SALIENT COMPLETE WIPED OUT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 307, 16 September 1918, Page 5

SALIENT COMPLETE WIPED OUT

, GREAT SUCCESS OF AMERICAN OFFENSIVE IMPORTANT NEW ATTACK BY THE FRENCH ■■■■■) By Tcleerapli-Pwsß Assoolation-Oopyright, • :■'•■"'•...■ New- York,- September ]3. The French and Americans have captured the St; Miliiel salient. Twelve thousand prisoners' were taken. • . • The United Press Agency at London states that the Americans have completely flattened out the St. Mihiel salient.-, Twelve, thousand prisoners have' been captured thus far.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Washington, September 13. The Verdun-Toul-Nancy railway is now in the, Allies' possession.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. . , PINCHING IN THE NECK OF,THE SALIENT. ' SKILFUL WORK OF AMERICAN ARTILLERY. 7.1 ' -~ ~ ■ • ■'_...,■ London, September 13.' .. The ."Daily Chrotiiclo's" correspondent at American Headquarters reports that General Pershing launched an attack, with limited objectives, on a front •of between- 30 and 37 miles, for the purpose of, straightening tho St. .Mihiel salient. We put up'a night artillery preparation on a grand scale. > Tho guns began at 1 o'clock, and the roar of the artillery reualled the attack on .Verdun. Details of the battle are being unfolded siowly, but it can be said that tho Americans swept towards tho second enemy positions ahead of schedule. TheTesistancc was not stiff, though it was not tamo before the second line was reached; but thero the sharpest encounters developed, and delayed the.advance. The Americans were undaunted, and valorouslv pushed on. The operations augur well for the future.', .Nothing at present is more outstanding than the skill of the American artillery (ire. The Germans attempted to silence American batteries fifteen minutes after they started, but th« Americans blotted out the counter-fire iri exactly thirty-five minutes.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. . ■ , . -GERMANS OVERWHELMED BY THE RAPID ADVANCE • .'■ SITUATION SATISFACTORY ON THE,BRITISH FRONT. (Rec. September 15, 5.5, p.m.) -.■'■• London, September 13. To-day's news from the American front is excellent. The prisoners at 10 o'clock this.morning numbered 9500, and 60 guns had been captured. The advance is such as to seriously endanger the German troops still in the St. Mihiel pocket. The Americans have narrowed tho bottle-neck to less than six miles. It was reported last night that two German divisions were in the neck, and it was doubtful whether they would succeed in escaping. Probably they will be trapped. The "advance continues with such rapidity that it is difficult to keep to keep in touch with tho movements. The line to-day, it is reported, runs from Herbeuville to Dommartin, westward of Dompierre, Lamorville, and Narmont Wood/along the western outskirts of St. Mihiel, through the forest, of Veucheres to Vievillp, thence to Thiaucourt. The line eastward of this point is indefinite.*, It is reported that the Americans have captured .Bendy, Thiaucourt,. Vigneulles and Heudicourt. The line, thence apparently runs from Montsec to the lake at Yargevaux, where it joins the old line. If this is the-, true line, the Americans have advanced on the south side, on a 14-mile front, to adepth of eight miles. Upon the west, where the country is much moro difficult, and thero was probably greater, lesistance, tho Allies have advanced on a 12-inile front to a depth of three miles. The capture of Vigneulles, if certain, would moan an advance on the south side to a depth of 10 miles. The Germans are blowing up dumps at.Hattonville and Dampvitoux. Both places are outside the pocket. Prisoners say \ tho attack was expected, ljut was delivered so rapidly that they were overwhelmed, and the defenders had not time to put up a stubborn resistance, which they were (sternly ordered to make. The French Staff give as an instance that the Americans easily captured tho village of Pannes, which was capable of a strong defence. " The authority adds, regarding the British front, that the situation is regarded as extremely satisfactory. The capture of Havrincourt and the crossing of the. canal to tho south gives a possiblo.stepping-stono for the turning of .the Canal du Nord in the direction of Bourlon and Cambrai. Tho capture of Jeancourt also brings the British a little nearer the lino held in March. We havo reached tho borders of tho river Lys to the north-westward of Armontieres, and are now in front of the Pont de Nioppe, within a mile of Armen-tieros.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.- ■• ST. MIHIEL UNDAMAGED AND RAILWAYS INTACT. (Rec. September 15, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 13, 9.50 p.m. The American line now runs directly from llagny, 'on the Moselle, to Hattonville, thence along the foot of the heights of the Meuse. All the villages in the salient have been captured a.ud the front reduced from 40 to 20 miles. The German claim that they foresaw tho evacuation and prepared for it, but the number of prisoners fails to bear this out. Tho loss cf twelve thousand meu can hardly bo described as a successful operation, but tho few 'stores left shows that tho Germans wero preparing to leave tho ground. Tho town of St. Miliiel is practically undamaged. The railway from Verdun to Commercy, Toul, and Nancy is intact, and will be used at once. The Thiau-court-St. Mihiel railway is also intact. , The operation must be regarded as a oig local success.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AMERICANS SEVENTEEN MILES FROM METZ ENEMY LINE BEING READJUSTED NORTH OF THE OLD , FRONT; (R*c. September 15, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 14, 5 p.m. The Americans are 17 miles from Met& and 10 from tho outer fortifications, but it must be understood that tho advance is not directed against that fortress. The cnomy is readjusting his line north of the old St. Mihiel salient, and retiring on a front of Beven miles between Bozonvaux and Chatillon Fronoh patrols are In contact with him—4us.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

