GALLANT AMERICANS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 224, 10 June 1918, Page 5

GALLANT AMERICANS

HELP WHEN URGENTLY NEEDED

ALLIES ATTACK SUCCESSFULLY

' GROUND GAINED AT SEVERAL POINTS

GREAT DESTRUCTION OF U-BOATS

Much of to-day's war news relates to successful local attacks at various points along the front north fro m the Marne, and on both sides of the Aisne, in whioh tho French and American troops havo notably improved their defensivo positions, .captured prisoners, and inflicted severe losses on the enemy. Thero are further accounts of serious political disorders in Hungary. An encouraging statement on the submarine situation is mado by the French Minister of Marine. He mentions, amongst other things, that during April and May tho Allies destroyed twice as many submarines as Germany constructed in that period.

AMERICA'S GREAT HELP

GALLANT FIGHTING OF THE TROOPS IMPRESSES FRANCE MANY THOUSANDS IN THE LINE By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright. (Eec. June .9, 5.5 p.m.) London. June 7. The gallant-fighting of the Americans has made a dramatic impression in France. _ The promise made by Mr. Newton D. Baker. Secretary of War, that half a million men would reach Europe by May has been fulfilled, and many thousands are actually in the line, America's .effort suddenly looms large, and has taken a share in comforting the Allies when help was urgently needed. During w recent visit to the American front, a correspondent was most impressed . with the splendid physique and intelligence of tho infantry. They are undeniably amateurish, but have a way all their own. They are teeming with questions, like simple youngsters. Their physiquo Is indisputably far better than tho Europeans'.—United Service. TROOPS DISTRIBUTED ON' WIDE FRONTS. (Eec. June 9, 5.5 p.m.) •. , _ . London. Juno 7. The Daily Mail's"- correspondent says:—"The Americans are distributed on wide fronts, in addition to tho sectors which American divisions solely hold. In every fourth village behind the lino from Switzerland to the sea von will find Americans rapidly learning the craft of war. Ono thing they already know is how to be dea'dly shots.- After a recent German raid it was "notable that every enemy corpse was shot through the head or the heart."—United Service. POSITIONS CAPTURED BY AMERICANS- . London, June 7. . The American troops have captured Torcy arid Bourncsches. west of Chateau Thierry.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. (Eec. June 9, 5.5 p.m.) < ' ■ London, Jime 7. An American official reports states :-"In an attack north-westward of Chateau Thierry on the morning of June 6 we, in conjunction with the French, advanced our line southwnrd of Torcy about a mile, capturing prisoners and inflicting heavy losses in killed afld wounded."— Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Eeuter. GERMANS ROUTED BY AMERICAN AND FRENCH TROOPS. (Eec. June 9, 5.5 p.m.) , , London. June 7. Reuters correspondent at French Headmmrters. writing on Juno 6. states:— "The first American infantry engaged in tho battle took part in tho defence of .Neuilly Wood, on the south bank of the Ourcq. on June 3. They left for tho lront in tho_ highest spirits, resolved not to yield ah inch of French ground. On the morning of June 3 the Germans crossed tho railway running through the Ourcq Valley. They look the village of Bussians, a mile from Neuilly. also a height to the southward. They advanced in strong force against our line at Neuilly Wood, with tho object of gaininSf'a footin? in Marigny Wood, south of Neuilly. The French,and Americans took up positions south of tho wood, the Americans on tho left. When.the Germans came within range the Americans opened a flank machine-gun fire, causing tho heaviest losses! The Germans halted to rally; when their rout was completed by a French counter-attack, which put them to flight."—Eeuter. , SIGNIFICANCE OF AMERICAN FORCES' APPEARANCE ,_ i'-.,-, ■ London, June 7.' War experts insist on tho far-reaching significance of Hie appearance of American forces in the new Battle of the Marno. The Supreme Allied War Council, envisaging the war from the standpoint of .the strategic reserve, rely upon the American armies to end the struggle, and to give the British and French reserves a power which may even enable Eussia to throw off tho Teuton bondage and take part in the final struggle. - It must also be remembered that the German casualties have already far exceeded the number in killed and wounded agreod upon between the Pan-German and tfte Socialist leaders when the desirableness of the present offensive was mooted—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MANY MONTHS BEFORE AMERICA WILL SHOW HER STRENGTH. (Eec. June 9, 11.40 p.m.) ■c , , ■ , ~., London, June 7. Jivety correspondent and military commentator warns against illusory hopes that it is possible for the Americans to become war-hardened and effectivo before many months. Perhaps it will be the middlo of 1919 before the true giant strength of the Eepublic is exerted, but the past week's fightin" has proved tho Americans'genuino worth. They are natural machine-gunners. Tho = sewho fought at Chateau Thierry arrived weary and footsore. Within twelvo hours they were taking part in a stern action. They caught . the Germans marching fonr abreast across the Marno bridges. They dropped them liko experts, and shattered company after company. Fully 100 ft were killcd.-United Service. A TYPICAL AMERICAN EPISODE 'ASSISTING TO DRIVE THE GERMANS BACK OVER THE MARNE. (Eec. June 9, 11 p.m.) ■j. • , A •*•!,.,, London, Juno 7. A typical American episode has jnst been disclosed. It occurred at Jaulgonne where the French were holding the northern edge of the loop on the Marno. The Germans had succeeded in throwing- across twenty-two lHit bridges, each allowing the enemy to cross two abreast. Two battalions of infantry succeeded m crossing and forming a bridgehead in the railway station as»r tC< L^ eiX f ma ? b 1 IDC ;r l ? S - T ii e F^ ch to counter-attack. Cavalry made a frontal attack on tho station, while infantry were attack-in* in the rear. Both failed, owing to the vigilance and activity bf the German machinegunners, until Amencnn machine-gunners came into the fight, and siiDDorted tlio frontal attack, which enabled the infantry to strike tho GemaiVin the rear A few Germans escaped by swimming, and two boatloads of forty men also escaped. ,Tho French and Americans took one hundred prisoners and nil M, n machine-guns. The rest of the German battalion was destroyed Th o French are enthusiastic overthe splendid bravery, and self-sacrifice tho Americans displayed at Jaulgonne, also in tho wood fighting at Neuilly la Poterio, where A met'can machine-gunners enabled the French to surprise a Gorman detachment and rout them.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

