New York Times Current History; The European War, Vol 2, No. 5, August, 1915Various
History
New York Times Current History; The European War, Vol 2, No. 5, August, 1915
Various
World War, 1914-1918
The artillery opened a crushing fire, and the Germans began to
retreat. As they passed the company's position their men were mowed
down by the exactness of the fire of our troops, and finally the brave
company was delivered.
The general in command of the army in the Vosges said, in
complimenting the men for their bravery, the company henceforth should
be called "Company Sid Ibrahim."
[Illustration: Battle line in the Vosges, July 20]
BATTLE OF FONTENELLE
_The official French "Eyewitness" at the front reported on July 18
giving details of the French success in the battle of Fontenelle, in
the Vosges. The scene of the conflict is in the neighborhood of the
village of Senones and the forest of Ormont, and the ground is
described as undulating and cut by deep ravines._
_It was in this region, says the observer, that the Germans, after the
battle of the Marne, look up a position on a summit commanding the
surrounding countryside. This hill was Height 627, which is known as
Fontenelle._
On June 22, after severe losses, the enemy succeeded in occupying
Fontenelle, says the observer. Although we counter-attacked
vigorously, taking 142 prisoners, the enemy held the summit. General
Van Kuderzen, in a report dated July 3, said that after a careful
inspection of the German works and trenches he finally believed that
the hill had been transformed into an impregnable fortress, and that
its capture would necessitate tremendous losses.
On July 8 all necessary preparations for the attack had been
completed. The same day, at nightfall, three columns, aided by a
remarkably accurate artillery fire, took a portion of the enemy's
trenches. In the center we also attacked, forcing the enemy to the
west of Launois in ten minutes. The attack on the left proceeded more
slowly, but, aided by gathering darkness, we took possession of the
northwestern portion of the hill.
At daybreak not only the whole of the summit had been retaken, but a
majority of the German defenses as far as the road from Launois to
Moyen-Moutier. Thanks to our artillery, all preparations for
counter-attacks were immediately stopped.
During the battles of July 8 and 9 we took 881 prisoners, including 21
officers. When questioned the prisoners gave great praise to our
excellent artillery marksmanship, saying: "We did not believe there
could be such a hell of fire."
BETWEEN BETHUNE AND ARRAS
_An Associated Press dispatch dated on the heights of Notre Dame de
Lorette, near Arras, July 10, gave the following account of the 120
days' fight ended successfully by the use of high explosives:_
After fighting 120 days for the hill country between Bethune and
Arras, the French forces are in possession of all the eminences
looking out upon the plain of Flanders. Lille, Douai, and Chambrai all
are visible from here.
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