GERMANS MAKE PROGRESS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1918, Page 5

GERMANS MAKE PROGRESS.

BY SHEEK WEIGHT OF XCMUEUS. BRITISH LINE BENT, BUT INTACT. GERMANS AIM TO DRIVE IN A WEDGE. Received March 26, 9.30 p.m. London, March 25. The United Press correspondent, writing on Monday, states that with increasing intensity the battle thunders from tlio Scarpe to the Oise- Prisoners declare the heaviest blows are yet to come. The Germans, at heavy cost, made progress on the old battlefield of the Somme, hut the British line is everywhere intact, the withdrawal being carried out in the most perfect order. There was all night fighting of the severest order, especially on the SuaignyBapaume roaU The Germans, in dense masses, hurled forward in the moonlight, Britisli machine-guns raking ceaselessly. Observers signalled back to the artillery, the gunners, half-stripped, firing until the guns were almost red hot. The enemy pressed on almost without artillery support, trusting to bend oUr line by sheer force of numbers, #sso such targets were ever offered to modern gunsThe fighting northward of Bapaume terrific, likewise southward, the enemy desperately attacking and maintaining the crossing of the Somme. Somme. Apparently the Germans are endeavoring to drive a wedge in the centre of the 'battle front where they have crested a pointed salient. Notwithstanding the massed onslaught and great losses, the British line is bent but unbroken, which Hindenburg counted upon in the first day. Airmen keep up in the air battling and creating new records. Notwithstanding the strain of ceaseless work an admirablo spirit prevailsMeanwhile the Germans are up to their old tricks. Disguised as British officers they are travelling in towns in the rear advising the population to flee, saying, "The Germans are approaching." One was caught red-handed. j MEN. GUNS. AND TANKS. j THOUSANDS READY FOR EVERY ! ONE LOST. Australian Cable Association. Received March 2(>, 8 30 p.m. London, March 25. Mr. Lloyd George states that men, guns, and tanks are on their way to France, and that for every one lost thousands more are ready.