Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-09-19
STORY FROM BATTLE FRONT Gives
CRUES0ME DETAILS OF SCENES
SLAUGHTER IN NIGHT BATTLES
Tuesday Night Saw Thousands Die When Germans Attempted
Offensive Movement in Western Sphere
OF the War Zone

On the Battle Front, Sept. 1s.-(By
Way of Paris, 5.35 P. M.)-Along the
River Aisne-Each encounter in
fiuences the execution of the general
idea of the commander in chief Of the
allied army. Attacks and counter at
tacks follow one another in rapid sue
oession every hour out of the "a.
During the course of the night of
Sept 1916, the Germans attempted
a formidable movement in the west
ern sphere. but were met by the
French and British with courage that
was simply marvellous against over
whelming odds. The Germans return
ed to the attack no fewer than 10
times with great tenacity and intrepid
ity. but were unable to break through
the firm line presented by the allies
infantry. The fight just before day
break was the most violent of all. Be-
fore retiring behind their big guns
they sacrificed many of their num-
Der, displaying resolution which APP
preached desperation. A vigorous
counter attack from the allies en-
sued, during which a small extent
of ground was gained,
Last night was relatively calm
along the front, but today the fight
ing became moro furious than ever.
During the darkness operations are
rendered difficult owing to the reluct-
ance OF the opposing commanders to
use searchlisnts, which might ex-
pose their position.
After this stage of the fight was con-
cluded, the Germans appeared to re-
tire about seven miles. During the
combat the adversaries in many in
2 stances came to hGnd-to-hand clashes
and the bayonet was extensively used.
The carnage was terrifying, but the
troops of both armies appear to have
been hardened to such scenes and
fought with indomitable GOODNESS, de-
spite the heaviness of the losses.
The allies aviators apparently dis
covered today the emplacements of
soma big German guns, notwitnstand-
ing the cleverness in which they are
hidden beneath an earth covering,
strewn with the branches of trees.
The allies artillery opened a concen-
tfated fire on certain portion of the
line and the heavy German artillery
shortly afterward lapsed into silence
at that spot, although IL is not known
or were merely effecting change of
position owing to their former en-
S placement having become untenable.
1t is impossible to learn from any one
portion of the line what is occurring at
other places. but an inclination to rsoede
slightly seemed evident on the German
side. although they offered the most OBJ
climate resistance and fought as if made
Of iron. The aliines at the same time
doggedly pursued the small advantage
they gained and kept at the heels of their
reluctantly retiring foe.
At point where the bulk Of the British
froope formed part of the al!ies line, the
fighting was furious yesterday and today
and some OF the most famous English.
Scottish and Irish regiments, including
the Guards and the Highlanders, suf-
fersd severely. They performed the task
set for them unfiinchingly. advancing and
occupying some Of the advanced German
positions. but At terrible cost.
Benind the fighting line along the Aoy-