Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-09-15
fifth army which captured three vii
lagos at the points of bayonets.
Allies Benin Advance.

HItlt army Which, CdptuTcu luICc VA
lagos at the points Of bayonets.
Allies Begin Advance.
"On Monday, sept Z, there was q
general advance on the part Of the
allies. Our troops which had now been
reinforced, pushed on in northeastern
ly direction in cooperation with the
advance of the French fifth army to
the north and of the French sixth army
to the eastward against the German
rear guard along the river Ourcq.
Possibly weakened by the detach'
ment of troops to the eastern thsater
Of operations, and realizing that the ac'
ton Of the French sixth army against
the line of Ourcq. and the advance OF
the British placed their own thanking
movement in considerable danger OF
being taken in the rear and on its right
flank, the Germans this day commenc'
ed to retire towards the northeast.
This was the first sign that these
troops had turned back since their at
tack at Mons fortnight before ana
from reports received the order to re-
treat when close to Paris was bitter
disappointment. From letters found on
dead soldiers there is no doubt there
was a general impression among the
eneny's troops that they would be able
to enter Paris.
ION Tuesday, Sept. 8, the German
movement northeast was continued.
Their rear guards on the south OF the
Marne were being pressed back 70
that river by our troops and by the
French on our right, the latter captur-
ing three villages after a hand to hand
fight and the infection of severe losses
on the enemy.
"The fighting along the Ourcq con.
tinued on this day and was of the most
sanguinary character for the Germans
had massed q great force of artillery
along this line. Very few OF their IN
fantry were seen by the French.
1.-THE French fifth army also mace
a fierce attack on the Germans IN
Montmirail, regaining that place. On
Wednesday, Sept. 9 the battle between
the French sixth army and what was
now the German flank guard along
the Ourcq continued.
..The British corps offering some re-
sistance on the river Petit Norm,
crossed the Marine in pursuit OF the
Germans who now were hastily re-
treating north. One of our corps was
delayed by a defence made by strong
rear guard with machine guns at La
Ferries Sous Jourarre where the bridge
had been destroyed. Thursday, sept
10 the French sixth army continued lts
pressure on the west while the n1th
army by forced marches reached the
line of Chateau Thierry and Dormans
on the Marine. Our troops also con
tinued the pursuit on the north OF the
latter river and after q considerable
amount of fighting captured some l,5oo
prisoners, four guns, six macnlne guns
and so transport wagons.
Germans Lose Heart.
"Many Of the enemy were killed OF
wounded and the numerous woods
which dot the country north Of the
Marine are filled with German strag'
plers. Most Of them appear to have
heen without food for at least two
days.
:.Indeed in this area of the opera,
lions the Germans seem to be demor'
allied and inclined to surrender IN
small parties and the general SITUATION
appears to be most favorable to the
allies. Interesting incidents have oc'
Cured during the fighting. On the
10th Of September part of our second
army corps advanced into the north
found itself marching parallel with an
other infantry force at some little dis
lance away. At first it was thought
this was another British unit After
some time, however, it was discovered
that it was body of Germans re
treating.
Measures promptly were taken tc
head off the enemy who were sur
rounded and trapped in sunken roac
where over 400 men surrendered.
ION September 10 a small party
under non-commissioned officer was
cut off and surrounded. After des
perate resistance it was decided to &C
on fighting to the end. Finally the
non-commissioned officer and one mar
only were left, both of them being
wounded. The Germans came. up anc
shouted to them: Lay down you1
arms, The German commander, how
ever signed them to keep their arms
and then asked permission to shake
hands with the wounded non-commis
stoned officer who was carried Off or