The Brunswick news. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 1906-2016, 1916-04-06
HAVOC PLAYED WITH
CROWN PRINCES MEN
Shrapnel Did Fatal Work, Re-
sulting in the Death of Many.
Result Regarded by Officials
as Very Significant.


fighting around Verdun, the Germans
lost considerable ground and again
sustained heavy casualties, notwith-
standing the new formation of their
attacking parties.
At pm. after the ground had
been battered by several hundred
tons of projectiles, a thin line of
riflemen debouched from Chauffeur
wood, little to the northwest of
DOuaumont. The Germans advanced
by short bounds toward the French
trenches, situated about 300 yards
south of the village. A second and
third line followed at equal distances,
with small supporting and attacking
columns in the rear. This formation
has been noticed during the last few
days and is regarded by the French
as proof that the Germans have
been sorely punished in their pre-
viOus assaults in serred ranks.
But the change proved ineffective.
The first line of riflemen advanced to
within fifty yards of the French
trenches and there had to drop to the
ground under heavy blasts of shrap-
Anel and sustained musketry. The sec
Ond and third lines attempted to ad-
vance to the support of the first line.
but were stopped far in the rear by
machine gun fire.
The Germans in the first line were
in a very critical position. Shrapnel
worked havoc among them. To
charge was out of the question, and
as long as they remained at the point
to which they had advanced they
were little better off, for they were
within range of the French three
inch guns. TIL entire attacking force
finally retreated under a taking fire
to Chauffeur wood. They left half
their number on the field At least
three regiments took part in the at
tack.
The Chauffeur wood proved to be
an insecure shelter, for the French
artillery covered that entire area. 1t
demolished shelters and piled up the
German losses.
The action is regarded by military
critics as of great significance, show
ing that the Germans even with their
new formation, are unable to escape
the furious responses of French ar
tillery. that the French positions,
though they may be vulnerable at
certain points, cannot be shaken, and
that the French counter offensive is
effective.
Il N+o ,nt IN
NIT the Germans to retain the ground
they wor recently in the VauxDoua-
mont region, northeast of Verdun, the
French aye continuing their violent
attacks ~. Paris today reports
that ground was gained north of Cali
lette wood in several engagements
last night
TIE advance reported is in the i'm
mediate neighborhood of yesterdays
battle ground, south of Douaumont
village. where the Germans attacked
the French lines with strong forces
but. according to the French war of
flee. were swept back with heavy
losses. Previous attacks on the Ger
man lines in the Calliette wood had,
according to Paris, regained for the
French considerable of the ground
lost there in the furious German drive
on April 2.
There has been no renewal of the
fighting west of the Meuse, but a
movement of some nature apparently
is in preparation east of the fortress,
as an intense bombardment in the
Woevre district between Moulainville
and Chatillon is reported.
Several small infantry engagements
fave taken place in Lorraine, the Ger
mAns being repulsed by French artil-
lery and machine gun fire.