FRENCH ATTACK AT MONTDIDIER

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 263, 25 July 1918, Page 7

FRENCH ATTACK AT MONTDIDIER

NEW OFFENSIVE ON FOUR-MILE FRONT ENEMY'S PREPARATIONS FOR RETREAT By Telegraph-Press ABsoomtlon-Copyriffht. London, Julv 23. The French this morning commenced a. fresh offensive north-west of Montdidier, and have already captured several villagw.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable- Assn. Vancouver, July 23. Tho French have advanced two miles at Moutdidier, and secured domination of the Aisno Valley. Twelve hundred prisoners were taken.—Keuter, PROGRESS REPORTS (fiec. July 21, 7.25 p.m.) London, July 23. The French offensive this morning north-west of Montdidier was commenced on four miles of front. They captured this villages of Aubvillcrs, Sauvilkrs, and Mongival in the first hour. The violence of the enemy's artillery is increasing and his resistance is stiffening. ■ The Americans have- captured Buzancy, bringing them half a mile, beyond the Soissons-Chateait Thierry road. They have also captured Jaulgonno. ,The' French are experiencing great difficulties in forcing the passage of tho river further along the Jlarne Valley, owing: to the enemy's resistance. The French stormed the heights of Courcciles yesterday and crossed the Marnc at Pont Abinson, west of Ecuil. The enemy launched a heavy counter-attack from the direction of Vendiers, which was beaten off. The British troops south-west of Reims captured Petit Champ Wood near Marfaux. The situation ie still favourable, but the public should not expect rapid developments. There are indications that the enemy is evacuating the bottom pocket, wlrch has become too hot, and may take up a natural line of defence on the Ardre or the Vesle.—Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn. ENEMY FACES THE QUESTION OF A RETREAT PREPARATIONS SEEN BY THE AIRMEN. Paris, July 23. Indications are accumulating that (he Germans recognise that retreat on a considerate scale is imperative. The artillery on the bnttlefront is strangely silent, suggesting that the guns are being trail -ported to the rear. Aviators' observations show that the utmost confusion e.vsts on the lines of coinnumicntion, which are insufficient to enable an orderly retreat, to be carried out. The enemy, after his rapid advance to the Jlarne, had not time to construct his usual network of railways.—Aus.-N.55. Cubic Assn, DESPERATE REARGUARD ACTION GERMANS PINNED IK DIFFICULT COUNTRY. London, July 23. The Germans' 1 energies are being co.i 'nntralwl in a series of desperate re.irgtiarJ actions in the hope of extrieatjnj.: -ho bulk of the forces from the clutches of the Allies. The Allies are advancmc ;imultaneously at three points of tho compass. The enemy's position is critic; in view of the relentless pressure by General Foeh, which may still turn the 'etreat into a vout. To avoid this experts are of op'nion that the enemy nni ; draw still more largely on his reserves, probably on those facing the British. V iless they receivo «ucli help it will 1m impossible for the (.iormans to cross the twenty-four miles of rugged country to the north bank of the Aisne, includin;.- ha crossing of the Riven; Ourcrj, Voslc, and Aisne. The ruggednoss of the con .ry between the Manic and Eeims account* for the desperation of the fig) ';■ ng there, enabling the Germans to prolong the, defence. Nevertheless, the ad nice of the British in collaboration with the French was most important, na it : 'mobilised largo Germau forces, necessitating drafts biiint,' bvotvrht from thr ■cserves. . Tho in«ct : vity of the enemy infantry north of tho Ourcq is seini-ofi .'ially ascribed to tho enormous losses, which lire calculated from the fact thai n front of General Gourand's army alone 15,000 were put out of action by a huiid: od guns, which were nmnasketl only when the assaulting waves crossed the c ,-ering xono and approached the real 1-n'o of resistance Tho Germans have tluwu fifty-four divisions into the battle, so it is concluded the Crown Prince's resr-vos sue running rather low. Tlic Germans are apparently burning all fho vi.'.iges south of Fere-en-Tardonois.—An?.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. )

