GERMANS REACH THE MARNE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 218, 3 June 1918, Page 5

GERMANS REACH THE MARNE

DESPERATE ATTEMPTS TO WIDEN THE SALIENT SUCCESSFUL COUNTER-ATTACKS BY THE FRENCH ■ -■ " By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright. • , . , , ~ ', ' London, May 31. A report from the front states that the Germans have reached the Marne along a ten-mile front. ' A heavy battle is in progress around Chateau Thierry, on the Marne, 45 miles east of Paris. The loss of Reims is believed to be imminent.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Eec. June 2, 5.5 p.m.) „ ' • . London, June 1. The Germans on the Marne front have reached Verneuil. The Germans are fighting furiously to enlarge the salient'between Soissons and Thierry. The French counter-attacks have recovered lost ground—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' FIGHTING TO GAIN TIME MARVELLOUS ACHIEVEMENTS AGAINST GREAT ODDS. (Eec. June 2, 5.5 p.m.) •n l . , , , „ , „ - London June 1. Eouters correspondent et French Headquarters writing on May 31 says: "There is no sign of any relaxation of the German pressure. The enemy on the nghtm spite of gallant resistance was able to push out his lino north aud south of Soissons astride of the Aisne. In the centre his advanced parties are etill waking progress, Along the ivholo front detachments of German infantry are filtering steadily through the woods and along the valleys wherever they can find a weak 6pot in the thinly-held French line. The enemy is able to maintain his daily progress by constantly feeding his front with fresh troops. Over forty German divisions have already been identified, but a larger number must have beou engaged. The heaviest of the- fighting yesterday was along the valley of the Crise. Attacks and counter-attneks alternated across the valley from east to , ,west. A French division attacking this morning dashed across the valley, recaptured Berzy-lc-Sec and pushed as far as Noyart, on the east side of the river. The Germans counter-attacked in great strength and re-established the lino after most bitter fighting. Farther south, in the region of Hartounes, another battle is raging. The Germans arc supported by numerous tanks. Wherevor thero is a chance of success wo do not hesitate to cou t nter-attnck against superior numbers, even though the utmost to hope for'is lo delay the enemy. On the extreme right the franco-British- troops aro gallantly holding the line in front of Eeims. Yesterday Iho French stormed and captured the group of hills north of Eoims, on the bank of the Aisne, known as the Courcy Horsemen. The French later were driven out' by a German counter-attack," but achieved their object in gaining precious itme. ' Those Gallant Battalions. "One of (he most memorable stories of tho battle' is the exploit of three French battalions. They -were surrouded in tho Ailette Valley on tho morning of May 27, and cub off from the Test of the Army. From the first their position was hopeless. They could neither be relieved nor helped. They sent a carrier pigeon saj-jnir that they would fight to the last. They must havo held out for forty-eight hours. Their last messago was received on the afternoon of May 28, and it repeated the assurance that they would fight to the ,'nd." • ' A -French Manoeuvre, Writing on Friday afternoon, the correspondent slates: "Our retreat from the Ailette line, on tho lino north of Ulerancourt and Mpargy, was far moro a manoeuvre by the French than si fresh German success.' The German advanco at Soissons had left us in an awkward salient, exposed to a (lank attack from a new German line between the Aiielto and (he Aisne. Consequently, when tho enemy pressure began we retired gradually, fighting rearguard actions, to a. new line of defence, and inflicting tho greatest possiblo loss. This operation, which widens the" base of the enemy's, salient, was effected practically without a'casualty. Our troops on the right of tho enemy's main advance are stoutly holding the plateaux to tho west of the Crise Valley, betweon Soissons and jlartonnes. The German centra has not mado serious progress during Iho last twelve ho^ r ?.-,,°^, tno rl ß ut we al ° stil l holding firmly west and north of Eeims, around which the Germans now hold almost a complete semi-circle. Generally speaking, the enemy has gained nothing of importance on tho whole battlefield during the last twelve hours. We are still holding, in inferior numbers, the enemy on the whole of our front."—Beater. GERMAN CAVALRY.. GUNS, AND MOTOR QUICK-FIRERS AT THE MARNE. • . (Eec. June 2, 11 p.m.) , n , ~,r ~„,,.,,,._ . , Paris, Juno 1. the Matin states that the German right wing forces which reached tho Marno are composed of cavalry, guns, and mitrailleuses mounted on armoured cars.