WESTERN FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

A SERIOUS REVERSE. ENEMY EMPLOYS HIS BEST TROOPS London, July 17. Renter's French headquarters correspondent, writing last evening, says: Generally speaking, the enemy has suffered a serious reverse, but il is too early to say that the attack has been definitely repulsed. The situation may, however, be regarded as distinctly good. It is now clear that the enemy concentrated all his efforts on the offensive. He employed s(i divisions, ilk-hiding many crack ones. There were fourteen of each in the first line west and east of Rheims and the same in the second line. 'Prisoners state that the German army christened the battle the "Friedensturm" or ''peace attack." The correspondent says that most of tho ground lost was not particularly valuable. The Moronvillers massif had to be abandoned after hard lighting The enemy again holds the live crests of Condellet, Blanch, Haut, Twon, and Casque. The French did not attempt to hold them strongly, thus avoiding a large haul of prisoners when the first front was withdrawn two or three miles to the Souain-Perthes-le-Hurlu line. Telegraphing at 11.30 oil Tuesday night the correspondent says: Hie general attack was not renewed to-day. The operations were of a local character. It is expected the stabilisation of the line will be reached in a few days. To-day's operations were dictated by I Gie position in wliich various German commanders found themselves after yesterday's failure. The German guns east of Rheims today fired from the old positions, the enemy not finding it worth while to advance them.—Reuter. London, July 17. General Maurice writes: Nothing is more difficult than to restore the momentum after an attack has been chocked, therefore, as the enemy's gains on either side of Dormans, where" lie was most successful, have not been materially extended since Monday, there is gooct ground for hoping that the battle is destined to end in definite failure. The forces which the Germans have thrown in are estimated at 30 divisions, 18 of which would normally hold the front, making 32 divisions taken from the reserves. If this is correct the employ can still employ large forces. Therefore, it is unwise to assume that all danger is over, but the check will have a depressing effect on the German troops and nation, and it has made the Allies' position more favorable than at any time since the first offensive in March.-rAus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. It is quite evident, from the German evening communique that Hindenburg failed to realise what, he set out to get in the latest offensive. There 13 none of tho bombast which has hitherto heralded a German victory. It is too early to say that the effort southward of RUeims has been brought to a standstill, but it cannot be dangerous without support on the plains of Champagne. A noteworthy feature is the appearance of von Mmlra's army east of Rheims. He may have succeeded Fritz von Below, who is commanding the army between von Einet.'s and von Boehm's, or it may he a new army specially formed for this battle, showing that special importance is attached to this offensive. —Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. THE BATTLE DESCRIBED. A STRONG DEFENCE. NO RESERVES CALLED ON. London, July 17. ■ Mr. George Perris writes: It appears that the enemy practised no new method in tho offensive. He opened his artillery preparation at midnight and began the infantry assault at 4.30 a.m. He soused the French lines everywhere with a combination of gas and smoke shells, producing noxious clouds, isolating the groups defending, and making the giving and receiving of orders and combined movement difficult. The columns of attack wore not directed evenly on the whole front, but by paralleled thrusts. When these did not succeed flank attacks by the supports were attempted to clear the ground. Many tanks supplemented the guns in Champagne against the French oil elaborate trenches, wire field, and blockhouses. Consequently there was a strong contrast between the character of the battles east and west of Rheims. The French will look with pride to the defence of the Champagne front. They took a heavy toll of the greycoats before they reached the trenches, with some 7-j's and some bellowing monster shells, which had less speed but greater explosive effect. It was impossible, however, to hold the front long against the overwhelming numbers, and a frightful running hand-to-hand struggle ensued along the communication trenches and second lines with short sharp counterattacks and successful rallies, Gradually the local reserves came into piny, and the attack weakened and came to a standstill. The defenders, with their entrenchments hugely intact, had the advantage of everything evcept numbers, consequently the enemy losses were enormous. Between Chateau Thierry and Dormans the woods and dales provided good cover for gathering bridging materials. A few contingents in the darkness of the night in small boats crossed fhe river, which hereabouts is 100 to 150 yards wide, and commenced {he construction of bridgeheads, which the French destroyed as oficn as they were recommenced. The enemy constructed pontoons where the valley was wider, and it. was more difficult for the French to hold the positions under (he German fire. Masses of men poured across six bridges eight or ten yards wide 011 a 14-mile sector. Meanwhile the French airmen came into action, sowing death among the close ranks of the advancing enemy and harassing the rear. One squadron of airmen broke through the bridges while the troops were passing, and many were drowned. —Aus. N.Z. ("able Assoc. Paris, July 17 Tho French stopped the Germans 1 without calling in extra reserves. There is every indication of a German defeat. — Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc, ,

FIVE FIERCE ONSLAUGHTS.

