Evening star., 1916-08-06
Fierce Fighting in
Verdun Region.

SsS6ASAA' COnflCt now rag
ing about verdun probably over
shadows the operations along the
Somme. although the latter are in no
wise to be discounted.
Early in the week the Germans re-
newed their drive toward Verdun. pre-
faced as it was by terrific artillery
hurled on the French on the Naux-
Chapitre-Chenois line and some
trenches were taken from Gen Ne
ville's men. In the region of Thiau-
as they also did in the vicinity OF
Fleury. Their success was short lived
! however as it initiated a struggle
which undoubtedly will prove memo
rable for its terrible character. The
French during the middle of the week
began a drive to regain such territory
as was lost. and they even accomplish
ed more. Pepper Hill and Froid Terre
were the scenes of terrific struggles
and the French are declared to be near
ing complete mastery of these posi-
tions, which are regarded by the Ger
mans as of the greatest importance in
their plan of taking Verdun. The
French directed attacks on the village
of Fleury from two directions and
forced the Germans from this posi-
ton. Paris later admitted the par
tial loss of the town, while Berlin de-
clared that it had been completely re-
Whatever the final result of the strug-
gle, thousands Of lives have been
| offered up by both the French and
Germans at this one point alone. the
fighting lasting for several days and
being Of hand hand character.
Although Berlin declares that the Of
| fensive of the French and British forces
on both sides Of the River Somme has
been so slow that the Germans have been
a BILE to construct defensive works equally
Of those
| drive in this region, the allies have scored
considerable success in the face Of con-
stant terrific counter attacks OF the enc
my. The British efforts have been direct
ed chiefly to the east Of PoZieres and in
the vicinity of BaZentin-le-Petit and to
the east of Waterlot farm and Trones
woods. AT all OF these points success has
been achieved, considera BILE territory hav-
| ing been wrested from the enemy.
| Possibly the most important activity.
however has been along the French line
from Har-
French Draw Nearer decourt 20
Peronne by Activities. SOM m
where the French have stormed several
| German trenches and have cut the
| Com bles-Clery railroad in several places.
! The French forces now are on the out
| skirts of Maurepas and firmly hold posi-
| tions In Hem wood and Monacu farm, two
| important positions in the German defense
| OF Peronne from the northwest.
The French for the past two weeks
| have offered a constant menace to Per
| onne from the southwest and. now tha {
! the movement is well under way north
| of the river. Peronne is endangered from
I two directions. That the Germans fully
realize the allied menace to this important
| railway junction, Is indicated by the fact
| that more than 1850, 900 soldiers have
| been assembled along the Somme front in
| the effort to stay the French attempt to
! take Peronne and the British blows in the
| general direction of Bapa ume The allies.
during the entire week. have been subject
| ed to the fercest of fierce attacks from
| the Germans, but the only gain recorded
! for the Teutons has been at Foreaux
wood. north of Longueval, which they
! claim to have taken from the British.
| This achievement, however. has not yet
| been admitted by either of the allied
| capitals.
| In all other arenas OF war there have
| been few developments, such engagements
as have been fought not being of vital
| character in the general scheme OF opera
! tions. The Russians are pressing on the
| Turks west Of Baiburt and Erzngan and
| have registered some gains in the Lake
| Van region. The Turks report a victory
| at Agnott. Turkish fliers are reported
| to have shelled shipping in the SueZ canal
! and the Arabs are said to have effected
! the capture of Fort Yembo on the Red
! sea