BRITISH GAIN GROUND NORTH OF THE SOMME

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 164, 1 April 1918, Page 5

BRITISH GAIN GROUND NORTH OF THE SOMME

ENEMY SEVERELY DEFEATED IN ARRAS AREA GALLANT WORK OF OUR CAVALRY By , Teleerapi-Prese Aesooiatiou-Copsriglit London, March 29. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "Further strong enemy attacks were made yesterday afternoon and evening at several points north of tho Somme. We maintained our positions, and also gained.ground in places by successful coun-ter-attacks, and captured prisoners and machine-guns. The enemy's casualties were exceedingly heavy. His frequent attacks were pressed with great determination all day, but only gained outpost lines after several hours of severe hand-to-hand fighting. His reserves were then sent forward against our battle positions, but were everywhere thrown back with great loss. Our machine-guns, artillery, and rifle fire did great execution. South of the Somme there was heavy and continuous fighting until late in the ovening. • 'After maintaining the line all day, in the faco of ■ repeated assaults by superior forces, we withdrew a short distance from our advanced position." r-Aus.-N.Z, Cablo Assn.-Reutor. ' (Rec. March 31, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 30. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "North of the Somme thore have_been local Actions only. The enemy's attacke yesterday at Demum and Mezieres, south of the Sommo, pressed back our troops from tho latter village. All the enemy's attacks at Demum broke down after sharp fighting lasting throughout the afternoon. Our cavalry during the past week have fought with great gallantry, both mounted and dismounted, and repulsed the enemy, _ inflicting heavy losses, in numerous engagements. Apart from local fighting at different points,- the enemy to-day has not pressed attacks northward of the Somme. We have gained ground at oertain places._ Heavy hostile attaoks developed this morning southward of the Somme, .in the neighbourhood of Mezieres and Demum. The fighting here continues. Captured documents show that the attack on Thursday astride the Scarpe was aimed at the capture of the Vimy Ridge and Arras, and was conducted by at least six divisions in the front line, with four assault divisions in support. Despite its force, the attack made only an inconsiderable impression on. our battle position, and resulted in a severe enemy defeat. In heavy fighting further south, between Boiry and Serre, which had no greater success, eleven hostile divisions were identified. The majority of our aeroplane attacks were southward of the Somme, where large concentrations of troops are constantly reported. The aeroplanes continued work till dark, despite the rain storms and low clouds, and fired nearly a quarter of a million rounds. There was not much air fighting considering the number of British machines in the air, hut on the battlefront the fire from the ground was again heavy.' We brought 'down nine German machines and drove down five others out of control, and fire from the ground brought down two. Twelve of our machines are miss-jng."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. THE THREAT AT AMIENS ATTACK IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION .PREDICTED. (Rec. March 31, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 30. The "Daily Mail" says the capture of Montdidier affects the defence of [Amiens. French reserves are continually arriving. Tho situation is serious ■until Montdidier is recovered and the Germans have been beaten back from theirpresent positions east of Amiens. The German Press predicts a great new attack in .a totally different direction. If this is true the enemy will find the Allies ready to meet it in the same spirit.—United Service. HEAVY FIGHTING SOUTH OF THE SOMME FRENCH CONTINUE THEIR COUNTER-OFFENSIVE. (Rec. March' 31, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 29. The Press Bureau reports on the evening situation that we maintained all our positions northward of the Somme, where there were no serious attacks. During the day there was heavy fighting southward of the Somme, and wo were pressed back to a line westward of Hamel, Marcelcave, and Demum. The iFrencli lino southward of Demum runs from Mezieres, Laneuvillesire, Gratiibus, to just westward of Montdidier. There has been further heavy fighting to-day on this line. The French counter-offensive between Mantdidier and Lassigny continues. Fresh French troops are arriving. The French line eastward of Lassigny is unchanged. A captured German order shows that tho objective of the division attacking on March 21 near St. Quontin was tho Sonime near iiamel, a distance of eleven miles. The division actually penetrated under ithree miles.