ALLIES GAIN GROUND AT SEVERAL POINTS

HEAVY LOSSES INFLICTED ON TEE ENEMY.

(Rec. .Tuno 0, 5.5 p.m.)

London, June 7 5 n m A French communique slates: "North of Montdidior and wedt of Noyon we curried out, several successful coups domain and took prisoners. North'of Iho Aisne wo by a night attack captured the villago of Lo Port, west of Foiitenoy l South of the Aisno we improved our positions south-east. of Amblez, and between the Onrcq and the Mama we continued tho local operation in tho i<egion of.Nouilly la Poterie. Wo increased our progress and captured tho village of Vinly, north of the Clignon, also the woods to tho east and the station at Neuilly la Poterie.- Wo also gained possession of the outskirts of this village Farther south the American troops gained ground on the Tcrcy-Bellcaii-Boiileschos 'front West of Chateau Thierry a spirited attack gavo us Hill 201. Between the Manic and Reims British troops regained a footing in (bo village of Bligny and in flictfd heavy losses on the enemy/"—Aus.-N.Z, Cablo Assn.-Roulcr l . ''

(Rec. June !), 5.5 p.m.)

■a ■ u l- • ' i . »« l !, n London ' Ja,le 8 > 1-10 a.m. A Jbrench communique Mutes: "Between tho Ou,rcr| and tho Marno wo successfully continued local operations. The French and Araorican troops extended their gains north of Cauly to tho Chesy, captured Neuilly la Potorio and Bournesohe3, appreciably improving their positions.on tho front Torcy to Bonrnesches Between the Marne and Roi.-ns tho action against Bligny continued, resulting iri the capture of the entire villago.and 200 prisoners. During tho day 13 Geitmaii aeroplanes were brought down, and 27 tons of bombs woro dropped in the region of Eoye, St. Qmentin, and Soiesons, with good Te6ulta." r Au6,-N.Z. Cablo Assn - Eeutex,

(Rec. June 9, 11.10 p.m.) London, Juno 8, 4.30 p.m.

