FRIGHTFUL MASSACRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1916, Page 7

FRIGHTFUL MASSACRE.

FRENCH COUNTER-ATTACKS. Paris, Feb. 27. "A frightful massacre," is how German soldiers taken prisoner in the battle 6f Verdun describe the effect of the French artillery, machine-gun and rifle fire. But the impetus of the assaulting forces was not diminished thereby during the first four days because fresh troops were thrown into the battle unceasingly. "Advance no matter what the losses may be," was the order given to the German troops before the attack. This is verified by documents found on one of the captured officers. The most critical moment in the first six days' actions was when the Germans gained a footing in the entrenched camp by the capture of Fort Douaumont. The least hesitation on the part of the defenders would have been disastrous. The Germans redoubled their efforts to take advantage of any confusion but the French immediately Began a counteroffensive. The French infantry advanced at double-quick to the trumpet charge and leaped at the first ranks of the Germans with irresistible fury. The clash was murderous to botli sides. The thinned French ranks were not to be denied, but went on to the second German wing, while reinforcements were hurried to their support. The German lines wavered first west of Douaumont; then were driven out of the ruins of the fort. A cry of triumph went up along the French line and the ardour of the counter-attack was redoubled. In the meantime an artillery duel, surpassing in intensity any previous action of the war, added to the carnage.