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Reuter. BRITISH POSITIONS MAINTAINED FRENCH LINE BENT BACK SLIGHTLY. (Rec. March 31, 11 p.m.) London, March 30. The War Office reports:—"North of the Somme tho situation is unfehanged. South of the Somme our positions aro maintained. Heavy attacks on the French front enabled the Germans to gain ground westward of [the Avro River and southward and south-eastward of Montdidier. Tho enemy Captured tho villages of Aubvillers, Grivesncs, Cantigny, _Mcsnil-St. Georges, Le Moncesel, and Tyencourt. Heavy fighting is proceeding eastward of tho jatter place, and tho exact situation is unknown. Tho weather has' broken pnd heavy rain is falling.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. MESSAGES FROM THE FRENCH AND ITALIAN PREMIERS. (Rec. March 31, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 29. Tho French awl Italian Premiers have sent messages expressing admiraiaon of the bravery of the British soldiers, and confidence in their victory.— JAdb.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GERMANS HOPE TO DIVIDE THE BRITISH AND FRENCH ALLIES CONSOLIDATED AND STRENGTHENED. (Roc. Ma roll 31, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 29. ■ "The Tillies" special correspondent with the French says that developments on tiio northern front show thai Iho Germans ndhcre to the hope to divide tho Allies, and then with a great rolling-up movement capture the armies' supplies between Ypres rnul Boulogne, and make their way towards Calais. The sturdy confidence (if tho French ie founded on the knowledge that the question of strategic:)] co-ordination hns been settled between the French and the British-High Commands, ensuring tho most effective unity of operations throughout.- When the Germans deliver their reinforced general attack they will find t.lie Aliir-r. consolidated and strengthened, and ready to take the initiative on the widost front. The Allies will counterattack when they are ablo to choos i the time and place.—"Tho Times. GENERAL FOCH APPOINTED GENERALISSIMO OF WEST FRONT UNITY OP COMMAND A VITAL NECESSITY (Rec. March 31, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 30. The "Daily Chronicle" states that General Foch has been appointed Generalissimo on the West front, in conformity with Sir Douglas Haig'e and General Petain's Irishes. Tho "Chronicle" adds: "General Foch s appointment is no reflection on Sir Douglas Haig and General Petain, but is the inevitable outcome of the military situation, and emanated from the soldiers themselves, unity of .command being a vital necessity. The Allies hare suffered sadly from lack of co-ordination. General Foch'e claims are indisputable. 'The "Daily News" protests that General Foch's appointment is full of dangers, and frictions will be set up the first timo the Generalissimo s orders are not approved. "An arav can stand defeat under its own chiefs, but not under a foreign general."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Esc. April 1, 0.15 a.m.) London, March 30. No official announcement has been made yet concerning General Foch's appointment as Generalissimo, but it is generally accepted as correct—Router. . [General Foch is one of the great figures of the war. A profound student of strategy and tactios, he speedily came to bo regarded as one of General Joffre's ablest lieutenants. Ho commanded the French centre at the Battle of the Marne, and his brilliant leadership contributed heavily to the Allied victory. Ho was called in to remedy a desperate situation after the Germans' first gas attack near Ypres, and Lord French's dispatches bear witness to the valuable aid ho received from him then and in the organisation of subsequent operations in Flanders. General Foch was one of the chief instruments of the close co-operation between, the French and British Annies, and evidenco of the confidence reposed in him by the French Government has been afforded on many occasions. He has frequently taken part in inter-Allied Conferences, including that held last year at Rapallo, in Italy. General Foch commanded the French armies which co-operated with the British in the victorious Somme offensive. He was appointed Chief of General Staff at the French Ministry