometre over a front of 1800 metres. The capture of Neuville St. Vaast clears the way to the great plains of Douai and Lens. M. Viviani, the Premier, is hastening heavy naval artillery to meet the German advance with men from Galicia. Details of the capture of tke- afcrongly fortified German salient at Queene-" viere, between the Oise aud the Aisne, show that heavy bomba.rdoionfc oa the sth smashed the defensive works. 'A'. minefield was exploded on the morning •of the 6th. and the French infantry leapt from the trenches. Tho Germans, who had -already lost heavily, sheltered in small groups in holes, and many were buried alive.

The assault was entrusted to battalions of Zouaves and Senegalese, and sharpshooters from the Brittany, infantry. Each man had 250 cartridges, and two hand grenades. Within 25 minutes, after a brilliant charge over a distance of 180 yards, during which 2000 Germans were slain, the position was taken, with 250 prisoners. The Zouaves, charging further away, captured three 75-millimeti'e guns. The Germans were mesmerised by the black troops' sudden bayonet attack, I and did not fire a shot. The Germans were mowed down by the French seventy-fives. A few officers bravely advanced to the trenches, but wore not followed by their men, and were killed. This position was maintained, despite German reinforcements motored from lvoyo. Over 3000 Germans were killed here. The French casualties were 250 killed; and 1500 wounded, mostly slightly, by bursting shells.