AMERICAN INVASION OF GERMANY FORECASTED. (Rec. September 15, 11 p.m.) New York, September 13. There was an intense thrill throughout America at to-day's news of the first American offensive. It is considered to bo the forerunner of an eventual American invasion of Germany. It is emphasised, however, that the present operations are limited presumably to the elimination of the St. Millie] salient, though there'is a possibility that General Pershing may follow up and attack in the direction of Metz. Mr. N. I). Baker, Secretary of War, was at tho St. Mihiel sector observing the operations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RECEPTION OF THE AMERICANS AT ST, MIHIEL THE INHABITANTS OVERJOYED. / (Rec. September 15, 5.5 p.m.) • London, September 14. Renter's correspondent at American Headquarters, writing on the ovening of September 13, says: "General Pershing and General Pctain entered St. Mihiel tin's afternoon. The ijcrmans liad not timo to evacuate the inhabitants, but liad previously deported all boys of from 10 to 16 years. They forced the old people to work. As for the rest, tho least said the better. What a relief it was from all those years of 'oppression could be judged by tho transports of joy with which the Americans were greeted. It was the same in all the other towns and villages."—Reuter. ; (Ree. September 15, 5.5 p.m.) Ottawa, September 13. Tho United Press correspondent on the West front states that General Petain, General Pershing, and Mr. Newton D. Baker walked into St. Mihiel. They were received in the most enthusiastic manner by the townspeople — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' FRENCH ATTACK ON THE AISNE FRONT WEST FLANK OF CHEMIN DES DAMES THREATENED. - (Rec. 'September 15, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 14,- 5 p.m. The French attacked on a five-mile front between the Aisne and ' the Vesle, from tho direction of the Forest do Coucy, and at the south end of tho Gobaiu massif. The attack is progressing favourably, and 1800 prisoners have been captured, of whom one division took a thousand. The enemy's counteraction was weak, though his front lines were strongly held, and prisoners say they were told to hold on at all costs. Tho advance' threatens to turn the west, flank of the Chernin des Dames, and also endangers Laon and tho Gobain massif. In a simultaneous attack on the Ailette, the Frenoh captured 1 Mont des Singes and the villages of Allemant and Sancy, They are now on the wostern outskirts of Vailly.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. EVACUATION OF LILLE REPORTED (Rec. September 15, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, September 13.' Many fugitives from Lille are arriving. They .stato Lille is being evacuated. The Germans are constructing a number of auxiliary bridges overtho Meuse—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn; FRENCH MILITARY AUTHORITY ON THE OUTLOOK \ (Rec. September 15, 11 p.m.) 1 Washington, September 12. Mr. Charles Grasty interviewed a high French military authority in Paris, who said: "There are five weeks' more good offensive weather. If the summer continued for three months more it would perhaps be possible to get a decision. However, south of the Somme, perhaps, tho offensive can be continued after raid-October,"—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMANS IN OCCUPATION OF A HIGHLY, DEFENSIBLE ZONE I London, September 13. Tho enemy shows no inclination to abandon the Passchendalo-Wytschaetc- , Messines lines'. The recent.withdrawal by the enemy along the whole western front resulted in shortening his lines compared with -those on July 14 by over 70 'miles, thus economising between thirty and forty divisions. The Germans now occupy a highly defensible zone, which he is not likely to abandon except as the result of heavy fighting. Although tho enemy carried out the retirement with great skill, it was only dono by a heavy strain on his military machine. Our men also aro tired, but are in splendid spirits.—Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn. SAVAGE FIGHTING IN LA BASSEE RAILWAY TRIANGLE. London, September 13.' Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: "The attack on tho La Basseo railway triangle (south-west of La Bassee) was not a 'set piece.' Thero was no bombardment except the shelling of tho enemy batteries. Our men suddenly pushed out into tho surrounding outposts. Thero was savajjo fighting within the trianglo with bayonets and bombs, but the Germans. wore, mostly trapped and surrendered.. Thero has been sharp outpost fighting on tho Australian front."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. , CAPTURES BY THE NEW ZEALANDERS (Special from tho New Zealand Official War Correspondent:) By Cable, September 10. ,Tho.Rifles had some stiff fighting yesterday to gain a position on a ridge. They took over 50 prisoners from a numbor of imits.. Since the battle began the Now Zealandera have captured 2400 prisoners, 28 guns, .460 machineguns,' two tanks, several mortars, and a large quantity of ammunition, and engineering stores. Tlie weather has broken, and has been stormy and wet. GERMANS RESIST STOUTLY ABOUT-GOUZEAUCOURT. ' 1 London, September 13. Tho United Press reports: "The Germans, in force, continue their stiff resistance about Gouzeaucourt. Throwing back the New Zealanders, they advanced south of Dead Man's Corner, though exposing themselves to heavy casualties."