of War in May, 1917, and became French military representative on the Supreme War Council at Versailles when that body was created. From this post, however, he was subsequently withdrawn.] FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORTS DETERMINED RESISTANCE TO ENEMY'S POWERFUL ASSAULTS CEASELESS ARRIVAL OF FRENCH REINFORCEMENTS (Rec. March 31, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 30. A French communique states: "The battle on the Oise front has appreciably slackened during tho day. German activity was to local attacks at some points of our front, which daily are being consolidated by tho ceaseless arrival of reinforcements. All these attacks werp repulsed. Raids on our positions in the region of Badonvillor and Parroy Forest and south of the Seppois completely failed."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Router. A later 'communiquo states: "The battle was resumed last night with renewed violence, and now rages on a front of forty kilometres (25 miles), from Moreuil ,to beyond Lassigny. Our supported by reserves, which continue to arrive, are offering a determined resistance to powerful as-saults."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ENEMY'S ADVANCES AT NOYON AND MONTDIDIER ARRESTED FRENCH ADVANCE A MILE AND A HALF. (Rec. Maich 31, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, March 30. The Crown Prince's rush in the Oiso Valley affords a thrilling narrative of the successful Anglo-French effort to recover a most serious position. The advances at both. Noyon and Montdidier have now been arrested, that at. Montdidier by a brilliant bayonet charge by chasseurs-a-pied, resulting in an advance of a mile and a half and the recapture of the villages of Courtcmarcho, Assainvillers, and Mesnil-St. Georgo, British infantry and cavalry in the Oise Valloy fought shoulder to shoulder with Froncli infantry, enabling General Petain to rush in reserves of infantry and artillery.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. FRENCH TROOPS COMPLETELY BARRING THE ROAD TO. PARIS. London, March 29. Paris messages are insistent that the French troops are completely barring the road along the Oise Valley to Paris. The Germans twice occupied Mont Renaud, an important strategic point to the south of Noyon, but tho French gained it a third time, and held it. Tho French guns cover all the bridges between Noyon and Chauny. The French realise that the Germans are seeking to drive a wedge between the British and French armies.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.

EFFECTIVE WORK BY FRENCH AIRMEN A GERMAN POISON-GAS FACTORY BOMBED. London, March 29. A French official report states: "Between March 22 and 26 our airmen, flying as low as twenty-two yards from the ground, dropped over fifty thousand kilogrammes (50 tons) of bombs ou convoys, marching columns, and massed enemy-troops, and also fired thousands of rounds of machine-gun fire. The enemy suffered terribly. Sixty battle-planes and twenty tombing aeroplanes on March 27 inflicted terrible losses on masses of enemy infantry, blew up munition dumps, and caused great fires. Bombing planes cooperated in attacking the railway stations at Metz-Sablons and Thionville. Several fires' and violent explosions were caused at Metz-Sablons. A French air squadron on the night of March 23 dropped threo and a half tons-of bombs on the Badischo aniline factory at Ludwigsbafen, the principal poison-gas faotory in Germany. Forty-two enemy aeroplanes have been brought down."— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. March 31, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 3-2. A French communique states: "Our airmen,, despito bad weather, are flying in groups and heavily spraying with machine-guns and bombs the enemy battle lino and concentration zones. Seventeen thousand kilogrammes (17 tens) of projectiles were dropped in the Novon-Guiscard-Ham region. One squadron brought down thirteen enemy machines."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reutsr. THE GERMAN REPORTS ENGLISH AND FRENCH (REPEATEDLY COUNTER-ATTACKING GREAT CLAIM OF PRISONERS AND GUNS (Rec. March 31, 5.5 p.m.) s London, March 29. A German official report states: "Local engagements on both sides of the Scarpe broke into the foremost ISnglish positions, and we took prisoner several thousands. The English have continued, near and northwards of Albert, their fruitless and costly counter-attacks. We again attacked between the Somme and the Ancre, and drove out tho enemy from our old positions and oilt of bravelv-defended villages in a westerly and north-westerly direction, via "Wareusee," Abacourt, and Plessier. Tho French repeatedly violently coun-ter-attacked on our new front between Montdidier and Noyon. Our booty since the beginning of the battle is 70,000 prisoners and 1100 guns, of which General von Hutier has taken 40,000 prisoners and 600 guns. The increased artillery firing has continued in Lorraine." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Renter. (Rec. March 31, 11 p.m.) London, March 30. A German official report states"Wo cleared Avette. Wo drove out the Anglo-French from parts of their foremost positions between tho Somme and the Avre, and captured Boaucour and Meziores. French attacks against Montdidier failed."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. BOMBASTIC TELEGRAM FROM THE KAISER "A HEAVY BLOW AT ENGLISH MILITARY MIGHT." Amsterdam, March 29. The Kaiser, in a telegram to the Vice-President of tho Reichstag, says: "Wo have with God's aid, dealt a heavy blow at tho English military power. May tho 6orman people, and their Parliament particularly, draw tho fullest confidence frjm tho greatness of this accomplishment, that German might may brill" us peace by force. Everything deponds upon the people at homo preserving their will to victory. Tho coming world peaco will ho bettor secured by German might than hitherto. To this end may God help us. i Tho Kaiser lias also telegraphed to Krupp's, congratulating them upon 'tho new long-rango gun, and adding: "A new and glorious page in the his* | tory of the houso. of Krapp has been written, demonstrating the mastery of I German scicnce." —Aus.-JJ.JS. Ctvblo ABsn,

GERMAN NEWSPAPERS DISPLAYING ANXIETY BRAVERY OF BRITISH AND FRENCH TROOPS ACKNOWLEDGED. London, March 29. The Gorman papers show a now note of anxiety regarding the offensive, mid evidently i'e.ir the results of the arrival of tlio Allied reserves. The "Vossische Zeitung" says: "Wo must credit the English and French with the admirable use they havo eo far made of their fresh divisions. Their troops aro iii'hting with extraordinary bravery."—Aus.-N.2J. Cable Assn.-Reuter. Amsterdam, March 29. German war correspondents continue to praiso the British vnlour. _ The "Vossisehe Zeitung" says the British do not give a foot of ground without fighting, save- where they are threatened with being cut off. It must also be admitted that when the British and French are counter-attacking they fight with extraordinary bravery.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CASUALTIES CAUSE WIDESPREAD TERROR IN GERMANY OFFICIAL ATTEMPTS TO HIDE THE TRUTH. Amsterdam, March 29. Reports from tho frontier state that every available building in Western Germany has been converted into a hospital. Tho number of wounded is three times what was expected. Town criers, preceded by women drummers, go through the streets of German towns, ordering tho citizens to bring what is needed to the town halls, to be used for the Fatherland. Trains of wounded havo been passing Liege uninterruptedly since March 22. The wounded are now sent to improvised hospitals, as all thoso which wero ready are full. Tho German newspapers aro not allowed to mention the wounded, and citizens are not allowed to meet the trains; but astounding figures of the German casualties aro mentioned, and are causing widespread terror. The Dutch frontier has been closed to.prevent possible indiscretions regarding the casualties. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. Amsterdam, March 28. Gorman officers have admitted to Dutch correspondents that the casualties wero very heavy, but plead that it is necessary to end the war. Endless hospital trains are delivering the wounded at a dozen centres.—"The Times." AMERICANS KEEN TO PARTICIPATE ARMY NOT READY FOR CONSIDERABLE TIME "ENGLISH AND FRENCH MUST DO THIS JOB ALONE" (Ree. March 31, u.5 p.m.) London, March 29. A special correspondent speaks of the keenness of the Americans to participate. An officer said the whole American Army bitterly regrets its comparative futility, and prays for a speeding up to enable it to take some real part in the war before many months. The correspondent adds: "It will be wise meantime to realise that nothing tho American Army win do for a considerable time will count for anything as things go. The EnglLh and French must do this job practically alone for some time. A serious question is whether Germany has still sufficient fresh divisions to overhear the dogged Anglo-French soldiers, thereby compelling grave decisions No doubt the German leaders believe their superiority to bo saSicimt, and intend to force the fighting. Continuous and exhaustive, possibly decisive, fighting must be expected."