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE OFFICIAL REPORTS CB*c. Juno 1, 5.30 p.m.) * -c ■.' ■ l l „™ * London, May 31. A rrench communique states: "The enemy continued his effort on his rHit es far as the Oise, by means of violent attacks in the region of tho Ailette We fell back, fighting, to positions north of the Bleraneourt-Epagny line, in' tho region of Soissons. Farther south the enemy's attacks were smashed against tho heroic resistance of our troops, who maintained their positions at the western . entranco of the town and along the' Chateau Thierry Eoad. In the centre the enemy succeeded in advancing slightly in tho region north of the Marne. Farther east, and also to the north-west, all the enemy's efforts were fruitless. An energetic counter-attack enabled ns to retake Thillois."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.Eeuter. THE LATEST REPORTS. (Eec. June 2, 5.5 p.m.) „ „ , London, June 1, 2.10 a.ni, A •French official communique states: "On the left, in the region of' the Lower Ailette, the Germans continued their pressure. We broko all the enemy's attacks in the region of Blerancourfc and westward. Tho enemy's attacks by which he succeeded in crossing the Oise east of Sempigny, wa3 thrown back to tho right bank. The enemy's effort was chiefly made in the sector of Soissons, and farther south, in the direction of tho Nevijles front. Westward of Soissons we vigorously counter-attacked and stopped all attempts by tho enemy, who suffeerd heavy losses, and was unable to make progress on this -side. However, ho succeeded in gaining ground west of the Soissons-Chateau Thierry Eoad, and towards the town, passing beyond Oulchy la Villo and Oulchy do Chateau. In the centre, weak German elements reached tho north bank of the Marno between Charteres and Jaulgonne. Tho situation on our right, and also north-west and north of Eeims ia unchanged."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Eeuter. (Eec. Juno 2, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 1, 0.30 p.m. A French communique states: "Tho enemy's drive continued yestorday, and towards tho close of, the day and during the night his efforts redoubled in violence on our front !_in the Soissons-Chateau Thierry region, Soissons, and on the Chandon-Vierzy line.' Our troops continued their counter-attacks with tireless

energy, have driven back the enemy's masses which were hurled against this front, gained ground everywhere, and taken hundreds of prisoners. South, of Soissous the enemy was driven back on tho Crise. Farther south, after obstinato fighting. Chaudin and Vierzy, which were captured and lost several times, remained in our hands. The battle is no less violent in the -cgion of tho Oulchy and Neuilly front. Our troops smashed the. enemy's attacks and maintained their line immediately east of those localities. On the northern bank of tho Marne the enemy pushed his advanced elements from tho northern and eastern edges of Chateau Thierry as far as Vcrneil on our right. Very lively engagements took placo on tho road from Dormars to Reims. The .situation north-east and north of Iteims is unchanged."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.

AMERICANS HOLD THEIR NEW LINE London, May 81. An American communique ttates: "Enemy attacks on our new positions at Cantigny wcro again completely repulsed by artillery and infantry. Active artillery fire continues there and in Lorraine, where gas shells were used,"— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. A MILLION AMERICANS IN FRAFCE.. ■ ' Vancouvor, May 31. Senator Lewis has announced that a million Americans are now in France.— Reu/ter. RELATIVE QUIET ON THE BRITISH FRONT London, May 31. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "We rushed a German post south-west of Arras. The enemy raided a post north-east of Robecq. The hostile artillery is active in the Villers Bretonneux and Albert sectors, and between Festubert and Clar-encerive."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. June' 2 , ,-11.15 p.m.) London, June 1, 10.15 p.m. Sir Douglas Ilaig reports:—"We repulsed raiders east of Villers Bretonneux. Local fighting was to our advantage at Aveluy Wood, north of Albert, where we advanced our line. There is considerable hostile artillery firing on the Villers Bretonneux nnd Hebuterne sectors, south and, west of Lens, and in tho neighbourhood of Givenchy. We took prisoner during May 1158 of the enemy, including 29 officers."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. THE WAR IN THE AIR FINE WEATHER FAVOURS THE BRITISH. (Eec. June 2, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 31. Sir Douglas Haig in his i.