ENEMY BURNING HIS STORES London, July 23. Mr. George Perris confirms ths repors of RTo.it fires between the Marne and the Ardre. The enemy is apparently preparing for n further retreat by Wowing up his munition dumps and stores, which cannot bo removed. The necessity of "getting guns and material away explains the stubborn cnouiy res : stnncc at Oulchy. Tho direction of the retreat suggests that a definite stand will be madn on tho Vesle.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. REINFORCEMENTS FROM THE EAST. London, July 23. Tho "Daily Telegraph 6" Ttotterdam correspondent learns that tho Germans are withdrawing tho army of observation from the East to reinforce the Western front.-Aus.-N.55. Cable Assn. THE GERMAN WITHDRAWAL FROM THE OURCQ AMERICANS ENCOUNTER FIERCE RESISTANCE. (Bee. July 21, 11.35 p.m.) London, July 23. Tho "Daily Chronicle's"' correspondent with the American Army says Hint the German withdrawal up tho valley nl the Ourcq has como to a halt. Tho American pursuers have met with a stiffening of the resistance—first from nests of machine-guns, then shrapnel, and finally held artillery. The Germans are working from previously-prepared strongholds. Prisoners stato that all retreat orders wcro revoked on Sunday evening, and stout opposition enjoined, probably because the German lines of communication are hopelessly congested. Tho "Doughboys" were so eager lo pursue that they did not wait for tho construction of the pontoons when they reached tho Marne, but swam the river and en"a"cd tho enemy. Tho roads arc full ot abandoned supplies, including boxes of ammunition and infantry packs. The Marne villages are all hideous shninbles and monstrosities of smashed masoury.-Aus.-N./. Cable Assn. HEAVY FIGHTING ON NEW BRITISH FRONT (lice. July 21, 9.35 p.m.) London, July 23. Banter's correspondent at French Headquarters, writing on the morning of July 23, says: "Some of the hardest fighting on Ihe whole of tho battlefield is now raging on the now British front, astride tho .Ardre, in Montague do Reims."— Rcuter,

GOO PRISONERS IN TWO DAYS. (Rec. July 21, 7.25 p.m.) London, July 23. Wo liavo captured in the past two <1 .y<s siv hundred prisoners.—lleuter. ANZACS IN THE ARDRE VALLEY FIGHTING WITH HIGHLANDERS AND ENGLISH. dice. July 21, 11.35 p.m.) London, July 23. Mr Pern's, writing on Tuesday morning, says that lie visited tho British divisions who are fighting at the head of the Ardre Valley, in what may be called tho Battle of Mnrioaux. "Here some of the Anzacs are fighting with the Highlanders nnd tho English units. '1 lie Antics are lull of confidence, and fighting successfully fonvard."-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SIXTY-SEVEN GERMAN DIVISIONS NOW ENGAGED (Rec. July 21, 7.25 p.m.) London, July 23. _ Mr. Gerald Campbell writes: "Tho enemy has now brought sixty-ecven divisions into action on the whole of the Aisne-Massignos front. Tho net result is that they not only havo largely exhausted their strength, but have lost more ground than they gained."-"Tho Times.' "ALL COUNTER ATTACKS CRUSHED" (Rec. July 25, 0.50 a.m.) London, July 23. Mr. Gerald Campbell writes: "Wo are crushing all counter-attacks. The French have made especially good progress above Chateau Thierry, and are constructing additional bridges over the Mnrnc, with n view to increasing the weight of the advance northwards our patrols have discovered only the German rearguards holding Baelieux, though the enemy's artillery is keeping up a hot fire over tho valley. Tho Anglo-French face between Baslioux and St. Euphrnise irf very strongly held, the enemy's position for seven miles being intended to project the left flank during the retirement. The British arrived on July 19, nnd sinoo have been continuously attacking and gradually progressing. They are now well beyond Gourmas and Bouilly. They took seven hundred prisoners. The Italians shared in tho attack and displayed splendid vigour. Two picked German divisions have been withdrawn, shattered, whilo a third has been practically -wiped out. Fierce encounters continue."—"The Times."