—United Service. TWO ATTACKS LAUNCHED AGAINST ARRAS ENEMY PAYS A TERRIBLE PRICE FOR A SLIGHT ADVANCE BRITISH TROOPS HOLDING THEIR OWN AGAINST HEAVY ODDS London, March 29. Reuter's correspondent at Headquarters, writing on Thursday evening, says: "Wintry weather has arrived, and the bleak east wiud and falling glass threaten, snow. Heavy fighting developed this moniiug. The Germans launched two attaoks against Arras, ono north and tho other south of the Scarpe. Tho former quickly died down; tho other assuiried serious proportions. By eleven o'clock dense German waves, covered by a tremendous bombardment, had made some advauce. Wo exacted a terrible price, as the valley of the Scarpe from Blangy to Roeux affords a good field of firo for machine-guns, while batteries posted on the ridges to tho northwards swept all tho terrain further south. Wβ havo been attacking, but no details aro yet known. — Reuter. The Enemy Being Pushed for Reserves, Mr. Percival Phillips writes: "Tho attack towards Arras from the southwest appears to bo tho most important development to-day. I believe another equally heavy enemy thrust may bo jnado soon astride the Somrue. Masses of Germans have arrived at Bray, and tho country behind is full of troops and guns. Although the barrage this morning extended from Gaurelle on the north, to Bayelles on the south, tho storm troops advanced on a narrow front of great depth. They appeared in tho region of Guemappes and Waucourt, and succeeded in the middle of the itiorning in penetrating our front line for somo hundred yards. Heavy fighting is proceeding on the high ground abovo tho Scarpe. Our troops aro holding their own well against heavy odds, ihc present situation gives not the slightest cause for anxiety, and tho gravest crisis is thought to bo over., Fresh troops are coming up steadily, and new battcrios aro laying the foundations of formidable barrages. Thero are signs that the enemy is being pushed for reserves. He has thrown in ono naval division, which he has not dono hitherto." Enemy Flung Back By Counter-Attacks. Mr. Phib'p Gibbs writes: "The enemy has 'side-slipped' some force northward, towards Arras, haying failed to turn our left in the original attack, owing to the splendid resistance of the Third Division and other English troops. The fighting is most intense. The German storm troops attacked towards Arras at dawn, with many machine-guns. Our artillery made a target of them, and large numbers fell; but succeeding waves reached Orange iJill, from which the enemy was driven during the Battle of Arras, 1917. There was fierco fighting also on Tolegniph Hill. The enemy pressed on in the Bucquoy region, hut our counter-attacks flung him back, leaving many dead, particularly at Ablainzeville." Rain and Gale Sweeping the Battlefield. Tho United Press correspondent states: "In spite of a sudden change in the weather, in which rain and a.gale are sweeping the battlefield, fighting is uninterrupted. Tho Germans, with os-like perseverance, are bxitting away against tho British lines. They made slight progress in the region of Arras, occupying the front-line trenches on Orange Hill, and also »fc NeuvilleVitesse Tho cold, stinging rain made night-fighting difficult, and the moon, which throughout tho offensive has turned night into day, was obscured. There was therefore a comparative lull in the Ancre Valley and astride the Somme following a bard day, though under brilliant flareis suspended from parachutes outposts and patrols dashed in constant manoeuvre lor an advantageous get-away at dawn. While Von Bulow gained ground to the north tho British held Von Hofaoker down to petty advances in the region of Albert Four heavy attacks were repulsed north of the Somme, the enemy dead littering the ground. The Germans south of the Somme, after repeat* ed assaults throughout tho day, bent tho British line slightly backward to Hamel on the Somme,- 'Warfuseeabancourt, and Marcelcave. _ Below this the French brilliantly held the road to the southwards, often driving back the Crown Prince's hordes with their bayonets."