-.viation report says: "Our aeroplanes and balloons on May 30 were very active, the fine weather enabling much work to be accomplished. Our airmen vigorously bombed different targets all day, including railways, dumps, and billots at Merville, Armeutieres, Bapaume, Albert, and Valenciennes. We brought down twenty-eight German machines and two balloons, and drove down six machines out of control. Five British machines are missing. We dropped seventeen tons of bombs at night time and again attacked tho Bruges docks, causing large fires. Our long-distance night squadrons dropped K\ tons on the enemy's railway stations at Metz-Sabions, Thionville, Courcelle, Kurlhaus, and Esch. All returned."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. . CRoc Juno 3, 0.55 a.m.) London, June 2, Sir Douglas Haig, in his aviation report, slates:—"Our aeroplanes did successful work on May 31 at long distances. In the morning, in spite of strong opposition from the' enemy's aircrafe, we dropped over-a ton of bombs on the railway station and workshops at Karlsruhe. One British machine has not returned. Another group of British aeroplanes dropped a ton of bombs with good effect on the railway triangle at Metz-Sablons. We dropped ai further > thirtyone tons in the course of tin day on different targets behind tho enemy's lines, and brought down twenty German machines, while six were driven down of control. Our anti-aircraft guns shot down another one. Two British 'planes are missing. We dropped sixteen tons of bombs during the night-time, including six tons on Bruges Docks and tho Zeebrugge-Bruges Canal. In addition, wo dropped four tons on tho railway junction stiaions at Metz-Sablons, Karthaets, and Thionville. All our machines returned. A German night-bomber was brought down in flames in-our lines."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. 744 GERMAN 'PLANES BROUGHT DOWN IN MAY. (Rec. June 2, 11 p.m.) : London, May 31. One thousand one hundred and twenty-seven aeroplanes were brought down during May on all .'fronts; These include 711 German machines— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE GERMAN REPORT (Rec. Juno 2, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 31. A wireless German official report states:."Our attack is making favourable progress from No'yon to the westward, of Reims."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. June 2, 5.5 p.m.) London, Juno 1. A German official report states: "Tho Crown Prince closely pursued the enemy, who was retreating from the Ailctte front to southward of tho Oise and across the Ailette. capturing the Bretigny-St. Pa'ul-T rosly-Loiro line. Wo drove back the enemy in constant, fighting northward of the Aisnc, via Bieuxy and Chavigny. The French southward of Soissons brought forward cavalry and infantry for violent counter-attacks, which wore caught disastrously bv our fire and defeated. We crossed Ihe Soissons-lTnrtennes .Road. French divisions that had been brought up to Fere-?n-Tardenois from the south-west, across the Marne, and from the south-east, desperately' counter-attacked, but were unable anywhere to successfully resist ouir advance. Wo pierced the enemy's rear positions at Arcy and Grandrozoy. We reached the Marno southward of Fcro-en-Tarde-nois, and captured tho heights of Champoisy, St. Gommo and Romigny, and also Germigny, Quox, and Thillois, ontho south bank of the Vcsle, westward of Reims. The number of our prisoners is increasing continuously, being now forty-five thousand, with over four hundred guns and one thousand machine-guns."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Router.

ENEMY'S LATEST CLAIMS. (Rec. June 3, 0.15 a.m.) • , ■ l London, Juno 1, 11.25 p.m. A wireless German official report states:' "Wo threw out the enemy from strong positions'near.Cuts and southward of Blerancoirrt. Northward of tho Aisno wo reached Nouvron and Fontcnoy. Dcsporato French counter-attacks on the Soissons-Hartonncs ltoad led to bitter fighting, which ended in our favour. Wo pursued tho enemy as far as the heights eastward of Chauudun, Vierssy, and Blanczy, on both sides of tho Ourcq. AYo crossed tho Soissons-Chateau Thierry Road, reaching tho heights of Nouilly, and northward of Chateau Thierry reached the Marne between Chateau Thierry and eastward of Hermans. We advanced towards the Vornouil-Olizy-Sarcy-Chnmpigny line, and took prisoner several thousands on May 31."