FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1918, Page 3

FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORTS.

fl*Ell TBESS ASSOCIATION. COrTRIOHT.]

FRENCH REPORT.

LONDON, July 19. A French communique states that starting from Fresnes and Bouresches, we considerably advanced into tho enemy lines, and reached the plateau commanding Soissons on the southwest, and the region of Chanden. Violent fighting is going on between Villershelong and Ourcy, passed tho Roneral lino of Mamy, Stegenevievo, Hautevesn, Hautovesnos and Bellcau. Over twenty villages wore recaptured and several (P) prisoners and important booty was taken. There was nothing, important elsewhere.

BATTLE CONTINUES VIOLENTLY'

17,000 PRISONER'S COUNTED

LONDON, July 20. A French communique states that the battle continued most violently all day between the Aisne and the Marne. The enemy counter attacked, with large Reserves, attempting to arrest the advance, which however, continued over most of the front. On our left we maintained the plateau south-west of Soissons and in the region of Gharidin, in the centre. We passed beyond by three kilometres at certain points of the line through '■Vaux, Viilersselon, and Norov-sui-Ourcq. On our right we continued severe fighting on the plateau north-west of Monne3 hill, north of Conrehnmps. We advanced beyond Sorcliy. Hitherto over seventeen thousand prisoners have been counted, including two coloniels and their staffs, 360 guns, were captured, including a battery of eight inch guns. Aviators, in conjunction with British squadrons, were most active over tho whole • battlefield. The French felled or disabled twenty machines and fired two balloons. Tho British destroyed 7 machines. The bombers continued the attacks at tho Mnrno crossings and demolished tho foot bridge. They machine-gunned, bombed and dispersed combinations of troops at On 1 shy, Vnux . Ravine, Ferentardenois and Oelluy. Projectiles were showered on stations in tho rear, causing fires and explosions. Twenty-two tons ot bombs were, dropped during tho clay and night.

A FRENCH MESSAGE

MANY CAPTURES MADE

LONDON, July 19. A French communique states that between the Aisno and the Marne.-we are overcoming the resistance of the enemy who had brought up fresh reserves. IVe yesterday evening advanced appreciably, and took more prisoners. ' The battle continues west of Rheims. We delivered lively attacks yesterday south of the Marne. We have retaken Monvoisn, and thrown back the enemy to the eastern outskirts of Ceully, north of tlio river. Wo proressed in Boisduroi and Hois de Cowstcn, between La, Poterue and Poijrcy, and rnrrjed our Utips a kilo-

metre westward at a point farther north. The Italians carried Adre Mill and captured ground in the region of Couilly. We imprisoned four hundred, and captured four guns and thirty machineguns in theso actions.

ENEMY CONVOYS ENGULFED

BOMBING MACHINES ASSIST.

LONDON, July 19.

A French communique states that bombing, machines ceaselessly attacked the Marne bridges. The Germans debouching to the northern and southern banks, were machine-gunned and bombed and lost heavily and were frequently scatterod. A bridge was thrown over the river in front of Dormans, and was flooded with projectiles and collapsed. The convoys crossing, were engulfed. Twenty-one tons of explosives were dropped in the daytime and fourteen tons during night on the enemy’s rear. There were many explosions and fires and much damage was observed. There were numerous air flights and 20 German machines were felled disabled.

- ' FURTHER ADVANCE. I'aCSTHALTAN it N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION it P.EUTER.’J (Received Yesterday at 11.10. p.m.) LONDON, July 20. An evening French communique states yesterday anil during the night Franeo-American troops continued to advance along the major portion (if the front, between the Aisno and the Marne. We have reached Vierzo and passed Manloy Wood to the east of Villers Helon, and captured Non illy, Aquint.font and Beylurc Wignont. South of the Marne, we drove back tho enemy between Rossoy and Ovnilly, and gained ground in the direction of the Marne.

CHATEAU THIERRY CAPTURED. WELLINGTON, This Day. The High Commissioner reports from London, July 21st. French official report.—Our troops entered Chateau Thierry this morning.

SUCCESS ACHIEVED

INTERESTING PARTICULARS

(Received This Dav at 10.Iff. a.vn > LONDON, July 21.

A French communique reports a result of our victorious counter offensive was soon apparent. The Germans violently attacked on their right flank and south of the Marne, but were compelled to retreat and reeross the river. We bold the whole south bank.

Franco-Americans between the Aisne and Marne continue to progress, and have reached Fboisy, Parcy, and Eigny j and havo passed Stremy Blatzy and Rozet St Albin. Further south we hold a general lino of Prez Plateau northeast of Courehy. Violent fighting is in progress between the Marne and Rheinis. Franco-Bri-tish troops attacking vigorously encountered large forces, but notwithstanding desperate enemy resistance, we gained ground in Courban wood, Ancre Valley and towards St Emphraise. The numbers of prisoners since the 13th exceeds twenty thousand end four hundred guns were captured. Our aviators are redoubling their efforts, making raids day and night on the 19th. They fiercely fought the enemy force, the Fra neo-British bombing squadrons making the Marne crossing their chief objective. They ceaselessly hampered the crossing, and at some points completely stopped the enemy’s supplies. This was an important factor in the enemy retreat. By machinegunning and bombing concentrations of the enemy preparing for counter attack and also his columns of convoys, our air craft inflicted heavy losses. Twenty four and twenty-seven tons of projectiles were dropped day and night respectively along the Marne and rear of the battlefild.