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BATTLE PLANS OF GERMAN WAR LORDS MISCARRIED EIGHTY DIVISIONS BADLY MAULED (REC. MARCH 31, 5.5 P.M.) London, March 30. Tho United Press correspondent, writing on March 29, saye he believes that during the last 48 hours Von Hindenburg's cohorts have been brought practically to a standstill. From carefully sifted information from' widely different sources ho is convinced that tho battlo plans of the German war lords havo signally miscarried. The present spasmodic thrusts aro due partv to tho necessity for tbo recomposition of tho enemy lighting forces and readjustment of tho scheme of offensive. Prisoners intimate that the Germans expected to occupy Amiens on tho fifth or'sixth day, cutting the ParisCalais railway, yet Amiens still stands. Similarly with Arras, which was -yesterday's immediate objective, coupled with an effort to capture Vuny by a flanking movement. Kaiser's Storm Troops Checked by Gun-fire. Withering maciiuie-gun and artillery i.ro checked liie Kaiser's storm troops, i'muier cyclonic lighting is expected all akmg tflo lino, but the lirst flusil of tho enemy's enthusiasm has passed. Prisoners say me offensive is not going as welt as expected, while the losses, aro high. lloweyer.faerirnui discipline wUf undoubtedly continue the offensive despite tbo lower spirits of the troops. Kighty wvisious Juivo already been bauly mauled, and many will bo unfit to return to the firmg-luie before the tide has dehnitely turned, but fresh divisions are being burned up and tho tirea enemy is tryinil to advance everywhere possible, particularly to the southward of the Somme. In the effort to roach Amiens tho enemy is steadily losing headway. Germans Preparing for the Next Phase. Mr Percival Phillips states that steady pressure is being continued on our right, southward of tho Somme. By crossing tho Somme from Chipilly to Censy the cucmy succeeded in getting awirt two thousand yards in our rear Mβ was held up, however, until all our guwi wero removed We took a h'eshluie further west. This was the position this morning but tho GcrmnnsVe still bringing up guus and fresh divisions, though cue great attack 7 «nt vnt mitemlised fhoro aro strong concentrations to-day around tholmiens-Neele railway; a short distance behind ..their present front. Tho situation generally >s ono of comparative calm obviously duo to Gemaii preparations for tho next phase. Much ram has fallen during the niaht Wo have an advantage in having the maximum of shelter possible in own warfare, whereas tho enemj is lodged in a region stripped to tho last roof, without protection from tbo ram or the deadlier had of our ma-chine-guns. . Machine-gun Offensive of the Germans. A notable feature of the fighting was tho extraordinary weight of the German machine-gun offensive. He is an amaz.ngly swift expert m handling tho no ver weapon, and makes each attack under an intense inachmo-gun barr L which appears to rise out of tho ground What » No Man's Land one moment appears to fairly sprout with machine-guns the next moment.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Enemy's Attack on Arras Fails. Router's Headquarters correspondent says: ''Tho enemy's attack on Sd are so great that tiio enomy must.bring up fresh divisions before toS» ?he experiment. Our airmen continue to report enemy concentrationsi behind tho lines, foreshadowing further heavy thrusts."

British Lino Hold Splendidly. § Reporting later the correspondent says: "On the whole, tlio Britiijfc line, throughout its whole length, held splendidly throughout tlio day. At ouo point only, where tbo Germans got across the river in force, about Croisy, taking tlio troops in the Proyart and Mericourt neiglibourliood, iu tlio rear, 'have wo fallen back. Tlio retirement was conspicuously well couducted. Our men wero taken in the rear before tlioy knew it, and iu the 1 threatened area the infantry and guns laced round. For a time tho field ! guns wero firing with open sights. The infantry charged dashingly and drove j tho enemy, who far outnumbered themselves, back to the river bank till all i tho guns wore withdrawn. Then this section swung hack to tlio new posi- j tion by Hamol and Lamotto. Evidenco of tlio spirit of tlio was j given when some troops, who wero most tired alter terrific fighting for throe j aays, wero ordered to make a now attack. It would have been a serious job for fresh troops of twice their number, yot tlioy attacked, singing 'lip« i perary,' and scored a splendid success." Enemy's Offensive Arrested. j Router's correspondent at French Headquarters writes: "The enomy's j offensive has been arrested in mid-courso and lie has. abandoned marching j straight upon objectives