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE OFFICIAL REPORTS BRITISH -LINE ADVANCED London, September !3. ■ Sir Douglas Haig reports: "The English troops on Thursday took possession of Holnon Wood, west of St. Quentin, expelling the enemy from localities in which he had resisted; Our line further north was advanced east of the village of Jeancourt, which is in our bands. 'During the evening strong forces, assisted by low-flying aeroplanes, attacked our new positions at Havrincourt, but were repulsed with great loss. Opposite Mouevros, infantry assembling for a counter-attack were subjected to heavy and accurate artillery fire. The attack which developed subsequently was completely unsuccessful, and the few Germans who reached our positions were killed or made prisoner. We made progress in the night west of .Auchy-lez-La Bassee."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.lteuter. (Rec. September 15, 5.5 p.m.) London, .September 13,11.45 p.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "In the Vermand-Jeancourt sector and northwest of St. yuentin we gained ground in contact with the enemy's advanced detachments. South-west of La Bassoe progress has continued, despite the machine-gun opposition. Wo took possession of Fosse de Bethune and the adjoining slag neap, an important local feature giving a wide observation of the surrounding country and to the northward. We hold the German trench ' lines immediately westward of Auchy-lez-La Bassee,' and are pressing forward into the village. Low clouds and heavy rain kept tho enemy aeroplanes inactive. Night flying has been impossible." < In a supplementary dispatch Sir Douglas Haig states: "In a series of successful battles on the Somme front, beginning on August 8, English, Scottish, and Welsh divisions took an important share in the fighting, and performed many gallant actions. Most of these divisions have been advancing over the same ground on which they met and ultimately checked the enemy's great offensivo in March. During the past few weeks they have shown with-; out exception that the tremendous strain they sustained earlier in the year with so much courage and resolution has in nowise diminished their splendid fighting spirit. For example, a Guards division which in March and April at. Boyciles, Soiry, and Becquerelle maintained tho • northern pivot of our defence, attacked on August 21 and captured Moycnnevillo and Hamelincourt, and also Saint Leger,_on August 24." • "Tho gallant exploit!) of some twenty other divisions are mentioned, including the Fourth, which broke the enemy's attack on the north bank of tho Scarpe on August 28, and in the face of strong resistance on September 2 carried tho defences of the Drocourt-Queant line. The Thirty-second Division, after heavy fighting at Damiuery, on August 10 and 11, captured Herlesvillo on August 23, Vcrmandovillers on August 27, and successfully participated with tho Australians in the advance across the Somme." Sir Douglas Haig. states that his account of the doings of these different English, Scottish, and Welsh divisions is necessarily brief and incomplete. He concludes: "On the same battlefields whereon they withstood tho heaveist assault the British Army has ever faced, all have fought, side by side with the splendid divisions from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, with a courage, a sallantry, and an enterprise only equalled by the; r success."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.Router. London, September 14, 2.10 p.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "Hie iiumhor of prisoners captured by us during tho successful operations of the Third Army in the Trescault-Havrincourt sector on September 12 exceeds 1500. As a result of the progress made yesterday north-west of St. Quentin our lino is now established eastward , cf Bihecourt and Jeancourt. During the p., s t twenty-four hours the onemy made several determined unsuccessful attempts to recover the positions captured in the neighbourhood of Gouzeaucourt and Havrincourt. Yesterday a strong hostile attack, in which the enemy employed flame-throwers, was repulsed with heavy loss. Southward of Gouzeaucourt and at Havrincourt the enemy attacked yesterday morning in force, under cover of a heavv artillery bumbardmont, and penetrated tho eastern porti on 0 f the village, but after hard fighting was driven out and tho positions r es tored. Northward of Havrincourt we advanced slightly between the village a, K I the canal. In the evening the enemy attacked eastward of Troscault a lK ] gained a footing in our trenches, but was driven out immediately. A strong bombing attack was launched, in which liquid fire was employed, against our positions north-west of Gouzeaucourt. After forcing our advanced p o st,s to withdraw, this attack was successfully beaten off., There was local fighting yesterday in the Moeuvres sector,, without any material change being ma d e in tho situation. Another attack southward of Mneuvres was repulsed. Wo established a few posts along the west bank of tho Canal du Nord, in the neighbourhood of Sauchy-Caucby, and opposite Oisy lo Verger. In tho La Basseo sector wo occupied Auchy-lez-La Basseo."~Aus,-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Rcuter.

