GERMANS CHECKED.

Taihape Daily Times, 3 April 1918, Page 5

GERMANS CHECKED.

WESTERN FRONT.

BITTER FIGHTING NOETH OF MONTDIDIEE. LONDON, April 1. A French communique states: Last ■evening and: .night extremtay "bitt.er fighting continued north of Montdidier. The enemy made a direct effort, particularly between Montdidier and the Peronne—Amiens Eoad, and threw in laTge forces with the intention of widening his gains. ; West of Hangard en Santere the French and British troops smashed attacking waves, which were unable to emerge 'into the r-pe-n. A 'brilliant counter-attack, in which the British displayed irresistible dash, enabled us to completely drive back the. enemy and • recaptured this village. The struggle was equally violent farther south at Grivesnes, which was the objective of uncreasing renewed attacks, wjfleh.led to hand-to-hand fighting. It remained in our hands, despite considerable German losses. No change is reported between Mondidier and Lassigny. ON VIMY RIDGE. ENEMY'S HUGE LOSSES. LONDON April 1. The United Press Association correspondent says that the first attack on the Arras-Vimy Ridge cost the'.enemy very heavily. The First Guards Eeserve Eegiment lost in officers alone one colonel and nine others killed, and twen-ty-one wounded. Several British batteries fired at long periods with open sights, eutting long lanes through the Germans./ "* The machine-guns went at full speed simultaneously. One gun mowed down 450. The targets were so perfect that the officers sniped with rifles and others killed Germans ''with 'revolvers. . 'The battle was never in doubt, the British singing as they fought. I recently mentioned that certain units of youngsters sallying out in the night fought a way through the German lines, and back again. These were Canadian armoured car units. The crews lost heavily, .but refilled instantly with vSjjiateers, four cars engaging, routed German cavalry near Lamottc. * /

"ACCORDING TO PLAN." THE BRITISH RETIREMENT. COUNTER-OFFENSIVE COMING. WASHINGTON, April 1. General Bell, giving evidence before "the Senate Military Committee, said: . "When I was in France recently I was informed by the British of their plans to meet the German offensive. The British withdrawal was in complete accordance -with a pre-arranged plan. A successful counter-offensive could now be expected." AMERICANS TO FIGHT. • IN THE BIG BATTLE. PAHISj, Apjril L. *V The French Government has decided to accede to General Pershing's request to allow American troops to fight in the present battle. MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS. LONDON, April 1. The''Press. Bureau states: As the re™s"ft »f communications between Pre*|pnt Wilson and Mr. Lloyd George • and consultations with the American >; /representatives at London, Versailles |/j and on the West front, important where-. Spy. a large force trained in America I''can be brought to ' the assistance of

„ Advance Held on Whole FroM. Arrival of Allied Reserves. Germaas Mown Dowa in Rows. Fierce Fight for Amiens. Germans Lose Ground.

the Allies. America is not only sending large numbers of battalions 'to Europe for the coming critical months, but has agreed that such regiments as cannot be used in purely American divisions shall be brigaded, with the English and French while the necessity lasts. Thus troops not yet trained sufficiently .to fight as divisions, will form part of seasoned divisions, until they have completed their training, and General Pershing wishes to withdraw them to build up the American army. Throughout, the discussions President Wilson has shown the greatest anxiety to do his utmost to assist the Allies. Although the arrangement is of vital importance, it will not diminish the need for the further raising of troops in Britain already foreshadowed. NEW YORK, April 1. There is greatest enthusiasm over the news that the Americans arc ready to join the British and French in checking the German offensive. The New York World "America is a real ally at last."

Correspondents at American headquarters report that the United States troops have been turned over to the Allies. It is expected that the Americans will soon reinforce Sir Douglas Haig's troops. There is great activity 'on the whole Americari*line. A long line of motor trucks and largo forces of Americans are moving westward. AMERICA AND BULGARIA. \ NEW YORK, April 2, Consequent on the announcement that Bulgarian troops are engaged on the West front, it is expected that America will- shortly declare war on Bulgaria. OFFICIAL STATEMENT. ' NEW YORK, April 2. The War Department, in an official summary, says: Thf American troops arc releasing French veterans for emergency service on the West front. Such American troops as are sufficiently trained will co-operate with the Freneh and British. SPEEDING UP TRANSPORTATION. NEW YORK, April 2.