and breaking down tho resistanco by overwhelm- j ing numbers. Ho will be striking now at estimated weak spots. His drivo j down the Oiso Valley has been finally arrested. His attempts to cross the j river further north also failed, the bridges now being destroyed. The i enemy's capture of Montdidier was just too late for' him to profit thereby, \ as tho French forces woro able to engage tho Germans to the westward, ; and bring tlie advanco to a standstill, nullifying his efforts to find the junc- j tion of tho Anglo-French armies. j Junction of the Anglo-French Armios Made Secure. j "The hinge botween the Anglo-French armies will never bo broken, as .i the junction is now covered hv French forces strong enough to meet all eventualities. Eighty-seven enemy divisions have been identified on a fifty- j milo battlefront. They comprise not only the pick, but practically all tho i sound German troops. Tho French havo already engaged three Guards divi- j sions, tho famous Braudenburgers and some of tho best Bavarian divisions. , Enemy Using U3 His Reserves. ; "Before the offensive the Germans had one hundred and nine divisions ■ ; in line on tho Franco-British front, and seventy-six- divisions in reserve. The > enemy, therefore, has already engaged more than the whole of his reserves ; in Franco in tlio present battle. He has also denuded certain sectors of his j best troops to replaco wastage. The eiiomy possesses about twenty divisions, I conceivably forty, of inferior material useful for filling gaps, but not for ! winning battles." —Router. . i GERMANS DISGUISED IN BRITISH UNIFORMS. ~ | London, March 29. ' A wounded French captain, whose company was rushed to the front by . ; motor-lorry at a critical moment, says they found themselves immediately .1 confronted by Germans, who had also been brought up in motor-lorries. The Germans had disguised themselves in British uniforms, and the next moment fired point-blank. "Our men engaged them, and charged the treacherous : enemy. We held our ground until we dropped with exhaustion and reinforce- . j ments came up. Our Dragoons and Cuirassiers wrote thero one of tho most , glorious pages of the war."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. : ENEMY'S METHOD OF COUNTING CAPTURES. j London, March 29. j Respecting the enemt claims as to captured artillery, .it transpires that , the Germans are including all tho light artillery mounted 111 the tanks which ~ they captured. It is tho '.'male" tank that carries two guns, so that the claims must be heavily discounted—Router. J GERMAN PRISONERS TO JOIN THE ARMY.. . j Amsterdam, March 29. . j The German authorities have decided that all men of military age now : j in prison must join tho Army—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE BOMBARDMENT OF PARIS I A CHURCH STRUCK, KILLING MANY WORSHIPPERS j (Rcc. March 31, 5.5 p.m.) . _ t . ■ Paris, March 30. A German shell struck a Paris church on Good Friday 'during;-librae ! service. It killed 75 people and injured 90, including many women and chiid- | ren The church was crowded. Just as the service, was starting the shell ; pierced the roof and shook tho edifice to its foundations. A large, pillar co - /; lansed, bringing dawn ail arch on the congregation. Portions of lue _ sneii were scattered in all directions. Many willing helpers searcnea the debris.and ; removed the wounded. M. Poincarc, President of France, and the Archbishop of Paris were early on the scene. The weeping Archbishop cried. "The wretches have chosen the day and hour 6f Christ s death on the Cross ; to commit this crime." Among the killed was M. Stroething, Counsellor at the Swiss Legation. The shell camo from the long-range gun. The church had previously been struck during High Mass on Sunday, when several wero injured.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . DETAILS OF THE LONG-RANGE GUN. (Rec. March 31, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, March ; The following are details of the gun bombarding Paris:—Tlie gun is 79 feet Ion", and the shell is between eight and nine inches in calibre, but is fitted with a false cap or elongated nose, giving an extreme length of nearly ; five feet Tlio secret appears to be in tho distribution of tne shell's weight, j giving a steadiness enabling it to travbl a long distance. Tim muzzle velocity j is 5000 feet a second, fired at an elevation of 55 degrees. It is believed that : six or seven guns are in existence, each able to fire 200 rounds.—Aus.-I*.L. j Cable Assn.' j