(Kcc. September 16, 0.25 a.m.) London, September 14, midnight. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "Wo repulseda raid in the Gouzeaucourt sector, and established now posts in the trench lines eastward and northward of the village. We progressed in local fighting astride the La Basseo Canal, aim repulsecfa raid in the neighbourhood of Neuvo Chapello. The weather is ' till interfering with air 'work. Ten tons of bombs were dropped, and five enemy machines have been brought down."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ON THE FRENCH FRONT ' (Rec. September 15, 5,5 p.m.) , London, September 13. 4.30 p.m: A'French communique states: "We occupied the village of Savy. An important enemy raid north-east of Mesnil les Hurlus, m the Champagne, was repulsed. We made several raids in the region of Verdun and took prison-ers."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. A later communique states: "During the day we progressed between Savy and the St. Qnentin-Ham Road. South of the Ailette River, we extended our positions north of Nantheul la Fosse. Two German counter-attacks were repulsed in the region of Laffaux and Moisy Farm."—Aus.-N.Z. Cabla Assn.-Reutor. (Rec. September 15, 5.5 p.m.) London, September, 14. A French communique states that there is nothing to report—Aus.'-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. THE AMERICAN REPORT (Rec. September 15, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 14, 1.35 a.m. An American official report states: "In the St. Mihiel sector we have achieved further successes.. The junction of our troops advancing from south of the sector with those advancing from the west has given us possession of the whole of tho salient to i points twelve miles north-east of St. Mihiel, and resulted in tho capture of many prison ers: Forced hack by our steady advance, the enemy is retiring and destroying force quantities of materials as he goes. The number of prisnnars has risen to 13.300. Our line now includes Herbouville, Thillot. Hattonville. St. Benoit, Jaulny, Thiaucourt, and Vie-ville."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. THE BELGIAN FRONT (Rec. September 15, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 13. A Belgian: communique states: "In the night timo the enemy violently bombarded our advanced works east of Nieuport and temporarily penetrated our observation posts. North-west of St. Georges, after violent artillery firing, the enemy reoccupied tho lino of outposts wliich wo recently captured; South-east of Draaibank we have reconquered all the posts, despite vigorous reactions, and captured 50 prisoners."—Aus.-N.Z. Gable A3sn.-Reuter. THE ENEMY'S REPORT (Rec. September 15, 5.5 p.m.) '. ■ . London, September 13. A wireless German official report states: "The enemy has captured Havrinconrt. Fresh enemy attacks between Moeuvres and Gouzcaucourt were 10pulsed. In anticipation of an attack, the evacuation of the Saint Mihiel salient, whioh has long been under consideration, was commenced a few'days ago. The French advanced to the heights eastward of Maas, but were repulsed. We temporarily lost the Combres height, but it was recaptured by the Landwehr. Austro-Hnngarians, southward of Combros, by strong resistance assured tlie retreat of tho divisions at Saint Mihiel. The enemy gained ground at Thiaucourt. Tho evacuation of the salient was completed at night'undisturbed."—Aas.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. Soptember 15, 5.5 p.m.) ' London, September 14. ' A wireless German official report states: "'Our advances and the enemy advances led to violent fighting at Moeuvres and Havrincourt. Enemy attacks between the Ailette and the Aisnc failed. The enemy felt his way forward eastward of Combres and north-west of Thiaucourt."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn,Rcuter. COMMENT ON THE SITUATION / (I.IMPOETANT CAPTURES BY THE BRITISH. ! London, September 13. Renter's correspondent at Headquarters,] writing on Thursday evening, says: "This morning's attack east ot Havrincourt was designed to clear out irritating nests of the enemy and generally to improve the line along the series of spurs in tho region of Gouzeaucourt, but something moro was accomplished, Havrincourt being captured, and also the t important ridge and the village of Trescault, on tho fringe of our old trench system. Although tho artillery fire has increased considerably on this part of tho front, tho Germans aro unquestionably beginning to feel tho shortage of ammunition.' The weather continues to be of tho wildest description."