PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 284, 20 August 1918, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

One of to-day's messages raises expectations of an important enemy retirement in Flanders, and also in the region of Soissons. Little actual movement is reported at time, of writing, but it seems _ distinctly probable that the predictions of an extended retreat by the enemy in the near future may bo verified.' A considerable part of the front to which he advanced at the height of his offensive is of necessity exposed-, and unprofitable costly to defend now that he is standing on the defensive. On the Somme front, where the Allies are now closing in on both Chaulnes and Roye, and the French, to the south, are established on the crest of fihe Lassiqny massif, the Germans undoubtedly are very badly placed. A considerable range of their communications is exposed to a devastating bombardment, and failing the ; recovery of the high ground they have' the strongest incentives to retreat. It, of course, _ counts for a good deal also that in view of the extent to which recent battles 'nave altered the balance of strength to the advantage of the Allies, Marshal . Focit is presumably not without the means of striking further'damaging blows as opportunity appears. Retiring at this stage, the Germans w6uld sacrifice Some of the ground which might otherwise serve them as a manoeuvring area next year., but it is by no means unlikely that thc.v are already under the necessity of lightening their burdens of defence by retirement.

A ItiWTEtt correspondent reports an important gain of ground by j British troops in tho area duo east of Hazebrouck. Hero they'have! .enpturcd the village of Oulterstcen and the low ridge on which it stands, Oultersteeivj is'situated six miles and a. half east of Hawbrouck and nearly a mile east of Merits, which was recaptured not long ago by an Australian attacking fojee. Apparently the village was strongly held by the enemy, for the correspondent states that the British attack was made on | the Fourth Saxon Division. Though 1 the captured ridge is of no great elevation it commands a considerable extent of low country to the east and south, and if the British gain is maintained the enemy's retirement from tho forward area of the •• Lyst salient is likely to be materially expedited.