THE BLOW AT AMIENS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 170, 8 April 1918, Page 5

THE BLOW AT AMIENS

. 0 SESPEEATE ATTEMPTS TO SEIZE THE RAILWAYS , NEW ZEALANDERS IN ACTION BRITAIN'S CALL FOR MEN FORECAST OF DRASTIC MEASURE The war news to-day places bo definite mark on the- progress of tie great battle in the West. Severe fighting has occurred at several points, while at others strenuous contests are in progress, of which definite reports have not yet come in. At one point the Gentians made good their first assault, but at other points the situation was restored by counter-attacks. The menace at Amiens has not yet been diminished, but the Allies are most gallantly congesting the enemy's attempts to seize the railways, traffic on which, in spite of the proximity of the enemy's batteries, is practically normal. The New Zealanders have given an excellent account of themselves in their latest engagement. General Foch haß' given the world an encouraging message of hope in an interview accorded to the Press correspondents. The Bocbe advance haß been Btemmed, he declares, and "the future is ours." The weather is unfavourable at present for offensive operations on the grand scale. News of an impending offensive on ,the Austro-Italian front is beginning to circu-r late from various sources.. The enemy is massing forces and indications point to a general resumption of major operations in the Alpine regions as soon as the snows clear. The new British Man-Power Bill, as forecasted to-day, is a far-reaohing and drastic measure, inchoative of the urgency of the need for men. An echo of this need, already heard in New Zealand, comes from Australia, where the Governor-General has summoned a conference on the question of reinforcements. PROGRESS OF EPIC BATTLE fENERAL FOCH CONFIDENT THAT THE ENEMY CAN BE HELD THE GREAT THRUST AT AMIENS By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright. London, April 5. The Germans attacked the British on a wide front in tho neighbourhood iof Dernancourt (four miles south of Albert), and made slight gains, suffering heavy losses. The British, south-west of Albert, are strongly holding the railway embankment, thwarting the enemy's determined effort to advance'on the highway to Amiens via Corbie. The French havo frustrated a German attempt to reach the Amiens-Claremont railway, and inflicted prodigious losses on the enemy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TERRIFIC ATTACK ON CORBIE (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.), London, April 6. The Germans have delivered a terrifio attack on Corbie, in the Somme yalley. Fighting continues.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A THRUST AT THE FRANCO-BRITISH POINT OF JUNCTION i (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) ' London, April 5, 4.40 p.m. The enemy is again thrusting at what he believes to be the junction of ithe French and British Armies, in the hope of yet separating them. His assault against the British yesterday was apparently aimed, by a converging movement, at the little town of Corbie, and was delivered by dense waves, which our machine-gun and rifle fire hoavily punished. He succeeded in straightening out a little salient in our line in tho neighbourhood of Hamel .Wood and village. Our counter-attack was insufficiently, strong to restore the position. The weather is wet and misty, and it is impossible for airmen to co-operate. Fragments of the projectiles with which the enemy is shelling our back areas bear British marks, which show that both the guns and the ammunition came from the Russian front. Desperate Fight For Railway. Writing from British Headquarters on- tho evening of April 5, Renter's correspondent says:—"Fuller details reveal the fact that the enemy's thrust between the Somme and the Avre was a formidable effort, which aimed at getting astride the Paris-Amiens railway and developing the thrust on Amiens. Thanks to our stubbornness and resistance the enemy's success was limited to the creation'of a salient seven thousand yards wide, its extreme depth being two thousand yards. There is reason to believe that the Germans threw in fourteen divisions of fresh troops, including some crack corps and three Guards divisions. The Fifth German Division, which bore a large sharo of the early days' offensive and was withdrawn to refit and rest, was again in the fighting. It is estimated that practically one hundred German divisions have been used in the present battles. Although the enemy yesterday concentrated all his available artillery, the bombardment relatively was not heavy. Consequently the Germans relied chiefly on preponderating numbers. Prisoners are complaining of the state of the roads, duo to our ceaseless shelling, which is causing delays in getting up the German heavy batteries and an adequate supply of munitions. Yesterday, rifles and machine-guns played the principal part m the defence. The weather is wet and misty, and unfavourable for offensive operations. Our troops are welcoming this inclemency of the weather with great glee. jt "Today, the