—Router, , REMARKABLE FEATURE OF FOCH'S GENERALSHIP '- London, September 13. General Maurice writes: "Tho most remarkable feature of Marshal Foch's generalship is l the way he has kept the offensive alivo while continually oxtending the front of attack. The St. Mihiel salient is 20 miles wide and deep. Tho baokbone of the salient is the ridge of tho Cotes de Mouse, a defensive barrier whioh United up the fortresses of Vcrdim and Toul, When this is taken, as seems probable, we may look for progress on tho plain of the Woevre. The capture of Thiacourt suggests that the Germans on tho heights will soon bo, cut off. Good weather is of great importance, for the mud of the Woevre resembles that of Flanders,"—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FINAL TURN OF THE TIDE London, September 13. General Smuts, speaking at Newcastle, said he was convinced that recent events were not ordinary ups and downs, but meant that the tide had finally turned. If the war lasted another year our air effort would make Germany shudder. When the end came the Dominions must be consulted iegardiug the colonies. They could never consent to their restoration until the cancer of militarism was removed. Germany waß now showing signs of weakness, and her armies were being benten<—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SKILFUL FIGHTING OF LANCASHIRES, YORKSHIRES AND NEW ZEALANDERS (Roc. September 15, 5.6 p.m.) , London, September 13. . Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: "The skilful fighting of tho Lancashire a?d Yorkshire Rifle Brigade and.the New Zealanders for Havrincourt, Trescault, and Moeuvres has developed a considerable success. The 1030 prisoners captured included mauy sturdy soldiers. The hardest task confronted the rillemen, who have been working alongside the New Zealanders shoe the offensive began. It is evident the enemy intended to defend Havrincourt Wood seriously. They dug new rifle-pits in double rows on the end of the wood, and strong bodies of marksmen, with maohine-guns, held them. Tlio English battalions dashed through the north-west corncir, while the New Zealanders pushed forward below the wood. Thus the enemy machine-gunners-- wero outflanked and retreated during the night. When dawn broke yesterday our guns wero brought up,' by a miracle of labour, through miles of mud, and provided a creeping barrage, behind which tho infantry resumed tho advance. The enemy troops had been ordered to hold Havrincourt, Trescault, and Gouzeaucourt at all costs. They comprised divisions wliich had sufforcd heavily in tho recent fighting, yet had not receivod any fresh drafts, whioh strikingly reveals tho unexpected weakness of the German resources, as tho same thing has been observed lately on other parts of tho front. 'Bio enemy fought hard in strong positions, especially on the ridgo behind Trescault. The British battalion commander reconnoitred tho position and then ordered an attack, which was successful after a fierce fight, in which 140 men and 18 machine-guns were taken."— Cable Assn. • VIENNA PAPER ATTRIBUTES ALLIED SUCCESS TO A NEW GAS (Rec. September 16, 5.5 p.m.) Ottawa, September 13. The Chicago "News" Haguo correspondent states that tho Vienna "Neue Freio Presse" attributes much of tho Allied success to a new powerful gas, creating monster ilames and an explosion. Tho paper adds: "Foch now has great technical resources and more than a million Americans, so he can keep up tho olfensive. He thinks he can tiro out the German Army and compel tho Higher Command to call up its reserves, but tho Higher Command is reserving its men aiid applying the tactics of an elastic defence and strong counter-attack."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. , ' THE WAR IN THE AIR ENEMY RAILWAYS HEAVILY BOMBED. (Rec. September 15, 5,5 p.m.) London, September 13. The Air Ministdy reports:'"ln conjunction with tho American Jittack .wo on tho night of September 12 heavily bombed the railways of Metz-Sablons and Courcelles, with good results. Wo machine-gunned Metz station searchlights and bombed Metz-Sablons, and other railway junctions and transport on September 13, dropping 1\ tons of bombs, with good results."—Aus.'-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reutor. (Rec. September 16, 0.25 a.m.) London, September 14. The Air Ministry reports: "There has been oxtensivo bombing of railways and other objectives in conjunction with tho American attack. Two hostile machines were brought down."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable As6n.-Router, ,