A French communique states: "There is artillery activity on the front south of the Aisne, notably in tho region of Laivcrollos. Wo have iraprovo <1 our positions south-east of Ambleny. During the night wo continued the prcssuro south of the Onrcq, and mads new progress and carried our lines as far as tho westcm outskirts of Daiumard, to tho east of Chezy, and over a kilometre norlh of Neuilly la Poterie. Farther south during tho evening we wero twice violently attached in positions on the IJourneschea Le lollet front. The attacks wero shattered with heavy losses. Tho night was relatively calm elsewhere."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Ecuter. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORT (Eec. June 9, 5.5 p.m.) London, Juno 7, 10 p.m. Sir Douglas Hnig reports: "The French improved their lino in the neighbourhood of Locre in n successful local attack. Wo raided a post in the Strazeelo sector. A later message reports successful raiding in tho neighbourhood of HuJlitch and Strazeele. Artillery firing is activo northward of Albert and south-east of Arras. We brought down 23' aeroplanes and dropped 39 tons of bombs on objectives, including Valenciennes, Le Gateau, Busigny, and St. Quantin."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Eeutcr. ' THE GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT (Roc. June 9, 5.5 p.m.) London, Juno 7. A wireless German official, report states: "We have advanced westward of Kemmel, and captured lines astride the Ardre, to the south-east of Sarcy, taking 300 prisoners."-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Eeuter. COMMENTS ON THE SITUATION HOLDING THE LINE UNTIL AMERICA THROWS IN HER'. WEIGHT. (Eec. Juno 8, 5.5 p.m.) ' London, Juno 7. General Maurice, military correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle," commenting on tho declaration of the Supreme War Council and ll.' Cloinenceau s speech, says: "Speaking bluntly, wo are now in the same situation as in 101-1,. when our Allie3 were obliged to hold on until wo' threw in our new armi-js. Now, having failed adequately to prepaie for the new situation which has resulted from Russia's collapse, we are ajjain holding on until America throws in her weight. The vital question mean.vrh.ilo is: Whoso effectives are dwindling most quickly?" General Maurice details tho measures .taken, and sums up: "Apparently we again have let tho enemy got a 6tart by allowing him to train fresh drafts before ours are ready."—Aus.-N.Z; Cable Assn. ENEMY RAIDS FAIL LAMENTABLY FINE WORK BY THE AUSTRALIANS. (Rec. June 9, 11 p.m.) London, June 7. Mr. Percival Phillips says: "Enemy raids constitute the sole activity on the British front, all of which have been lamentable failures.. Tho Australians aro heroes as tho result of a typical raid. At least 200 picked German infantry participated in an expedition jgainst tho Australians south of Morlan:ourt. They expected to catch the Australians napping. Disillusionment could r.ot have been more complete. The Australians took 21 prisoners and captured fouir machineguns. Twenty-five bodies were counted in No Man's Land.' Other raids_ were made north of Lens, north-cast of Hinges, near La Basscc, eastward of Nieppe Forest, and southward of Ypres.' All loft prisoners in our hands. Only in one place wero British kidnapped."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable.As-sn. THE MEDIATE DANGER OVER GERMANS ABLE TO CONCENTRATE RAPIDLY AT ANY POINT (Rec. Juno 10, 0.55 a,.m.) London, Juno 7. The correspondent of the Australian Press Association learns that the enemy's progress for th« time being is checked. The immediate danger is over, but' until it is known where Prince Itupprech t's reserves will bo thrown in the anxiety must continue. The Germans show reluctance to directly attack Reims, where the defence is well prepared and would involve, tho enemy in heavy loses. He has nothing to gain by the capture of the city unless he is ablo to drive the French sufficiently far back to enable