[Page 108]
H.M.A.S., "Encounter".
WAR NEWS 15th September, 1914.
Our Centre Force gained a brilliant victory on right Wing of Enemy, near Paris. At the same time the principal extends as far as Verdun, all goes well. It is reported that the Russians are arriving in France by sea, and the Germans are leaving for the east. These reports are not confirmed.
12th Sept. 14. The Germans appear to be concentrating north-east and north-west of Verdun, their right stretched as far as Meaux, but appears to be broken. The line from Fere to Champenoise and all the Germans further west are surrounded on three sides by General Pau, and General French, and have retired twenty-five miles, and are just being reinforced. The enemy is retiring all along the line between Meaux and Verdun, east of Verdun all is well. The battle is not yet decided, but we are gaining ground.
13th Sept. 14. The attack of our Left Wing has been successful. The Germans are driven back forty-five miles. There are several thousand prisoners. The German Forces did not arrive in time. Around Verdun the fighting continues. General Joffre has prevented the conjunction of two German Army Corps up to the present.
Noumea Official. Anglo French left wing continues pursuit. Reported Army Corps cut off. Belgans assumed offensive at Pershot' Diest England is raising half a million of troops. Huge Russian victory Lublin. Austrian centre in full retreat, Poland cleared of enemy. The fall of Breslau is immenient.
15th September. The Germans on our left wing continue to retreat, evacuating Amiens, and falling back towards the East, they are not defending Marne, south east of Reims and Meaux. The centres have lost Ravigny, Brabat-le-voix, and still holding south Argonne. On our right wing they are retreating and we have reoccupied Raon L'Etape, Baccard, Remerville, and Nomeny, Pont-a-Mousson. General Joffre wires to M. Millerand, "Victory complete, retreating everywhere, abandoning wounded and materials. A week's formidable fighting. Allies flushed with success, execute pursuit. Left, cross Aisne below Soisson gaining 60 miles. Centre Armies already north of Marne. Those in Lorraine and Voges arriving at the Frontier. Troops very fit and carrying on and energetic pursuit
[Handwritten note] This was furnished by French Ship "Montcalm" Sept 15th