GermW have shown considerable aggressiveness. At eight o'clock'this morning they attacked in the neighbourhood of Dernancourt. on a front of nine thousand yards, with an estimated strength' of six divisions. After desperate fighting they Teached the railway. An attack in considerable strength in the direction of Ablainsville was completely repulsed. British Attacks; New Zealanders in Action, "We attacked from the sector at Fronquevillers. It is reported that we gained our first objective. At Bucquoy the New Zealanders were in action again, and as the result of a dashing sortio took prisoner four officers and 130 men. Fighting is in progress on a considerable portion of the front,north of the Somme, but not on a grand scale such as would indicate a general resumption of the offensive." In a dispatch dated April 6, 4.45 p.m., Reuter's correspondent says: "At daybreak this morning the Germans were attacking astride the Somme Valley in the direction of Corbie, but there is no news as to how the battle is progressing. The main weight of the thrust seems to be west of Bois de Vaire. The Germans continue to fight desperately for the possession of the main Amiens road. Some of the fighting yesterday was of tho fiercest character. The enemy massed early in the morning west of Dernancourt. We blew up the neighbouring: Somme bridge. A most heavy attack followed, in which the New Zealanders eventually repulsed the enemy after a. ding-dong battle." —Router. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORTS ■ ' . London, April 5. Sir .Douglas Haig reports: "THere was heavy fighting this afternoon and till late this evening between the Luco River and the Somme. The enemy, employing strong forces, delivered repeated assaults. These were beaten off with loss to the enemy, but we were slightly pressed back to the east of Vil-lers-Bretonneux, where our positions are maintained. The enemy's artillery north of the Somme was active during the night in the neighbourhood of Bucquoy and in the Searpe Valley. We engaged hostilo concentrations in the neighbourhood of Albert."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn .-Router. (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 5, 10.55' p.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "The activity of the enemy's artillery and trench mortars increased this morning north of the Somme, and was followed by strong infantry attacks between the Somme. and the neighbourhood of Bucquoy. Latest reports are that practically no success was gained anywhere the attacks resulting in further heavy enemy casualties. We successfully attacked the Ham front in the neighbourhood of Hebnterne, taking prisoner two hundred and a few machine-guna. The enemy did not attack to-day on the British front couth of the Somme. It is confirmed that yesterday's fighting ws most severe and persistent, the enemy repeatedly assaulting our positions

east of Villers Bretonneux. Rain and mist yesterday interfered witli tho operations. We brought down seven German machines. Ono of ours is missing. Two which had previously been reported missing have returned. Wo dropped twenty-two heavy bombs at midday to-day on the railway station at Luxemburg. Many of thorn burst on the railway, causing a large fire. Despite considerable anti-aircraft gunfire, all the machines returned."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reutor. London, April 6, 2.25 p.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "North of tho Somme heavy fighting continued along our wholo front south of Anmotto to until late last evening. The enemy constantly attacked in considerable strength, with no further success. Local fighting occurred yesterday morning south of the Somme, in tho neighbourhood of Hangard. Wo improved our position by a counter-attack."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. April 7, 11.50 p.m.) London, April (>, 10.45 p.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—"There was local infantry fighting in the neighoburhood of Aveluy Wood, north of Albert, without change in tho situation. Hostileartillery continues to be active. At least ten German divisions were participating in the unsuccessful attacks yesterday north of the Somme. Fighting was most severe on many parts of this front as far northward as Bucquoy."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. A WAR OFFICE COMMUNIQUE. (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 5, 10.55 p.m. A War Office communique states: "The Germans since dawn have delivered heavy attacks north and south of Bcrancourt, south-west of Albert, and in the region of Moyenneville. The Germans obtained a foothold in our defences at Berancourt and south-west of Albert, but our counter-attack restored the situation at Albert. The enemy heavily shelled our lino in the region of Mesnil and Beaumont Hamel. There was some infantry fighting near Mesnil, where the enemy gained no advantage. We repulsed an attack on Moyenneville. We attacked south-east of Gommecourt, faking prisoner 120. The situation is quiet on the British front south of the Somme. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. THE BREAK AT ST. QUENTIN BRITISH FIFTH ARMY'S RETREAT TO BE INVESTIGATED. London, April 5. The "Daily News" states that the Government is holding an 'uquiry into the retreat of the Fifth Army from St. Quentin.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMAN ATTACK ON THE AMIENS-CLERMONT RAILWAY GALLANTLY HELD BY THE FRENCH London, April 5. The Germans fiercely attacked the French front, their objective being the Amiens-Olermont railway. The attacks failed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■[Clermont is thirty-eight miles south of Amiens. The Amiens-Clermont railway runs parallel with the front at a distance of five miles for about fifteen miles northward of Montdidier. - ] FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORTS. London, April 5. A French communique states: "The Germans continued the attack 'ast night with undiminished violence, and by hurling into the battle fresh forces-. We identified fifteen'divisions on our battlefront, of which seven were fresh. Despite the marked numerical superiority, his effectives were used up regardless of cost. The enemy did not attain liis object, which was the railway from Amiens to Clermont. That this was his object is borno out by orders found on prisoners. Our regiments, by their resistance step by step and their energetio counter-attacks, maintained their line in its entirety, and inflicted cruel losses on the enemy To the north we have withdrawn to the neighbourhood of Castel (three miles from the railway, eleven miles soutb-east of Amiens). We repulsed the enemy from the Bois de l'Arrierecourt to the west of Mailly-Raineval. South-east of Grivesnes, a brilliant counter-attack gave us St. Aignan Farm, which we retained against all assaults. Between Montdidier and Noyon the artillery straggle assumed great intensity. We attacked and conquered tho major part of the Bois de Pinette, 700 yards north of Orvilliers Sorel. All efforts to dislodge us were in vain. Further east a local operation enabled us to make an extension of our position north of Mont Renaud, which the enemy, notwithstanding his mendacious statements, has never succeeded in recovering." (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 6, 2.15 a.m. A French official communique states:—"The Germans did not renew their attacks to-day. We vigorously counter-attacked north of Montdidier, improving our position at several points, notably in the region of MaillyRaineval and Cantigny, of which we hold the northern and western outskirts. There was reciprocal, violent artillery activity between Lassigny and Noyon. We gained ground this afternoon north of Mont Renaud. Twentythree tons of bombs were dropped on the enemy's cantonments and railway stations. Fires were observed at tho railway stations at Laon and St. Quentin. Five of tho enemy's aeroplanes were brought down,"—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 6, 6.45 p.m. A French official communique states:—"Tho night was marked by violent bombardments' north and south of the Avre, especially in the region of Monchel. There was no infantry fighting. On the right bank of tho Mouse and at Apramont Wood the artillery duel was sometimes very lively." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ON THE AMERICAN FRONT \ GERMAN BOMBARDMENT AND RAID. London, April 5. Reuter's correspondent at the American Headquarters reports that the American force is now occupying a sector on the Mouse Heights, south of Verdun. Tho enemy yesterday raided this front after a heavy bombardment. —Renter. (Roc. April 7, 11 p.m.) New York, April 6. Advices from American Headquarters in France state that the American forces now occupy a new sector on the Mouse heights south of Verdun.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. THE GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORTS (Roc. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 5, 11 p.m. A, German official report states: —"Attacking yesterday south of tho Somme and on both sides of Moreuil wo threw the enemy out of strong positions and broke up the Anglo-French reserves. By a Btorming attack we took Hamel and the wooded districts north-east and south-east of VillersBretonneux, and also Castel <;.nd Mailly, on the west bank of the Avre. Tho onemy desperately resisted along his whole front, sustaining unusually severe losses. We took prisoner several thousands. "General von Hutier, botween March 21 and 29, took prisoner 51.218 of the onemy, and captured 729 guns. The prisoners and booty to date include ninety thousand prisoners and over thirteen hundred guns "—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 6,12.15 a.m. A German official report states: —"Strong French counter-attacks on the west bank of the Avre failed."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. April 7, 11.50 p.m.) London, April 6. A German official report states-.