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reutcr. COMMENTS ON THE SITUATION ALLIED PUBLIC OPINION CONFIDENT. - London, May 31. in spile of the German progress, public opinion in England and France remains confident that the enemy's blow will soon he spent. It 'is evident that tho Germans intend to persevere, while any of their momentum remains. Airmen report extraordinary activity in tho German rear. Tho enemy ividently realises that it is vitally important to maintain that superiority in numbers which alono has accounted for his success hitherto. There is considerable speculation as, to the enemy's immediate intentions. Some believe he intends to reach the Manic, and use it lo guard his left flank wliilo lie changes direction to tho west, as-he used the Oise to protect his left wing in the March offensive. Another theory is that he will endeavour to extend tho batlleftont west of Soissons and take tho direct road lo I'aris. Ono view is that the enemy is already' wheeling to the right south of Soissons, but it is considered doubtful if he 'will attempt such a huge movement -.vhiio his hands arc already full. The maximum advauce yesterday was eighteen miles, bringing the enemy within sixty miles of Paris, but lie was already nearer Paris at Noyon. ■ ' - Enemy's Object not Easily Explained. Mr. Georgo Perris explains that tho apparent slowness of Ihc Allied reserves in throwing in their weight is probably duo to tho fact that tho front of the offensive has nearly doubled in length in the West in thrco days. He adds: It is difficult to conceive tho object of the present operation, there is no connection between it and tho Somme and Flanders offensives except the object of attacking the Allies' reserves, but Germany herself has already thrown 100,000 men across the Aisne. Tho Germans are meeting with growing resistance, and may bo definitely arrested within a week. There are familiar scenes along the road. Refugees are goiiig south in farm carts, ancient traps, barrows, and perambulators, but there is no panic or fear of tho final result—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. "HIGH MILITARY AUTHORITY'S" VIEW ENEMY'S RESERVES THE CRUX OF THE SITUATION. (Eec. June 2, 5.5 p.m ) ,„, ,„ T . , ,r-,., . ~ ~ „ .-, London, May 31. The 'High Military Authority' writes: "Tho Aisno attack was delivered by thirty divisions on a front of thirty-five miles. A two hoars' bombardment effectively cut the entanglements and the enemy completely overran the whole of the French lines: The British held on until compelled to retire in order to conform with tho French line. The Germans effected the pa--sa"e of the > Aisno with little difficulty, in spite of tho French forco which occupied strong defensive lines south of the river with three divisions. ]3v the evening tho cnehiv had advanced twelve, miles. The Crown Princo did his utmost to exploit his enterprise, his main effort being to widen (ho salient and secure more elbow room. Tho enemy in the centre has achieved considerable success. The Germans havo now reached tho right bauk of tho Marne between Chateau Thierrv and Dormans, for a distance of ten miles. It is now reported that thev arc heavily attacking Chateau Thierry. Tho Germans were not" equally successful on (heir wings,,but Bcims by now has probably been captured, although the situation there is somewlmt obscure. The British are still resisting northward of flic town. The French are holding well the heights west of Soissons, which, with our resistance at Reims, has narrowed tho German salient. Tho indications am that the enemy is beginning an attack eastward of Beims. The transport of British and French reserves' is working quite smoothly and rapidly, and there, are now strong reserves on hand, riioro is rea son to hope that tho enemy will not make much further advanco, although thf.ro will bo an anxious situation for some time. Tho Crown Princo has pr M ti ca lly used up the whole of his re„erves, but so far as we know none of l ue reserves of Von Galhvitz's or Princo Runprecht's armies on the Crown Print's left or right, have vet been used. Reinforcements could bo obtained from these groups, but no considerable bulk are with Piupprecht on -.he Crown Prince's right. It remains to be seen whether the enemy will use these on Paris or. Amiens." Main or Subsidiary Effort? In reference to tho difference of opinion as lo whether this is the Germans' main or subsidiary offensive, tho "Authority" says: "Probably the niemy did not know when he started whether it would become a, main or subsidiary effort. Tho enemy has three objectives, apart from tho destruction of the ... niu British Army—namely, the Channel ports, the separation of the Allied armies, and an attack on Paris. Ho has now used hie reserves for ono or tho other. If ho he neld up at the Aisne by the French ho will attack towards Amiens, or, if he bo sure of success to tho southward, ho will throw every man and gun into a direct march on Paris. Tho Germans deserve credit for tho secrecy with which they massed for their present attack. It could not bo considered a surprise. We h<id definite information a day or two before that an attack was impending.

