The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-09-23
Advance Attempt Fails

s.An attempt by part of our line to ad- vance slightly was unsuccessful, but led to the withdrawal of part of the enemy infantry and artillery.
 Further counter attacks made during inc night we're beaten off. Rain came on towards evening and continued intermit- tently until a. m. on the 18th, to some extent hampering the motor transport service.
 "On Wednesday, the 16th, there was lit tie change in the situation opposite the British, the enemy's bombardment con tinuing throughout the morning and even ing. Our artillery fire drove the defend- CTS off one of their salient positions, but they returned in the evening. Forty prisoners were taken by the third divi- sion
 "On Thursday, the 17th, the situation remained unchanged in it's essentials. The German heavy artillery fire was more active. The only infantry attacks made hy the enemy were on our extreme right and as had happened before, were re- pulsed with heavy loss. chiefly on tnls occasion by our field artillery.
 "To convey some idea of the nature of the fighting it may be said that along the greater part of our front. the Ger mans have been driven back from the forward slopes on the north of the river. Their infantry are holding strong lines or tfentleS amongst anu dlou6 thc odS S7 of the numerous woods which crown the slopes These trenches are elaborately constructed and cleverly concealed. In many places there are wire entangle- ments.
 Under CrOss7Fire
 Both woods and open carefully aligned. they can be swept by guns invisible from our side of the valley. The ground in front of the infantry trenches, as a rule, also is under cross-fire from the field artillery.
 "A feature of, this action, as of the previous fighting, is the use by the enemy of their numerous heavy howitzers, with which they can direct long-range fire along the valley and right across 1t.
 ''The bomhardment by both sides has been heavy and on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday was continuous Despite the general din caused by the immense num- Der of heavy guns in action along our front Wednesday the arrival of the French force, acting against the German right flank was announced on the east of our front some miles away by the continuous roar of their quick firing ar tllery.
 '.So far as the British are concerned the greater part of this week has been passed in bombardment, in gaining ground by degrees and in beating back severe
 
 casualties have been severe, but it Is < probable those of the enemy are heavier.
 'On our right and left the French have been fighting fiercely and also have beer gaining ground. One village already dur ing this battle has been captured ant recaptured twice by each side and at tho time of writing remains in the hands oi the Germans The fighting has been a close quarters and of the most desperate nature and the streets of the village ar, filled with dead of both sides.
 As an example of the spirit inspirins our allies the following translation O ordre Du Jour, published September 9 after the battle of Montmrail, by tn, commander of the French fifth army. ii given:
 Soldiers: Upon the memorable feld of Montmirail, of Vauchamps, of Cham paubert, which a century ago witnessed the victories of our ancestors over Blu cher's Prussians, your vigorous offensiv, has triumphed over the resistance of tn.