OFFICIAL REPORTS.

West Coast Times, 20 June 1916, Page 3

OFFICIAL REPORTS.

HIGH COMMISSIONER’S REPORT. WELLINGTON, June 10. The High Commissioner reports from Lnndonl June 18th, at 4.4. r » p.m.— South of the Somme a strong enemy reconnaissance of onr trenches before Fay was compelled to retire, leaving prisoners. In the Argonne a lively grenade combat has taken place in the region of Vsgquois. At Labile Morte the explosion of a French mine made a huge crater, the southern lip of which we occupied. Our long range artillery fire caused a fire at the railway station at C’halieranges where the movement of trains were noticed. On the left of the Meuse the Germans after an extremely violent bombardment. several times attacked our new positions at Morthomme. using jets of liquid fire. The enemy was repulsed with heavy losses at each attempt, the French artillory'inaintaining the former guns. On the right hank, a series of enemy sanguinary attacks on onr trenches north of Thiamont entirely failed.

Artillery fighting continues lively in the sector north of Sonville. In Lorraine four French machines engaged four Fnkkers above the enemy lines and two of the latter were beaten down.

FAJJ/ OF FORT VAUX.

A STUBBORN RESISTANCE. HEROIC INCIDENTS. A GALLANT GARRISON. LONDON, June 17. One of the most heroic incidents in the defence of Fort Vans was the defence of the north-western outer works by the 101st Regiment, composed of Parisians. A semi-official story relates that the position was difficult but important because It obstructed tbe German troops to encircle the Vaux fort. The Germans were determined to capture the works at any cost. The bombardment with 11-inch guns began on June Ist and lasted all night. The regii ment-was isolated and supplies were unobtainable ami water exhausted, but there were no complaints. Every man stood at a loophole with stocks of grenades awaiting the infantry attack. The bombardment continued un til the evening, when the infantry advanced at 8 o’clock. A hail of grenades was let loose on the Germans, who turned and fled in disorder. The French fired a rocket asking the artillery to aid the defenders with a curtain of fire. A rocket exploded the entire supply of rockets, deluging the trench with red' and green flames and the densest smoke. The lire spread, but the regiment worked heroically to extinguish it and save the stock of grenades. They succeeded after an hour. Meanwhile the bombardment had been renewed and the infantry returned to the assault at 2.30 in the morning. The defenders wen* ordered to let the Germans come closer, and the fire was withheld until- they were fifteen paces from the trench. The officers and men then hurled grenades with the utmost speed, mowing down the assailants. One German reached a trench and received a grenade full in the face. Thus the second attack was beaten off, lint the regiment was still isolated. The thirst became almost unbearable and it was feared more than the enemy. Providentially rainstorms set in and canvas sheets were spread and even drinking tins put out to catch drops. The bombardment was 'resumed all day and tbe trench was enfiladed by ma-chine-guns from both sides. Wave after wave of Germans assaulted the heroic defenders, but all in vain. The Germans abandoned the attack on June 3rd, when the regiment was relieved under cover of night.

Meanwhile Iflfl thirst-stricken defenders at Vans - Fort held out amid in vested ruin s and despite a pitiless bombardment. It is estimated that since March never less than 8000 heavy shells fell each day. A few men managed to creep out. and bring in scanty water. Every window held a machine gun con trolled bv picked rifle shots. Not a German was left in the courtyard alive Barricades wore erected at every corner. Before each lie a pi.fe of German corpses. Tho Germans scaled roofs and lowered grenades in baskets and swung them through windows. A stretcher-bearer named Vanier escaped thrngh the grating and took out General Raynnl’s last message 1 on June fitb. He said “We are near tho end. All have done their duty. Vive la France.” The same day the French witnessed heavy explosions within the fort and next day tho Germans announced its capture.