American troops are being sent to France to the fullest capacity of transports. It is impossible to speed up the transportation of troops unless more ■ships are available. Conferences are being held, with the object of speeding up the despatch of troops. Several divisions are ' ready awaiting transports. The Government will increase reinforcements by . curtailing grain shipments and eliminating all non-es-sential freight during March. The United States has completed eighteen ships, aggregating 162,000 tons, and has, also launched 31 ships, aggregating 240,000 tons. BATTLE OF THE THREE RIVERS. FINE WORK BY CANADIANS. PARIS, April 1. The battle of the Three Rivers continues. The Crown Prince is desperately seeking to gain a hold of the bridgeheads across the Luce River at Hangard the Acre River at Mojeul and the river Esdoms at Montchel. The Canadians rendered splendid service by fighting alongside the French at Moreul. There was another fierce struggle at Grivesnes, five miles north-west of Montdidier. Many ! heavy rainstorms made the battle-1 field most difficult for getting up guns and ammunition, hampering the Allies' preparations for an offensive; but still more the German hammer blows across the stricken Somme battlefield.

EVIDENCE OF GERMAN LOSSES. LONDON, April 1. Mr. Robinson, telegraphing this evening, says:—The situation has not changed materially. The Germans have shown no disposition to retake Arras since their complete and costly failure on March 28th. Our positions between the Ancre Somme are so firm that the British regret the enemy is disinclined to try a greaTer offensive. Some fighting is going on in the Demuin-Hangard-Moreul area, with a view to reaching Amiens, but the attacks show little determination. Small bodies of British performed extraordinary feats of resistance. The cavalry were very useful during several minor operations.

It is now certain the Germans lost tremendously in attempting to regain Vimy Ridge. After we shattered tne shock troops and defeated the following divisions attempting to break through, the German commanders decided not to use the reserve divisions of Guards, which were previously intended to consolidate the victory. The Bailleul and Villernal positions opposite our machine-guns were covered with German dead. It is no wonder the commanders were unwilling to risk further slaughter.

The enemy employed on both sides of the Scarpe no fewer than eleven divisions. All -suffered terribly. London troops resisted the greatest weight of attack at Gavrelle and Oppy. They probably killed as many as an equal force ever killed on any battlefield. HINDENBURG HESITATING. j LONDON, April 1. The United Press correspondent says that Hindenburg is hesitating. His generals have obviously reported that the armies have been too badly mauled to undertake a general forward movement until rested and reinforced, and backed by ample artillery. It is estimated that of fifty divisions between Arras and Moreul, fifteen had such a drubbing as to render them unfit for immediate use. The bulk of the Germans are still northward of the Somme. A second blow against Arras and Vimy is likely, but very severe fighting is coming towards Amiens. In the meantime the Shermans are sparring for positions, and gaining time to replace groggy divisions. THE GENERALISSIMO. NEW YORK, April 1. Public opinion in America rejoices at General. Foch's appointment to the supreme command of the Allied armies in France. The New York "World" reflects the general view when it sa} r s: The experience of the last ten days dem-f onstrates that unity of command is vital if the Allies are ever to break Germany's military might. The appointment in itself is a battle won. The' New York "Times" says the appointment is conclusive evidence that the Allies contemplate a great i counter-offensive. We believe -the blow will be aimed at the German flank. The German attack on Arras has stopped momentarily. In that moment Foch enters." THE CHURCH CRIME. NEW YORK, April 2. The "Tribune's" Paris correspondent inspected .the church which was struck by the long-range gun, and says: The gruesome story of the horrible death of 77 innocents should be known all over the world. It would produce a feeling of revulsion like that caused by the Lusitania -outrage. Piles of crushed furs, hats, children's bonnets, trinkets, and letters on the blood-stained floor, will live as an unforgettable memory.

GALLANT LAS OUR CORPS. LONDON, April 1. Wounded state that a thrilling storywill some day be told of the magnificent defence of Carey's corps. This labour corps was suddenly heavily attacked by the finest German troops. Carey's men fought, with bayonets, picks, shovels and fists until the attacks was repulsed. ANGLO-FRENCH PROGRESS. LONDON, April 2. At 1 o'clock this morning, a French communique was issued, stating: A battle continues on the whole front to the north of Montdidier, where the enemy artillery is particularly active. New attacks by the enemy were delivered against Grivesnes. All were repulsed with heavy losses. In the course of sharp fighting, An-glo-French troops appreciably progressed at various points between the Somme and Demuin. Five tons of bombs were 'dropped on enemy cantonments and stations in the neighbourhood of St. Quentin, Roy and Guiscard. Aviators frequently machine-gunned and bombed and dispersed assemblies of enemy troops.