Iho enemy oidy moved up his largo for ces the night before, and made no groat use ol his artillery, depending on his trench mortars to clear the eulan?'lcnieuls. The enemy's initial success, on top of these circumstances, could hardly nave, been prevented. Tho after development could only have been prevented by our having largo reserves available. We, cannot have these at all numerous points. The present situation is not due to position, but dua to an nnravnurnblo strategic situation. Tho anxiety caused is not merely because the enemy in four days has advanced fifty-six miles, but what really is serious is that die '.n*:)i" has still very 'largo reserves to throw in at any point. Until wo know where they will be thrown in this snxiety will continue. Already twenty-five German divisions have been identified. They have probably used up forty-five. "Tho enemy continues his propaganda to promote tho demoralisation of our troops, circulating reports purporting to como from Australian and Canadian soldiers, that the British soldiors fail in support. The public should not be misled by isolated stories of this sort into tho belief that it is general." The "Authority" pays a tribute to the Americans' fine exploit at Cantigny, whore these untried troops not only captured the position, but showed fine discipline and fighting qualities.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. I MUSTARD GAS' HELPS THE GERMANS. (Ree. June 2. 5.5 p.m.) New York, Slav 31. Tho "Now York Times" Washington correspondent reports that tho '"High Military Authority" btates that tho Germans' use of mustard oil gas shells has greatly facilitated their advance.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GENERAL MAURICE'S OPINION (Rec. June 2, 5.5 p.m.) _ ~r . London, May 31. General Maurice /states: "If the enemy captures Reims he will be enabled to link up tho railways miming. from that point to Mezieres and Laon. The latter lino is especially valuable because Laon is an important junction with a railway connection lo the Oise valley, where tho main German reserve presumably has been waiting. Having secured Sojssons, tho Crown Prince will bo able to reopen the line running from there to'Laon, thus having two more lines to' feed tho flanks of his battlefront. From this noint of view tho Soissons (hintis. more dangerous. Yesterday the enemy succeeded in pinching out tho salient he created between Soissons and Noyon, forcing back the 'French from the Oise and the Ailletto to positions northward of Epargny and Blerancourt. The enemy's progress southward is serious, as it means that hn has for tho time being made a definite breach in tho Allied front, kit if I" 1 can be prevented from breaking westward towards Paris and rolling up the % , Allied line to the north, he cannot gain a decisive success on this battlefield. Once more it is a r«c« between Foch's and Hindenburg's reserves." General Maurice estimates that tho enemy has now used forty-fivo divisions, .'ind that therefore, "while it is unpleasant to record daily a fresh enemy success, we have tho assurance that tho danger is lessening, as probably one-half of Germany's available reserves have already passed into the Crown. Prince's hjilds."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LATEST NEWS STARTLES THE PUBLIC PRESS CENSOR CRITICISED. (Bee. June 2, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 31. _ llie announcement that the Crown Prince has made a further advance of ten miles and reached tho jVlarne has startled tho public, and shows that tho optimistic opinions of the military critics in London and Paris were not justified. The "Westminster Gazette," in a leading article, protests against tho action of the Censor in excising all tho qualifying and crucial passages from its military correspondent's article, and acids. "General Maurice, of tho 'Daily Chronicle,'' also eompliins cf tho Censor's excisions, which made his comments appear more optimistic than were intended." The latest messages from the front show that the armies of'Von Boehm Ermolli, swollen by fresh and important reinforcements, are attempting batter-ing-ram blows towards Paris by two routes—the first, past Vezilly, in order to reach tho main railway from Paris to Nancy; the second, along the valley of the Oise. These two manoeuvres hang closely together, as the Crown Prince cannot follow up his drive towards the Marno without assuring the safety of his right. One French detachment put up a most gallant fight at Fere-en-Tardenois, holding up the Germans for seven hours. ' ' The Paris newspapers, commenting on the,advance, strike a note of confidence and courage, in spite of the peril which is threatening the capital. Tho 'Journal' emphasises the point that the immediate necessity of the situation is to shield the Valley of the Oise, and eugago in battle on a perpendicular lino from Soifsons to Chateau Thierry. "The French Army is still intact, and its material is not inferior to Germany's. Tho Allied air service is superior, while its soldiery are fully equal lo tho Prussians."—Aus. : N.Z. Cable Assn. FRENCH PRESS ANXIOUSLY AWAITING COUNTER-STROKE (Rec. June 2, 11 p.m.) Paris, June 2. The newspapers aro impressed with the gravity of tho events on the Marne and arcs anxiously awaiting the counter-stroke to relieve Paris. The "Matin" states that the last two months have shown that defensive tactics are a failure, and asks: "Has not the hour arrived for attacking?" • 'Gustavo Herve states: "To be victorious to-day, as in 1914, it is necessary to believe in the superiority of tho offensive over the defensive. Everybody knows that the enemy will bo driven out of France only by a new victory of the Marne."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ARCHBISHOP OF REIMS PREPARES TO LEAVE THE CITY. Rome, May 31. Tho Archbishop of Reims has telegraphed to tho Pope notification of his intended departure. The secretary of the Vatican replied that the Pope shares the sufferings of tho population of Reims. His Holiness is petitioning tho Germans lo spare the remainder of the Cathedral.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

SIZE OF AMERICAN ARMY WITHOUT LIMIT CARTE BLANCHE TO PRESIDENT WILSON. (Rec. June 2, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, May 31. The House has passed a twelve billion dollar Army Appropriation Bill, which also gives President Wilson power to increase the size of the Army without limit.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.