THE OFFICIAL REPORTS Tho High Commissioner reports:— London, July 24, 1,15 a.m. A French official report states: "Wo have reached the western outskirts of Ourehy la Ville, captured Mont Gru, passed over tho Chateau Thierry roa<l about a mile, captured Rocourt, the bulk of Chatelet Wood, and progressed northwards of Mont Saint Piere and Chartovcs, which are ours. Franco-British troops between the Ardro and Vrigny, attacking strong positions, advanced about a mile. In to-day's operations northwards of Montdidier we took 1500 prisoners." FRENCH COMMUNIQUES. ■ London. July S3. A French communique states: "Thero is great artillery activity, but no infantry action, north of the Ourc<i and i;i the Champagne."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. , (Rec. July 2(, 7.23 p.m.) London, July 23. A French communique states: "Tho artillery only was active during the night on the entire battlcfront. North of Montdidier we boldly conducted a local operation which enabled us to occupy tho villages of Mailly, Rainevol, Sauvillers, and Aubvillers." THE AMERICAN REPORT London, July 23. An American communique stales: "Co-operating with the French, wo continued our advance and crossed tho Soissons-Chatwu Thierry road, between tho Ourcq and Clignon, and reached tho road running through Demi, Epieds, and Charteveg. We crossed the Marno and occupied towns the. condition of which shows that they were übandoned in great haste."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ON THE BRITISH FRONT London, July 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "We advanced our line slightly yesterday south of Merris and Meteren, and south of .Hebuterno. Wβ improved our po/ition during the night in tho flawel sector, and successfully raided various districts. There is considerable hostile gas-eholling at Yillers 15retonnenx ami reciprocal artillery action in the Dickcbusch sector."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Router. (Rec. July 21, 7.25 p.m.) / ' . London, July 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports increased hostile artillery activity in the neighbourhood of Villers Brctonneux, Hinges, and elsewhere.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.Reuter. THE GERMAN REPORT ''■-■■■■■■ (Rec. July 24, 7.25 p.m.) London, July 23. A German ofltcial report states: "We ropulsed tho British at many points on the Western front. The enemy made violent partial attacks astride the Ourcci aiid between tho Ourcq and the Marne. We repulsed tho enemy and penetrated his advanced positions on both eidw of Jiuilgoune. We threw the enemy back to the river ."-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. July 20. 0.50 a.m.) London, July 23. A wireless German official report states:—"Between Soissons and Reims we frustrated a strong joint attack."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aj^n.-Reutcr, COMMENTS ON THE SITUATION THE METIER OF THE BRITISH. London, July 23. Military writers insist that the French deserve the prime credit for the Marne victory, although the Americans arc fighting grandly. It is not yet clear to what extent General Foch lifts utilised the English, Scottish, and Australians, but only two British divisions are in tho Marfaux region, between Reims and the Marne. Messy, which Ihe Australians are reported to havo helped to capture, is a small village on (ho south bank of the Miirno hi a loop of the river, about five miles east-north-east of Chateau Thierry. I'i obably the pressure there assisted in forcing tho evacuation of Chateau 'fhieny.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND GERMANS ISOLATED (Rec. July 2.'. 11.35 p.m.) London, July 23. Now (hat the French havo crowed ' p Soissons-Chateau Thierry Road, only nineteen miles separate the Allied baiter>s on tho two flanks of tho salient. As (he heavy concentration of lire covers s■: miles.on either side, the Germans havo only a passage seven miles wide in ivlu■■:'. to retreat or bring reserves of men, ammunition, and food. One hundred ■. ;ousaud Germans an isolated, in spite of the clever manner in which the Ge: nans are sacrificing their rearguards to enable the larger units (o escape- from J : ich'e pincers—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CROWN PRINCE'S R 'TREAT INEVITABLE (Rec. July 21, 7.25 p.m.) . Paris, July 23. M. Marcel llutiii says: "In spite of *lie enemy's tenacity in retirement, the Crown Prince's retreat is inevitable. The pontoon-builders on the Marne are not be'ng hindered by shells, showing that the enemy's main artillery has been withdrawn from the base and concentrated on the 'flanks, where the 'shelling is intense."—-United Service. GATHERING STORM ON THE BRITISH FRONT (Rec. July 21, 7.25 p.m.) London, July 23, The United Press correspondent stalos: "The situation on the British front is ono of prepared waiting. The. enemy may strike at any time, but the British will not bo caught less prepared than thsur brilliant Allies at Reims. It is rn open secret .that Prince Rupprecht's plans were perfected weeks ago, great masses of storm troops, a terrific power of artillery, nnd crowded aerodromes only awaiting von Himlenbiirg's cue. This doubtless depended on the events on the French I'runt, where, since the drive in May, tilings have been going from bad to worse. Princo Itupprecht had actually fixed tho date of his offensive against the British several times, tho same being intended as a smashing blow to be delivered as the sequel to the expected success in Champagne. That fiasco has necessitated postponements. Recent events have so lessened the Army's and people's confidence in von Lndendorff and von Hindenburg that some dazzling stroke is needed as soon as possible. Although the German position at Reims approaches a rout, Pr'nco Rupprecht's reserves have only been slightly cut down, and his onslaught will coino whenever von Ilimlenburg considers the immediate danger of the disaster in Champagne is jmst. The Allies, with ord'nary luck, should be able henceforward to give something of their own frond to developments. The Allies possess as many or more troops, and it is merely a question of the best way of using them. General I'och has proved hif abil.ty in this respect. The speeding up of tho Americans has put General loch in t position to defend or fight as ho thinks best. Of two hundred German divisions <m the West front, only one-fourth are worthy to he called shock troops. Althmgh there is much heavy fighting ahead of the Allies, they can breathe more easily. Tho British are keen and rcady."-Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