Nine enemy aeroplanes were destroyed. Italian bombing machines pa; u.. pated in many of these expeditions. and carried out numerous raids wT.i magnificent audacity.

The French have recaptured Ayencourt. The British have recaptured Geman positions west of Arras. ANOTHER OFFENSIVE PENDING. ENEMY AIMING SOUTHWARDS. LONDON, April 1. Reutcr's correspondent at the British headquarters, telegraphiffg this evening, says: Enemy movements and fighting during the last 24 hours indicate the development of an attempt to work towards Amiens down the Ancre valley, also from the south-west. Great masses of troops continue to concentrate in the region of Albert. Fighting is progressing towards Vellers and Bretoneux. The enemy ts finding serious difficulties in transport work, owing to the ceaseless and destructive activity of our airmen, and j also owing to the shortage of animals, the enemy is bringing up artillery comparatively slowly. Meanwhile he is lazily employing his trench mortars. Australian troops are now appearing in the thick of the fighting, and are doing magnificently. Despite the southward trend of the battle, the greatest weight of enemy divisions remains north of the Somme. GERMANY'S FAILURE. LONDON, April 1. Documents now reveal mat the enemy expected to reach the Somme on the first day of the offensive. HIGH MILITARY AUTHORITY'S. VIEW. LONDON, April 1. A high military authority at Paris, interviewed by an American pressman stated that the cardinal factor of the situation was that the enemy could not afford to delay. "I expect one last desperate effort, then the collapse of the offensive.' The Germans are fast !' using up their reserves, and will be unable resist Generalissimo Foch's counter-offensive.

HEKt)iC BRITISHERS.

LONDON, April 1

Bombardment with high explosives, gas shells,, and vast numbers of trench mortars completely blotted out several of our advanced posts. A party of the Queen's Westminsters heroically held, another opposite Gavrelle, and suffered heavy casualties. All were half-gassed, but enough were left to work machine-guns and enfilade and mow down the attackers' advancing waves. Ultimately the persistent enemy occupied both sides, and the remnant of the Westminsters retired fighting, carrying their machineguns, and rejoined the line. The B?.l----lieul attack began at 7 o'clock in the morning, and continued for eleven hours, leaving the ground black with German dead. The British line still hold, ■ •: ■^:'.T-'!^':y:.:' A party of Essex men, who were isolated, sent back a message: "We fight to the last man." As far as is known, they did. There is a story 0/ Suffolks cut flff and surrounded at Wancourt Wood,. such as painters ought to immortalise and historians celebrate. .The men fought back to back till wiped out.

ALLIED RESERVES ARRIVING. I THE ROADS A MASS OF MEN AND GUNS. TERRIFIC STRUGGLE FOR AMIENS. Received 8.40. LONDON, April 2. The "Morning Post's" correspondent on the French front states that after ten days' waiting the reserves have now arrived. There never has been seen a greater movement behind the lines. The roads are a mass of heavy guns, seventy-fives, trench mortars, ammunition waggons and supplies in addition to troops, who are being taken where they are most sorely needed. A feeling of relief swept over the country when it was known that Amiens had not fallen. It is now recognised the Allies' efforts have produced amazing results, because it is proved that Germany instead of pressing home the attack has been compelled to yield ground which was gained at enormous cost. The three days' struggle for Beauvais and Amiens railway, which is still raging on a 30 miles front, is almost solely an infantry battle, the heavies not yet being engaged, the Germans unsusccessfully throwing division after division against our line's and inevitably sustaining the heaviest losses. It is impossible to exaggerate the violence of the struggle. Aviators describe the battle-

field as a stormy sea swept by the ebb and flow of combatants. Our soldiert momentarily retreated in places, but furiously counter-attacking, swept toe astounded enemy off their feet. The seventy-fives are now in action wreaking tremendous execution on the clostj ranks, which, despite the officers' efforts, sometimes broke and ran, leaving the f ground strewn with corpses. Prisoners are surprised at our small losses. Moreiul was especially hotly disputed. On Sunday the Canadians and French twice had possession and lost the village, which at night-time remained theirs. The Germans before finally retiring lost half their force.

