MARKED PATROL ACTIVITY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21528, 15 December 1939, Page 7

MARKED PATROL ACTIVITY

Small French Outpost Captured British Official Wireless RUGBY, December 13 The French official evening communique states: “In the course of a series of encounters which took place yesterday to the west of the Saar one of our small outposts was captured by the enemy who made some ten prisoners. Our line was quickly reestablished as announced in the evening communique of December 12. Today is quiet on the front as a whole.” There has been marked patrol activity on the central part of the Western Front during the past twentyfour hours. The Germans made determined efforts to drive back French outposts. According to a Paris report, three raids were supported by heavy artillery and trench mortar fire. The French repulsed the enemy after a violent hand grenade duel which lasted several hours. A retirement was made by the French according to plan and then fire was opened on the enemy, the French finally reoccupying their positions. A French official communique states “During the night, the latest information shows, there have been short encounters in the region between the Saar and the Warndt Forest. During the day there has been another engagement with artillery action in the same region. Our outpost line everywhere remains intact.”