IN THE WEST

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1915, Page 5

IN THE WEST

THE BIG CLASH. READY FOR THE ADVANCE. 'y THE ALLIES OFIUMISTIO. /' London. September 2. 'A Central News correspondent' in Northern France states that the sustained vigoT of the French bombardment in the Argonne and tie Vosges is Slaving a cumulative effect on the enemy, who confesses inferiority by the fact that lie is linking op his defence with » new line, in anticipation of the need of falling back, ' The Germans several times have attempted to leave the trendies at Son* ebex, and in the Argonne and Tosgw, but tare arwaya; been repulsed. The French front line trenches bristle with mitrailleuses supported by heavy batteries. The German position in the ravine at Oburt-Chausaee, in the Argonne, was bombarded with 80,000 shells in four hours. It had a magnificent effect. The Allied officers are all optimistic and the armies are awaiting tie big clash with the best of spirits. The Germans are sending back large quantities of stares to the town* in the rear of the Belgian lines. THEIR BAPTISM OF FIRE. CHARGE OF'YOUNG FRENCH TROOPS. Received Sept. 3, 12.55 p.m. Paris j Sept. 3. Official: Describing the months' light ing at lingekopf, Barrerikopf, and Schratzwaennele, a correspondent says that one attack was made by mostly young troops of the 1915 class. It was their first big battle, and the general commanding, them declares that he thrilled with 1 pride S'oing them dash furiously on the enemy under a hot fire. They flung themselves over the trenches, literally trampling the Germans underfoot, and cleared the crest?: They went right past, but neglected the clear the ftret lines and polish off the Germans sheltering therein. Thus their excessive daring robbed the second line of (he chance of supporting them. In another attack the company reached the wire entanglements, and Were forced to entrench. Singing the Marseillaise, they repulsed a violent counterattack. They were summoned to surrender, but held their ground for thirtyrax hours, thus enabling the neighboring units to continue progress. ARTILLERY AT WORK. ~ FRENCH REPORT. Paris, September 2. A communique says:—There has been grenade fighting at SoucheZj and artillery engagements at Neuville, Royc, and in the Vosges. I A particularly heavy artillery struggle in Artois, the Argonne and the Vosges continues. The French batteries have silenced the enemy.