A minor question concerns the extent of the Germans' use of tanks, whereof they possess three types; the first consisting of captured British tanks and other built on the same model; second, the smaller, which are speedier, and abetter armed and armoured; third, big heavy Landkrcuzer, forty-five feet long, twelve feet beam, and twelve feet high. Besides improvements in armour the Germans have provided hermetically sealed machines impervious to gas. The speea varies from 4| to 9» miles an hour

The machines are equipped with guns, machine-guns, and fiammenwerfer. I Tanks are probably used to follow the ' attack and clear cut islands of resistance. THE BATTLE OF ARRAS. GERMANS' COMPLETE FAILURE. NOT ABLE TO RENEW ATTACK. GREAT SLAUGHTER OP ENEMY. Received 8.40. LONDON, April 2. Mr. Perceval Phillips says at least ten divisions were engaged in the Arras battle on the twenty-eighth. 'lt was such a failure that the enemy has not yet been able to renew the attack. The barrage with which the attack began at three o'clock shuffled about in an unusual way, moving out one post after another. Gas shells sought out our batteries and our furthest q-arri-sons, who hung on until dead or overrun. From some pests, which had been a company strong, only one man staggered back, and there was a mere handful of survivors from another: but this was only the enemy's preparatory effort. Our heavies shelled concentration places at 6.40, badly cutting'""up the shock troops which were massing. We' withdrew to our main line of defence. from which we met the principal German waves, weighted like pack mule-, moving uneasily among the craters and tangled wire. When the men fell they never rose again, but lay helpless under their cumbersome kit. Comrades trampled over them to meet their own death. The attacks continued all day. The German staff in desperation launched fresh waves at noon and early in the afternoon, refusing to recognise their failure till sunI set. The attackers' total advance was barely three miles.

FOUR GERMAN GUNS USED. I FUTILE SEARCH BT FRENCH AVIATORS. Received 5.50 . PARIS, March 2. The Germans now have four long range guns trained on Paris, two guns on alternate days. The locale ,of the guns is in the forest of Bain, but still is a secret froir the French aviators, despite their most strenuous efforts. I THE BOMBARDMENT OE PARIS. THE POPE 'S PROTEST. Received 5.50. ROME. April 2. The Pope has telegraphed to the Archbishop of Paris expressing indignation at the bombardment of- the church in the Christian faith; he also telegraphed to Berlin energetically protesting against the outrage. AIR RAID ON PARIS. Received 11H5. PARIS, April 2. The enemy long range gun casualties yesterday were four killed and nine injured. i Aeroplanes raided Paris in the morning. No details. COUNTER-ATTACKS BEATEN PFF. Received 12.50. LONDON, April 2. Sir Douglas Haig reports that between the Avre and the Luce, also at Hebuterne, we have captured 123 prisoners and 16 machine-guns. Counterattacks wore repulsed with heavy loss to the enemy.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. ATTACKS REPULSED. Received 11.15. LONDON, March 2. Sir Douglas Haig reported in the evening between the Avre and the Aisne our artillery broke two counterattacks with heavy enemy completely repelled a further counterattack; A French communique states that the night was relatively calm on the front from the Oise to the Somme. The artillery struggle assumed a certain activity on a portion of the battlefield. The AnglchFrencb. .t'oirccls made some progress during the night time between the Somme and Diniuin. FIERCE BATTLE FOR AMIENS. GERMANS LOSE GROUND. Received 11.55. PARIS, April 2. A semi-official issued on the night of April Ist, states that the battle of the Somme continued violently for 24 hours, but the Germans failed on Saturday to seize the wooded heights between Montdidier and Lessigny, which would have protected them from French counter-attacks, and served as a starting point for further attacks. The enemy is now directing his efforts mainly against Amiens, which is a new battle of Verdun, with multiplied forces. The enemy proceeds by ccn verging attacks and is trying particularly to advance by two naval routes. first from the south northwards, following the course of the Avre, wh passes Moreul, ascending from the f east westwards, following the course of the Luce River, which passes Hani gard. The struggle is particularly | keen around Hangard, from which the .Germans attempted several times tt debouch, only to be decimated. At:

I last an impetuous counter-attack | brought the British and French back ito Hangard. Attacks and counter-at j tacks succeeded here with fluctuating 1 fortunes, but at the end jof the day the Allies I had gained ground. The Germans are 1 endeavouring to extend their positions i west of Mo'nt Didier, to which we are ; very close, and where they are invested without being able to debouch. I The enemy attack in the neighbour- . hood of Albert only amounted to a | diversion. I CI • ' . i bumming up, the message says the i Germans are hold at bay on the whole front, where they make no progress