GALLANT SERVICE BY THE AIRMEN

London, July 23. Tho "Morning Post's" correspondent on tho French front stales that tho French commanders pay a tribute to_the British units which are co-operaling at. Reims and on other sectors. The airmen rendered particularly gallant service. French airmen performed a brilliant feat at Pourcv, where a battalion becamo cut off. Tho aeroplanes dropped bread and biscuits and 250 boxes of beef among the troops, along with ammunition, enabling them to hold out until a. counter-attack relieved them. The resistance of the Germans east of Courchamps is regarded as an indication that they are in full retreat. Tho counterattacks are merely desperate rearguard actions. French airmen are constantly worrying tho columns retreating northwards. Tho French havo adopted a new method of attack. They havo abiindonod preliminary bombardments, relying mainly on tanks, which closely follow tho barrage.—Ans.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FRENCH RECAPTURE 155 LOST GUNS London, July 23. The newspaper "Liberte" states tba the guns captured north of the Onrcq inchiilml 155 which the Germans had cap trod from the French on April 27.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' AMERICA TO INCREASE HER FORCES Washington, July 23. The Secretary for War (Mr. Newton J). Baker) intends to ask Congress for a larger military mobilisation, in order to increase the United States forces in Europe.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. 300,000 AMERICANS PER MONTH. (Rec. July 21, 7.25 p.m.) London, July 23. In tho House of Commons, Sir Leo Chiozza Money stated that three hundred thousand American troops wore now crossing the Atlantic every month. Sufficient supplies and war material for tho Allies were also being carried.—Reuter. THE WAR IN THE AIR London, July 23. A French communique states: "Our tombing squadrons were active on July 21, desp'te the weather, and dropped during tho day and night fifty tons of bombs on communications, cantonments, and bivouacs in tho Yesleaml Ardro Valley, ami stations at Laou, Fiernes, and Berry-au-Bac."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Koutor. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORT. (Rec. July 21, 7.25 p.m.) r,. -n , ™ , ,„„ London, July 23. Sir Douglas Haig rcporU: lho weather improved on July i'i, and several long-distance reconnaissances were rnado. Twenty-throe tons of bombs were dropped on tho railway slafons at Cainbrai, Bray, and Lille, on ammunition dumps near Armenticres and Uapaume, and ou billets along the whole front. Twentythreo hostile machines were.brought down, and three were driven down out of control. Ten British aeroplanes are missing. Bain prevented night-flying."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Rcutcr. . ' AIR MINISTRY'S REPORT. (Rcc. July 21, 7.25 p.m.) London, July 23. Jhe Air Ministry reports: "Our aeroplanes on tho nfternoon of July' 23 hit the main etation at OfTenburg. Hursts wero seen on the sidings. One hostile machine was destroyed. All our machines returned. We repeatedly attacked the enemy's aerodromes on the night of July. 22, with good results. Fires and explosions wero observed. Wo bombed, and machine-gunned other targets."—Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.