The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-03-15
German Renewal of Verdun
Battle Is Repulsed.
Enemy Gained, but Compelled
to Evacuate.
CENTERS ON DEAD man HILL
Germans Claim Capture OF
1000 French Prisoners.
Crown Prince Forcing LegiOnS
in Final Attempt.

London March 15.-The French
have re-captured a part of the ground
gained by the Germans in the renewal
of their drive west of Meuse, Paris
announces today The crown princes
armies by delivering massed attacks
gained a footing in the French lines
yesterday at two points between Beth
incourt and Dead Mans hill, the domi-
mating height which is the immediate
object of the present German drive.
THE Germans made heavy sacrifices in
attempting to cut the trench line and
obtain possession of Dead Mans hill.
Paris advices declare.
Possession of this height has en-
abled the French to sweep with their
artillery the territory over which the
lfermans were endeavOring to advance
The fortress is still in French hands,
however, the French war office an
nounces. although the German line
has advanced southwark until it now
takes in nearly the whole of Cumieres
wood to the east of the height.
Germans Report Advance.
The Berlin official report on the
gain made by the Germans during the
Nerdun battle west of the Mouse de-
scribes it as taking the place west of
the CorbeauX wood and on the height
of LeMort Homme dead MANI. This
comedies with the French version of
the fighting as TO the sector in which
the Germans made their advance.
Berlin declares, however. that the
French counter attack although re-
peated four times, failed to result in
any measure of success and that the
losses of the assaulting forces were
heavy. The Germans took ,025 pri-
soners in this action.
After Three Days Pause.
Toa r.iG rob rauaxxra1 of
the fighting west of the Mouse after
three days pause, is regarded as her
aiding the opening of the third phase
of the battle for Nerdun. The de-
Tenders have profited by the period of
relative inaction to strengthen further
weak joints in their armor and they
await events with full confidence.
NOW 1 know where L stand, l am
certain of final success" said General
Petain, who is in charge of the French
operations at Nerduu. The first APP
pearance of the German infantry yes
terday after the usual intense bonn
bardment occurred late in the after
noon and fighting lasted for three and
half hours. They attacked along
the whole line from Bethincourt to
the crest of Cumieres a distance of
about four miles. There was every
indication that the struggle would be
resumed during the night.
Fearful Execution.
The heaviest fighting was around
Dead Man Hill, the Germans de-
bouching in masses from Corbeaux,
and other smaller woods to the west.
They were obliged to cross open
ground and a well directed fire from
the French did fearful execution
among them. Their ranks quickly
filled up, however. and although they
were stopped again, they ended by
getting a footing in an advanced
French trench at two points.
Dead Man Hill which is now being
contended for. is a fine artillery posi-
ton and nothing more. the military
critics say for it is not Joined to any
thing. 1t is a plateau whose base is
limited on it's four faces by four ra-
vines and it rises only at the east
dominating there the present German
Positions.
The crown princes plan is evidently
10 make a breach in the French line
between Bethincourt and Dead Man
Jill to enable his troops to advance in
southeasterly direction toward Chat
tancourt and envelop the French left
there while German forces from Reg