THE WAR. BATTLES IN FRANCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11507, 1 October 1915, Page 6

THE WAR.

BATTLES IN FRANCE.

ENEMY'S COUNTER ATTACK GAINS IN THE CHAMPAGNE. By Telegraph— Press Association—Copyriirhf. PARIS, Sou toolbar 30. A comrriuniqiifi says: Tho enemy's comitcr-n-ttack in Artois wa« restricted to .a mos.t violent bombardment of onr ncir positions cn,stJ of Soucliez We gained a footing at several points iu tbo enemy's f-ooond defensive position in the Champagne, aud aro ftrmly holding iliem. Wo even passed the second lino at one point, but progress was not maintained, owing to violent fire curtains and flanking bombardments. Our aviat-ors bombarded tho enemy'si communications. Shells were thrown l on sorei-al railway rotations, and also on a marching column at Sommetry.

Tho Hicrh Commissioner reports, London, September 30 5.10 p.m.: — In Artois there has been a violent bombardment of tho French new positions. In the Champagne the French took several points of the German second line of trenches west of Labnttc do Tahure and west of the farm of Navarrin. Certain troops resolutely advanced further, but were unable to maintain themselves, owing to tho German curtain of artillery fire and flanking fire. .Despite atmospheric conditions, aircraft bombed five village stations of German communications.