THE WESTERN FRONT

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1918, Page 2

THE WESTERN FRONT

THE GERMAN OFftHSIVE.

[PKR TRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] BRITISH ATTACKING. AT SEVERAL POINTS. LONDON, July A 6.20 p.m. report says the British have begun attacks at several points. AUSTRALIAN SUCCESS. LONDON, July 18. Goueral Haig reports the Australian were successful in nri eterpriso on the 17th in the neighbou»hooil of Vil-•.•rs-Brottoneux, advancing their line on upwards of a mile front. They captured two field guns. We slightly improved our positions eastward of Hebnterne, and successful raided southward of Hobuternc. We repulsed raiders southward of Bucquoy. There was considerable hostile artillery northward of Bailleul.

YANKEE JUBILATION. (Reuter’s Telegram.) NEW YORK, July 18. The Americans have passed beyond their objectives. Wall Street stocks bounded up many points. The city hall bells tolled for the victory. ,

THE PRESENT POSITION. (Received this day at 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 18. The French arc still Ixmibarding the Marne bridges. The enemy undoubted lv has an alternative plan, in case of failure. It now remains to be seen what it is. He probably means to combine the present" offensive with something else. Epcrnay is now in no danger and is unlikely to be taken.

enemy are still half a mile from Pourov. Heavv rain fell yesterday.

A CRITIC’S VIEWS. LONDON. July 18. The offensive which tho enemy hoped to develop into a drive is now reported as a failure and has become a series of of local disjointed actions. Therefore it can truly he described as a German defeat, but probably the battle will continue for some time with fluctuating results The Germans still possess a large number of available reserves, but it is believed likely, owing to this failure, that the High Command may determine to reorganise and use the reserves for an assault on another part of line.. Increased German artillcrying on the British front is reported as significant. In this connection the enemy at no point has advanced one third of the programme distance, and he suffered colossal casualties.

The French are full of hope that the enemy will not succeed in taking llhcims. though they anticipate the utmost efforts to capture the city by ramming tactics. In the event of the Germans gaining possession of Montague de Rlieims, the tenure of the city will become precarious. It is evident that General Ludcndorff! planned to rupture the Champagne front, and isolate the French armies, and exp’oit the success by local battles. Further stern fighting is inevitable because the enemy is compelled to continue his attacks in order to save his face.

SEVERE FIGHTING ON AISNE. (Received This Dav at 9.3 H. a.m.) WASHINGTON, July 18. General Marsh announces the severest. of fighting on the Aisne. The forces engaged will •not exceed one hundred and sixty thousand. The Allies have planned a great drive for later in the year.

RATTLE CONTINUES

100 GUNS CAPTURED

FRENCH AGAIN ATTACKING. (Received This Day at 9.50. a.m.) LOGON, .July 19. The Aisue battle is continuing violently.

The Allies have captured one bun-

died guns. The French are again advancing, and the German lines are imperilled.

FHENCH CAPTURES.

FIFTEEN THOUSAND GERMANS. (Received This Dav at 10.1 o. a.m > PARIS, July 19. J'he French have captured fifteen thousand Germans. FRENCH CAPTURE SOISSONS. (Received This Dav at 10.15. -t.'n ) VANCOUVER July 19. The United Press Washing correspoudent learns officially that, the French have captured Soissons. THIRTY THOUSAND PRISONERS (Received This Dav at, 10.15. i m.) WASHINGTON, July 19. Official advices state, the French and Americans have captured thirty thousand prisoners.