—"The English thrust against Puisieux failed. By our_ attack on the western bank of the Ancre we extended our bridgehead positions. Tho railway establishments near Amiens were shelled. French attacks between Moreuil and Montdidier broke down heavily. Montdidier was subjected to the French firfire. There is increased artillery activity before Verdun."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ' ' DESPATCHES BY CORRESPONDENTS CREEPING CLOSER TO'AMIENS. (Rec' April 7, 5.5 p.m.) x, ir j i •* ..rm. * -, ii • London,, April 5. Mr. Murdoch writes:—"J.ho formidable resumption of tho battle has brought furious fighting within seven miles of Amiens. The prearranged organisation whereby the Germans have ovolvcd order out of the battlefield and brought up massos of guns so speedily gives a striking proof that tbe Huns are making a strong and confident bid for absolute victory The battlefield extends for many miles on each side of the lino on a'frontage of fifty miles. Everybody is digging when not wiring, trench-holding, munitions on the dumps. Little is visible in the actual area of the fighting oxcept tho brown earthworks, new gloaming wire, and black shell-bursts. The lines seem sleepy by day, but at nighfc there is furious activity everywhere. The Germans havo concentrated their Gothas and other aeroplane's, and havo apparently abandoned their attacks on defenceless cities in order to produce the maximum effect on tho front. Despite repeated heavy aerial attacks tho Amiens railways and tho main Paris-Amiens railway continue almost their normal running, while the trains along tho whole of the strategic railway system on the French front defy the constant efforts of the enemy's airmen. It is sheer folly to imagine that the Allies can easily or even certainly hold the Germans. Amongst the immediate and pressing 'needs are new crews for the guns. The Allies are getting every possible soldier into the combatant ranks and drawing all the trained men from America." The "Daily Mail" _says: T "Tho Germans aro daily creeping closer to Amiens, and it will be impossible to yield much more without Amiens snariim the fate of Reims. Tho Allies aro not facing an attack, but an avalanche " —United Service. "The Future Is Ours." The United Press correspondent says:—"The Germans to-day occupied the crest of a wedge-shaped ridge at tho confluence of the Noye ' and ' Ayre. Rivers. A few shells have fallen in Amiens, which hitherto hns only been bombed. As the enemy's guns arrive it seems likely that tho cathedral will share the fate of Reims Cathedral." The "Daily Chronicle's" Paris correspondent says :—"General Foch, addressing the English, French, and American war correspondents, said:'' The German _ advance has made practically no progress since March 29. Their waves die on the beach. The Bocho is completely arrested. We will try to do better. The future is ours, and will show' the measure of our success.' "

The Thrust at Albert. W ' I '"'' p bljs stfites: —"The Germans between Albert and Aveling Nvqtxl employed six divisions on nine thousand yards of front. It became apparent this morning that they had been busy during the past few days getting up g UDSj becauso their barrage was heavy and deep, extending some nulcs behind our front. Our troops defended resolutely, and the spilling of German blood goes on apaee. It is obvious that if the Germans are aiming au Amiens along the Somme, striking at the Anglo-French junction, they must jCmss the Ancro north of Albert at alll costs in order to avoid an acuto , BJdhcjit. T|/ s undoubtedly was bis object in attacking there to-day. Their • sail lent souU of the Somme already is so dangerous that our field guns are j slMwtmg tho Germans in the back. It seems at present that to-day's action ; was merely a straightening process, not a drive, which may come later if the jStiaightemng is successful. Meanwhile w e hold the enemy pinned across We Ancre, and hold our flank firm on tho north bank of the Somme. Our men aro fighting with most clogged resolution to foil the enemy's plans. Tho ~ BW delivered two attacks this morning with splendid spirit, taking; 120 pnsoners."-Aiiß.-N.Z. Cable Aasn. ' COMMENTS ON THE OPERATIONS HEAVIEST BLOW PARRIED BY THE FRENCH. ' London, April 5. I The renewal of the German thrusts for Amiens, on a twelve-mile front, waft awaited with confidence, owing to the recent heavy Entente reinforcements in. (the battle area. The heaviest blow fell on the French, who parried the attack. It was made hy well over a .hundred thousand men, and indicated that the-Germans still hare great striking force at their command. Experts are surprised at the early resumption of the "Kaiser's Battle," in view of the diffreulties of bringing up heavy guns. It is generally agreed that the enemy is less advantageously situated than at the beginning of the first attack. The- French have taken over the line as far north as the Avre—Aus.