THE WESTERN FRONT

Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1918, Page 2

THE WESTERN FRONT

[run press association. —corynicnT.]

AT MONT DIDIER

marked SUCCESS

LONDON, July 23

The French offensive, this morning north-vest of Mont Didier, commenced on n four mile front. They captured the villages of Audvillefs Sauvillors and Mongival in the first hour. Ihe violence of the enemy’s artillery is increasing, arid their resistance stiffen-

ing. ! The Americans captured Buzancy, , bringing them half a mile beyond the Thierry toad. They • also captured Jaulgonne. The French are experiencing great, difficulties in forcing a passage further ' along the Marne valley, owing to the enemy’s resistance. I The French stormed the heights ol ! Courcelles yesterday, nud crossed the j Barilo at Port Abinson, west of Rciul. The enemy launched a heavy counterattack from the direction of Vcndiars ' which was beaten off. The British troops south-west of lUie- , ims captured Petitchamp "Wood near , Marfaux. ~ , . i The situation is still favourable but w< > do not expect rapid developments. , There are indications of the one ■ mv ’s evacuation of the bottom pocket, which has become too hot, and they ■ niav take up a natural line of defence ! like they did after the reverse at --vrdre . or Vesle.

ON THE FRENCH FRONT,

PRINCE EUPPRECHT FOILED

LONDON, July 23,

On the French front, where, since the drive, many things are going from bad to worse . , Prince Ruppreoht had actually fixed the date of the offensive against the British. Several times « he intended a smashing blow, as a sequel to the expected success in the Champagne. Although the Gorman position at Rhoims approaches a rout. Prince Rupprecht’s reserves have only been slightly cut.down, and an onslaught will conic whenever General Hindenburg considers the immediate danger, of a disaster in the Champagne sector is past The Allies with ordinary luck will be able to henceforward give something of their own trend to developing them. The Allies possess as many, or moie troops than the enemy, and it is mere-. lv a question of the best way of using them. General Foch has proved his ability in this respect. The speeding up of the Americans has put 'General Foch in a position to defend or fight as he thinks best. Of two hundred German divisions on the West Front, only a fourth is worthy to be called shock troops. Although there is much heavier fightin„ ahead the Allies are warranted to breathe easier. The British are keen and ready.

ON THE BRITTISH FRONT. waiting ltiWßFCirrs stroke. LONDON, July 23 The situation on the British front is one of prepared waiting. Tho enemy mav strike at any time, but the British will be caught less prepared •than her brilliant Allies at 'Rho.ms It is ail open secret that Prince Rnpprecht’s plans were perfected weeks ua o Great masses of storm ttonus terrific power of artillery, and crowded aerodromes are only awaiting ( Hiridenburg cue. This doubtless depends on events. CHATIL WOOD CAPTURED. (Received This Dav at 9 ! >9 a,I P - '* K WASHINGTON July. 24. Franco-American troops have captured the greater part of Chfttil Mood.