ACHIEVEMENTS OF FIELD ARTILLERY, 
731 
German left from the small copses which they held to the north of 
the woods which they occupied. Two German batteries moved round 
from their first position and, coming into action between the woods, 
drove off the French attacks several times with their fire, although 
they too were compelled at times to shift their ground. The 3rd 
Brigade of the German cavalry now also moved round to the open 
ground west of Dambron and threatened the French flank in a manner 
which checked their forward movement. Meanwhile an attack on the 
German right from Autroches was stalled off in a great measure by the 
effective shells of the batteries on that wing. 
Finally, at 4 o'clock, the French made a great effort all along their 
line. They were repulsed on the south and in the centre, but drove 
back their opponents for a time on the north of Poupry. The last 
reserves of the Germans being called into the fight, however, once 
more restored the balance, and the approach of darkness put and end 
to the battle. 
The day had cost the French 4000 killed and wounded, and their foes 
fully as many > but 2500 unwounded prisoners, 8 guns, 1 mitrailleuse 
and a standard were left as trophies in the hands of the Germans. 
This battle is full of instruction for Artillery officers, and the arm is 
seen intervening predominantly, often in spite of most adverse circum¬ 
stances, in all the incidents of a fight exceptionally eventful and full of 
variety, and its value asserted itself, moreover, in the most many sided 
manner. 
It is first seen forming the frame-work of resistance in the line of 
battle, and the waves of the attack are shattered on its front. Then 
we find it boldly enveloping the French left and asserting its activity 
and enterprise in a counter-attack, which is driven home by the weight 
of every available battery, while the Horse Artillery prove themselves 
so swift and venturesome that they sweep round until they are almost 
assailing their foe from the rear of his position. 
Turning southwards, the guns of the 17th Division are next con¬ 
spicuous, at first beating down the fire of the hostile guns, then pouring 
their shells on the assault of the battalions, and finally, when their 
division is in its turn taking the offensive, wheeling round and joining 
in the attack in the most effective style. 
When the 22nd Division arrives on the scene its batteries are sent 
forward and prepare the way for the advance of the infantry. Then, 
concentrated in a weighty mass, they fasten on the enemy's flank, and 
their heavy blows shatter and disorganise his efforts. At length, 
smothered by the fire of 70 pieces, he is forced to give way. 
Finally, when the new and unexpected dauger threatens the Germans 
from the direction of Artenay. the guns show themselves no less stub¬ 
born in warding* off the rush of the French in far superior numbers, 
and enable the hard pressed infantry to hold their ground. 
The advantages of assailing a foe with fire from the flanks is well 
illustrated, and it is when guns can thus be brought to bear that they 
produce the most marked results, while throughout the day the 
importance and advantage of keeping the direction of batteries con- 
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