WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 9 August 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

SOMETHING BIG AGAINST THE BRITISH. WITH CO-OPERATION OP THE GERMAN FLEE. i LONDON, August 7. Two German-owned papers at Zurich announce a further retreat of the Germans on the whole front from Arras to Rheims. They state that the retreat is due to the necessity for sending troops to Russia. Mr. Marcel Hutin, writing in the “Echo de Paris,” says: “Proofs are accumulating that the Germans are suffering severely from the man power crisis, through losses and overwork. Some authorities do not believe that Ludendorff is able to undertake an offensive until his armies are regrouped, hut my'information is that a desperate effort will be made to restore moral and regain the initiative by something big against the British with the co-operation of the German Fleet.” ’ Sjv.r n; j; -■ - - - ■ 1% A BRITISH SUCCESS. LONDON, August 8. Progres by our patrols east of Robecq was continued and the line between the Laive and Clarence rivers advanced to a depth of 100 yards on a front of nearly five miles. ■ FURTHER ATTACKS REPULSED. Sir Douglas Haig reports: The enemys’ further attacks this morning and afternoon astride the Kray-Corbie road, were repulsed after sharp fighting. Attempted enemy raids southward! of Hamel and southward of La Basses were driven off. * AMERICANS REACH RHEIMS- , SOISSONS HIGHWAY. LONDON, August 8. An American official report states: East of Bazqches, we crossed the Vesle and gained the Rheims-Soissona highway. A hostile counter-attack broke down. FURTHER FRANCO-AMERICAN ADVANCE. * LONDON, August 8. A French communique states: Between the Oise and the Aisne, after a violent bombardment, the enemy attempted two raids near Bailly and Trach le Val. Both were repulsed. East of Braine (on fhe Vesle) the Franco-Americans crossed the Yesle and established themselves on the north bank, maintaining their positions despite two violent counter-at-tacks. North of Rheims our line was advanced four hundred metres between the railways to Rethel and Laon. -•>«* FRENCH CROSS RIVER AVRE, TERRIFIC GERMAN RESISTANCE. AMERICANS ATTACKING AT FISHES. Received 9.20 a.m. NEW YORK, August 8. The Anglo-French tanks crossed the iAvre and Luce rivers, and the valley around Morueil The 0 German resistance is terrific. WASHINGTON, August 8. Additional American forces have crossed the Vesle, west of Fismes. The Americans are meeting with attacks, the Germans attempt»ng by means of barrags to prevent further crossings. Bayonet fighting occurred at several places, the Americans endeavouring to drive the enemy from the high ground near Bazovches.

Big British Offensive. Already Advanced Three Miles, Huge Haul of Prisoners. o FRENCH CO-OPERATION. TOWNS AND VILLAGES CAPTURED. Received 8.35 a.m. LONDON, August 8. Sir Douglas Haig has launched an attack on a wide fronts which is developing favourably. The Fourth British army is engaged. * The British have captured Hanerwood~ahd Dodbwood, and the towns of Marcelcane, Lamotte, and Ensanterre. NEW YORK, August 8. 'Sir Douglas Haig has launched a big, offensive south-east of Amiens. The French are co-operating.' The British have captured all their objectives and many prisoners and guns. The German line has been penetrated for two miles. - Received 8.35 a.m. (Extraordinary —Press Association.) NEW YORK, August 8. Sir Douglas Haig has launched a big offensive south- east of Amiens, and has already advanced three miles. There has been a huge haul of prisoners. GOOD NEWS CONFIRMED. Received 10.10 a.m. LONDON, August 8. Sir Douglas Haig reports;—The British Fourth Army and the French First Army, General Haig commanding, attacked on a wide front eastward and south-eastward Or Amiens at dawn. First reports indicate that the attack is progressing satisfactorily. ALL OBJECTIVES REACHED. FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORT. Received 10.45 a.m. LONDON, August 8. The British have advanced to Harhonniers. The Franco-British have advanced about four thousand yards between Moriucl and Morlancourt. All Haig’s first objectives were secured and several important villages reached French communique,: At five this evening, we, in conjunction with the British troops, attacked south-ecst of Amiens. The attack is developing under favourable conditions. Harvonniers has been captured. ONE HUNDRED TANKS LEAD THE WAY. ADVANCE ON FIFTEEN MILE FRONT. Received 10.10 a.m. LONDON, August 8 A United Press carrespfondent {reports the attack following a three minutes’ bombardment, surprised the Germans. The advance continues on a fifteen mile front, from Morlancourt to Morieul. One hundred tanks led the way. Many prisoners and guns have been captured. SEVEN THOUSAND PRISONERS AND ONE HUNDRED GUNS CAPTURED. Received 11.35 a.m. LONDON, August 8. Seven thousand prisoners and one hundred guns have already been captured.