THE WAR THEATRES REVIEWED

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 248, 8 July 1918, Page 5

THE WAR THEATRES REVIEWED

OPERATIONS IN TEE WEST RESULT IN IMPORTANT GAINS ENEMY'S PREPARATIONS HAMPERED BY OUR AIR FORCES (Kec. July 7, .'i.ii p.m.) .....■.' London, .Inly 5. It is authentically learned thai, a series of. minor oner.ations on the West front have considerable importance, inasmuch as no hiiv'c- gained improved observation points on ground recaptured al the Somine from which the enemy hitherto has been' able to direct an enfilading lire. During Iho pust week tho Allies captured over 5000 prisoners, and between June 27 and July 3 accounted for 179 German aeroplane.", while 30 of ours aro missing. We- now possess a decided numerical air superiority. The French operations on tho Aisno and in tho Ourcq sector are interesting. They had to cross a ravine down which the Germans hud been in Ihe habit of putting a barrage. The French made a surprise attack, under General Mungin, and crossed the ravino beforo tho enemy could put down a barrage. The Allies have aco.uirod important tactical positions where the line hitherto has been most vulnerable, and obtained valuable- information as to the enemy's plans and trench systems. Another feature is the great damage which tho air forces are doing to enemy factories, stores, aerodromes, and dumps, greatly hampering his preparations. Tho Americans al; Vairo displayed fighting qualities of the highest order. The Staff work was excellent. Tho Germans, after three weeks' rest, now have very largo fresh reserves available for tho next move) Iu Italian operations west of the Brenta four Austrian divisions'which wero engaged suffered the heaviest losses. The Italians between tho Brenta and tho Pinve have not yet recovered all tho lost ground.—Aus.-N.Z, Cablo Assn. A WEEK OF INTENSE AIR FfGIMNf! ABNORMALLY HIGH PERCENTAGE OF GERMAN MACHINES (Rec. July 7, 5.5 p.m.) ; ■.-.■• London, July 5. During the past week the air fighting has been intense. An abnormally high percentage of German machines was destroyed by the British, and an increasingly, menacing portent are the British air raids over Germany, whose largo and more distant cities ore now in constant fear of.attack. These raids arc occasioning rapidly spreading anxiety and alarm throughout Germany. Tho new British independent fighting force is specially conspicuous by a series of heavy telling blows against the Ijig industrial centres of tho Ehine provinces. Our naval airmen are nlso vigorously carrying out daring offensives against; vital enemy sea stations on the Belgian const.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu.-ltouter.