FRANCE AND BELGIUM.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144826, 2 November 1915, Page 3

FRANCE AND BELGIUM.

SIR JOHN FRENCH’S REPORT GOOD IWORK BY OUR MEN. LONDON, Nov. 1. General Sir John French’s last dispatch is dated October 15, and reviews operations since Juno. It deals principally with tlio British advance at Loos, but says that, nevertheless, we were constantly- engaged in otner important enterprises. “As a sample of the difficulties, we took a gun from tho canal embankment, rafted it over tho canal under fire, and dragged it over three trenches to a position seventy yards away from tho German line, enabling us to demolish a sap-head. “Tho enemy’s use of burning liquid caused temporary confusion at Hooge, but our losses were brilliantly regained.” Describing tho attacks on September 26-27, Sir John French says that tho enemy’s infantry fire was wild, but that of the artillery was accurate. The Scottish Fifteenth Division of tho new army delivered an admirable attack and in an hour had occupied loos and tho northern outskirts, while some units even pushed a mile eastward of Hill 70. Tho division carried out the advance with the greatest vigour, and although the enemy brought- up reinforcements one brigade advanced to Hulluch, capturing a gun and several positions, and causing the surrender of 000 Germans.

Tho assault of the Seventh Division resulted in tho occupation of the Western Quarries, Cite St. EJe and Haisnes. The enemy’s strong offensive near Hulluch drove in the advanced troops of tho 21st and 24th Divisions, which were preparing to attack. As a result of our advance the line south of the canal is much extended by a salient. The French Tenth Army were heavily opposed. I considered that their advance did not afford to my right flank and represented this to General Joffre, who asked the French commander of tho northern group to render assistance. This was done. By the end of September tho French troops had taken over tho ground wo occupied, extending from tho French left and including portion of Hill 70. also Ixms. Tho Germans on October S counter-attacked, and at all parts except two were repulsed with dous loss. The enemy left 9000 dead. Tho big advance was due to tlio 'brilliancy and dash of tho First and Fourth Corps. The Gorman positions extend for 6500 yards and the works aro of great strength, being a network of trenches and deep dug-outs. We captured 3000 of the' enemy.

Sir John French deeply regrets the heavy casualties, but in view of the groat strength of tho position and the stubborn defence of tho enemy he does not think them excessive, and the proportion of slightly wounded was very large. He pays tribute to the work of tho British artillery, and points out that the Germans hoped we would be unable to build up efficient artillery for a very large expansion of tho army. Its efficiency exceeded our expectations, and the artillerymen behaved wonderfully. The observers were 'compelled, under fire, to use delicate instruments and make nice calculations. -

Owing to the repeated enemy use of poison goseS' we were compelled to resort to similar methods. A detachment, organised for the purpose, took part, for the first tirao in £ho»e operations on September 25. Although the enemy were prepared for these reprisals the gas attack had a marked success and a demoralising effect on some of tho opposing units, of which there wore ample evidence in the captured trenches. Our.gassors carried out their work with 'conspicuous, gallantry and coolness, and I am confident that they will more than hold their own should the enemy again resort to gas.

GERMAN AND FRENCH REPORTS. AMSTERDAM, Oct. 31. A German communique states:—Tho Bavarians captured 1100 yards of French positions north-east of Neuville. The enemy attacked in superior numbers and captured tho projecting portion of our trenches north of Mesial. We stormed Tahuro Hill at night; there was long fighting, and we captured 1200. PARIS, Nov. 1. , A communique states:—Wo captured the trenches at Neuville. The enemy launched four heavy attacks at La Courtine and Tahure, but they all broke down with heavy enemy losses. THE NEW HELMETS. LONDON. Nov. 1. The new British stool helmet is proving a success. It prevents wounds from hand grenades, shell splinters, and shrapnel. In ono section of tho trenches the helmets saved thirty men. They are worn over the Balaclavas, and the men resemble Crusaders. GENERAL JOFFRE’S PLANS. PARIS, Nov. 1, Le Temps says that General Joffre met Lord Kitchener to decide on common measures. Tho nearest result will be the sending of reinforcements to Salonika. It is reported that a Greek demonstration in favour of dding with tho Allies is being arranged. FIGHTING AT TAHURE. WELLINGTON, Nov. 2. Tho High Commissioner reports under date London, Nov. 1 (3.40 p.m.):— Fighting continued last night in tho region of Tahure without modification of tho respective positions of the combatants. About a hundred ablebodied prisoners were captured, in addition to those previously enumerated.

-PEACE BY VICTORY. THE FRENCH MOTTO. TIKES AND BTDNET SUN SERVICES. (Received Nov. 2, S.lO a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 1. A Times’ correspondent at Paris states that M. Briand declares emphatically that the change in the Ministry is no sign of a change in policy, ■which, summed up in a word, is “Victory,” adding, “La paix par -la viotoire” (peace by victory) mast be the motto of any French Ministry. By peace he meant the restoration of the right of every country to lead ite own life, to critfyate ite own civilisation, and not to infringe a neighbour’s rights. By victory lie nman-fc-tho. y»n&hin&4xf ■GgvniaJfc-Tirfntanism.