-N.Z. CaHe Assn. ENEMY'S STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) • , London, April 6. \fkilonel Remington states: "The enemy's strategic objective remains unchanged—namely, to separate the British from the Freuch, drive tho latter south, hold the Somme defensively r.gninst. the British, cooping us in the limited area northward and cutting us off from our Seine bases. Probably an inferior German force could hold such a position." Colonel Repingtoii assurt.es that there is now no risk of this, particularly in view of General Foohfjs guarantee of the security of Amiens. Colonel Repington considers that (the relief of our Fifth Army hy the French was a splendid achieveand should be publicly recognised. The climax of the battle is yet to cojjie. We must expect the enemy to bring every available man and againi seek to overwhelm us, believing that success would he worth the sacrifice }of another three hundred thousand men.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ENEMY ECONOMISING IN MEN (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 6. AH semi-official report states:—"The majority of the fresh German divisions .t-ppear not to be drawn from the reserves, but are troops from other sector?!, indicating that the German General Staff is now economising in men. Francceßritish aviation has definitely obtained the mastery of the air over the Sommef battlefields."—Reuter. THEIR. LAST BID FOR VICTORY. (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 6. American correspondents 6tate that prisoners' unanimously declare that Germany means to win the war within three months or secure peaceUnited' Service. ONE UNITED ALLIED FRONT (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) New York, April 5. TheANew York "Times" Washington correspondent learns that British, French* Italian, and American troops compose a reserve army on the West front. American military authorities believe that there will be practically one AllJifed front from the Adriatic to tho North Sea. The Allies' man-power will beipooled under General Foch's supreme command.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FRENCH OPINION. (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 6. Fnfjich opinion squarely faces the prospect and remains optimistic. A semi-oflfcial commentator states that the struggle will continue with sustained violence, but the reserves are entering the battleline, and the Germans' ethanccs of a. rupture have disappeared. Thel "Echo do Paris" says: "German tactics are always rigid. They continue toj pursue the idoa of over-running Amiens from the south, and it is now oviment that their manoeuvres are similar to those employed at Verdun.'" Fxemch correspondents are satisfied with Friday's fighting. Three. Freuch division"? withstood eleven Gorman divisions, causing at least twelve, thousand casualties. The British endured an equally heavy blow in tho brggy ground. Tho French continue to predict a counter-attack, and the Gennan publicist aro preparing Germany for prolonged battles. The Kaisor, Von Kuhlmiuin, Von Hindonburg, and Von Ludendorff are conferring at Imperial Headqpj/airters.—United Service. BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE GERMAN COUNCIL TABLE THE DEBATE ON THE OFFENS IVE. Rome, April 5. A Biii'rne correspondent states that.the offensive was ordered reluctantly and with hesitation, long after the preparations had been made. A War Council at Headquarters debated whether to make a now peace offer, including the renunciation ofJ Belgium and concessions regarding Alsace, or to fight to a finish. Hindenb'jrg guaranteed the success of the won over a majority of one. jSVlion the council ended, several members showed much emotion. The Kaiser w«mt to pray; 'Count Hertling was very moody ._ Von Hiudenburgalone was unmcived. Von Ludendorff becamo insolently insistent, aud the Jlaiser banged the table and cried:"Are you tho Emperor of the Germans, or am I?" \?on Ludendorff replied: "I am a plain soldier, seeking objectives." The Kaistjr tried to dissociate himself from the decision until initial successes were won* and then told the soldiers, "This is my own battle."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable 'Assn. GERMAN WRITER DISCUSSES A "STALEMATE" Amsterdam, April 5. Captaliii Persius, writing to tne "Berlin Tageblatt," expresses the opinion that even lif the British Army is smashed Germany cannot land troops in England uflitil the British Fleet is beaten. Ho doubts tin? ability of the submarines to SiaSrve Britain, and hence comes to the conclusion that Britain and Germany sTiould mako peace, as neither can destroy the other. Such a peace should now be easier in view of the disclosures hy Prince Lichnowsky and Herr von Jagow'lthat Britain was not responsible for the war.—Reuter. SECRET LAIR OF GERMAN MONSTER GUNS (Rec. April 7, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 5. It is believed that the airmen have discovered the site of the lnugrango guns, and that the artillerists aro taking measures to destroy them.— United Service. Amsterdam, April 5. Another .mammoth 80ft. gun, carried on five trucks, has been jailed to Belgium froiiAEsson—United Service. THEIR EASTER CRIME. ' Amsterdam, April 5. The Kaispr has sent a personal letter to the Swiss President, apologising for the murdijr of M. Stroething by the Good Friday bombardment of Paris. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.