him to'make good us© of the lateral communications between Soissons and Reims. Tho Germans have used 41 divisions sinco Day 27. A few of these belong to the armies to the eastward of the Crown Prince's, tho bulk being tho Crown Prince's own reserves. Tho Germans aro still quite free to concentrate either for-an advance on Paris or.Amions. Tho Allies labour under tho disadvantage of maintaining a long line with a largo number of vulnerable points, suoh as the Paris and Channel ports lines of communication. We are -unable to keep large concentrated reserves. Theso must bo 6pread over a greater extent than wo could wish, while the Germans aro able to concentrate rapidly on a definite point—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. POSSIBLE MOVES DISCUSSED OPINIONS OF FRENCH CRITICS. (Rec. Juno 9, 5.5 p.m.) PaVis, June 7. M. Henri Bidou, discussing possible moves, says: "An extension of the German flanks must precede any new onslaught towards Paris. Tho Allied retaliation becomes more dangerous as the southward advance extends. Tho Allies hold strong points-d'appuij extending from Amiens to Chacsy. In the movement thence towards Paris only precarious, mediocro positions will be available,, tho breaking of which might end in disaster. A similar movement on the enemy's left will need most careful guarding of the flank." M. Marcel Hutin does not expect the enemy to choose a fresh front. Tho Kaiser is giving the army a short rest; then thero will bo a .terrific renewal of tho offensive.—United Service.. A. GERMAN WRITER'S VIEW. (Rec. Juno 9, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, Juno 7. The "Vossischo Zcitung's" military correspondent says: "Foch has been enabled to organise a strong resistance owing to the brilliantly constructed railway system." Ho considers that tho German High Command should not attack tho newly consolidated French front, which is richly provided with reserves, and thereby expose the Germans to high losses.—United Service. THE MASTERY OF THE AIR FRENCH AIRMEN RE-ESTABLISH THEIR SUPREMACY. •Dt. jii-ni-rr, , London, June 7. Reuters correspondent at French Headquarters, writing on Wednesday says: "During the first twenty-four hours of the battle tho Gorinans had tho mastery of tho air between the Aisne and 'the Marne. Their triumph was short-lived. As the attack opened on Monday, a powerful aviation group including some of the best-known French pilots, started for tho Aisiie via' the German front on the Oise, causing damage en route. The group took tho air on Tuesday morning. It, engaged the German airmen, and descended to within twenty feet of the ground in order to attack tho troops and convoys In tho co'urse of Wednesday, our supremacy in tho air was definitely re-established and since then at has hardly been challenged. French squadrons carried out systematic attacks at short intervals on the German concentrations in such places as Fisrnes, twelve miles behind tho front. Scores of 'tons of explosives wero dropped on tho German camps and communications, and a remarkable number of enemy balloons was destroyed lately. Tho Germans use balloons almost in tho .front line, in order to compensato for the inferiority of their air service, and they haul them down, with remarkable quickness on tho appearanco of a French aeroplane. —Reuter. IMMENSE EFFECTS OF ALLIED AIR RAIDS ; ENEMY TROOPS FORCED TO TAKE ELABORATE PRECAUTIONS. (Rec. Juno 9, 5.5 p.m.) Mr. H. Perry Robinson writes: "Tho effects of the Allied a°ir raids""!, tho battlefront are so immense that the enemy troops aro taking elaborate precautions to avoid observation. They march in small formations and havo been ordered to break up and scatter when warned."—"Tho Times." SPLENDID WORK OF BRITISH AIRCRAFT GREAT DESTRUCTION OF GERMAN AEROPLANES. '

It is reliably stated that British aircraft in May brought down 398 German aeroplanes and drove down a hundred. The guns brought down twenty. One hundred and twenty-eight British machines aro missing.-Aus.-N.Z Cable Assn. ■ . •