The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-10-11


 London, October 10.-(9:35 p. m.)-Antwerp and the forts surrounding the city are in complete possession of the Germans, but the greater part of the Belgian army las es- capped.
 It took the Germans just It days to capture the strongest fortress in inc world.
 The fall of Antwerp is evidence that even the most powerful forts are no match for the colossal Howitzers which the invaders have successfully employed against every fortified place that stood in their way. These huge guns open gaps through which the be- siegers find an entrance for their field artillery and infantry.
 
 itself for many hours, making it unten- able, entered the town through the suburb of Berchem to the east They had made breach in the outer line of forts, some Of which were destroyed by their big guns and others blown up by the defenders The Germans followed similar plans in dealing with the inner belt of forts. and ut the same time threw shells into the eity which set afire many places. The inner forts, like those without, after resistance, succumbed to the enormous ehells, and on Friday morning several of these forts had fallen. opening the way for the Germans into the city. By midday they were in occupation of the town. and at 2:30 D. m. the war banner on the ca thedral was replaced by white flag
 Forts Hold Out
 few forts continued to hold out, and il was not until Il o'clock this morning that the Germans, according to their own official report. were in complete occupa- ion of the city and fortress. When they arrived yesterday they found that the Belgian field army and at least part of the garrison had left them. likewise the King and royal family had escaped
 The death roll, resulting from the at tack and defense of Antwerp. has not been compiled and probably the full de- tails never will be known, but all &C., counts, describe it as being terribly heavy. The Germans, although their big guns cleared path for them, had to sacrifice many lives in crossing the rivers and canals and in driving out the de- lenders. who held the entrenchnients un- til the last. The stubbornness of the tselgians and of those who went to thsir assistance Cost them dearly, also, so that both sides VII have long casualty lists. There is no reliable information as to the loss of life in the city and the damage there.
 Refugees Arrive
 Crowds of refugees arrived tonight in London. Most of them lest Antwerp Thursday night and their accounts of the attacks are confused. The Belgians them selves. besides destroying sorts, blew up etcamers at the docks and Set fire to the petrol stores and everything useful to the invaders. They also took away wist the transports could carry.
 BercEem, where the military and other hosritals the orphanage and some pub lie buildings are situated vas reported to be destroyed.
 Even If this is an exaggeration, it must be i'adiy damaged. as it was burning at hast two days.
 The Antwerp railway stations also made marks for the shells from the big guns. but. according to some Of those who have reached here, the ca- thedral. which is on the other side of the city near the Scheldt. while struck, vas not badly damaged. The inmates of tho hospitals and other institutions were removed Thursday or earlier, so that they were on the way before the Germans arrived.
 A question now arising is as to the pect upon the general campaign of hs German occupation of Antwerp. /rhe Belgian garrison, or the greater bart of 1t. escaped. and is reported to be engaged with the Germans. / Strategic Importance
 The strategic importance of Antwerp
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