WAR NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 13 June 1918, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

MONDAY.

More Allied Gains— Progress at Several Points—Americans Press Forward—lncreasing Part in Conflict—Raiding in Flanders. French reports chronicle many successes in local actions on the Aisne and Marne fronts. West of Chateau Thierry two villages were captured by French and

American troops, appreciably im-

proving the line. Between the |\3farne and Rheims the village of W|f ligny, where' British are operating, has beeti captured and held. The village of Le Port, on the , north bank of the Aisne, west of Soissons, was also recovered.

Correspondents in France emphasise the effect produced by the increasing part,, played by the Americans in the fighting line. They are described as being indisputably of finer physique than the average allied soldier, and without exception keen to learn. * . Sir Douglas Haig reports a successful French operation at Lopre, in the Mont Kemmel area in Flanders. British raids were made at Strazeele, west of Bailleu], and at Hulluch. ,

TUESDAY

Offensive Resumed— Strong French Resistance—Germans claim slight Qajn — Maximum Advance Two "Miles.' '; ' V ■■'.... ' ■■■'. -. ■•

A French communique states that at midnight ,on Saturday the enemy, ~after ~.violent, artillery preparation, launched an attack from north of Montdiddier to east of the Oise. Early on Sunday an attack was made between Montdiddier and Noyon, the assaults being strongly met. Unofficial reports state that the attack was on a 20-mile front, and that it was stayed after a maximum advance of two miles.

The French have made further gains between the Oise and the Aisne. North of the Marne ground was captured in the region of Veuilly la Poterie, couater-'attacks repulsed, and prisoners taken.

Sir Douglas Haig reports that artillery activity is above normal at several points, and that successful raids were made south of Arras and south of Ypres.

An Italian official report states that there is \ considerable artillery activity from the mountains of the Piave. A successful British enterprise resulted in the capture of prisoners, and in heavy losses being inflicted on the enemy.

WEDNESDAY

Heavy German Enemy's

Enormous Losses—British Aviators Co-operating—Allied Attacks on Marne Front.

Official reports state that the second day of the offensive between Montdiddier and Noyon was marked by resistance similar to that of the opening phase. The enemy is advancing but slightly, every step costing him an enormous sacrifice of lives. Both flanks of the line are still holding firm, the enemy's progress being confined to the centre, where he has gained several more villages.

The French and Americans, in co-operation,, continue to maintain the offensive on the Marne.

Sir Douglas Haig reports that nothing save artillery duelling is occurring on the British front. The air service, co-operating with the French, did tremendous execution behind the battleline between Montdiddier and Noyon, attacking troops, transports, and ammunition dumps without cessation.

THURSDAY

French Counter-Stroke—Gains on Eight-mile Front—Attack Supported by Tanks — Thousand Prisoners Taken—German Left on the Oise—Advance Bitterly Contested.

A counter-attack on a front of eight miles, from Rubescourt, three miles south of Montdiddier, to St. Maur, was launched by the on Tuesday afternoon. Substantial progress was made in'",'th.e face of bitter opposition; •^THe:-village of Belloy'and an adiiacent wood and heights were & aptured, and the thrust reached !fcte southern outskirts of St.Maur. .^■thousand prisoners and several guns were also taken. On the extreme left the Germans pursued their advance ' through the wooded country sauth° of Noyon, continually throwing in fresh masses and reaching the banks of the Oise. A successful attack was made by the Australians in the region of Morlancourt, between the SomaTld the Ancre. 230 prisoners were taken and 21 machine guns captured. French critical opinion on the present offensive takes a confident view of the situation.