IIAGNIFICEXTLY REPULSED. SERIOUS ENEMY FAILURE. Received July 18, 7-50 p.m. London, July 17 Von Kiiiem delivered five fierce onslaughts yesterday between the Suieppe valley and Massiges. They were magnificently repulsed with the heaviest losses. The German tanks failed. The anti-tank guns and land mines destroyed many. The French losses were absurdly light, hut, further lighting in this sector is expected. The German furthest advance : n the Marne valley was six miles. Tiie French counter-attack south of Dormans was most valuable, and advanced three thousand yards and recovered the heights, bringing the German bridges under effective six-inch gun fire. There is accumulating evidence of the seriousness of the enemy's failure. The German claim of 13,000 prisoners is believed to be a wild exaggeration. The Allies' captures have not yet been counted.—(Pres Assoc. ON THE BRITISH FRONT. MINOR ENTERPRISES. Received July 18, 7.50 p_m. London, July 17. Sir Douglas Haig reports: There have been successful minor enterprises eastward of Villers. We raided in the neighborhood of Hullueh. Hostile artillery is active in various sectors.—Ans. N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter. ENEMY'S MAIN EFFORTS. STORMING TROOPS' HEAVY LOSSES. GREAT AIR ACTIVITY. London, July 10. oir Douglas Haig reports: The enemy attacked and entered two of our new posts in the neighborhood of Hebuterne. Our counter-attack immediately drove him out and we secured prisoners. There has been hostile artillery fire in Iho Locre region, ! Sir Douglas Haig-'s aviation report states: Storms handicapped our air work. We dropped a few bombs. A violent thunderstorm prevented nightbombing after midnight. 'Previously thereto we dropped four tons of bombs on Seclin railway station and hostile billets. The Air Ministry reports: We successfully bombed railways, sidings, and sheds at OfTenbury and an aerodrome. Good bursts were observed. We also attacked a railway and sidings at Tliionville. Several bursts were observed on the railway, a large fire started, and there were several heavy explosions. All our machines returned—Ans. N.Z, Cable Assoc. and Reuter. London, July 17. A French communique states: The Germans were unable to resume the general attack, which was broken yesterday, but are violently endeavoring to enlarge their local successes, The fighting was particularly stubborn south of the Marne this morning and afternoon. We impeded their attempt to advance up the river by our defence foot by foot, and held it on the lino Cevilly-Leuvigny. Wc counter-attacked on the front Saiyagnan-La Chappelle-Monthodon. We took these places and carried our line to the heights dominating the Marne valley in the region of La Bourdonnerie. The French and Italians between the Marne and Rheims repulsed several enemy attempts and maintained their positions east of Rheims. The Germans, in the morning, resumed violent artillery preparations, after which attacks followed at several points. The enemy made a powerful attempt m the direction of Beaumont-sur-Vesle, but were unable to debouch from Prunay. Our fire broke down two attacks west of the river in the sector of Suippes. The fighting was equally lively north of Craomie and cast of Talmre, where the enemy attacked. The enemy efforts everywhere were vain. The storming troops were repulsed with heavy losses. Orders on prisoners confirm that the attack on the Champagne front was carried out by 15 divisions m line and 10 in reserve. It was intended to advance 20 kilometres on the first day and to reach the Marne.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc and Reuter. GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. NO GREAT VICTORY CLAIMED. London, July 17. A German official message states: During (lie advance across the Marne to the southwards of Jaulgonne we broke in the enemy lines and penetrated part of the French positions south-westward and eastward of Rheims. Artillery, mine-throwers, gas-throwers, flamethrowers and tank 3 opened a way into the c-nemy position. General von Boehm crossed the Marne eastward of Jaulgonr.e, and we stormed the slopes on the south bank of tlie Marne, constructed bridges, and thrust through the stubbornly defended woods and drove the enemy back towards C'ondc, Le Chapelle, Combligny, and Marquel. We also won the first Franco-Italian position between the Ardre and- tbe Marne, and also attacked the enemy from Prunay as far as Tahurc, capturing the first position. We crossed the Coruillet, ITochberg, and fvielherg heights, reaching outh-westward of Prosnes. Wo made progress between Anberive and south-westward of Tahurc. The enemy maintains his second position northward of 'Prosnes, Souaiu, and Perthes. Our total prisrners are 13,000. We brought down 31 aeroplanes. The German evening official report states: The enemy, delivered violent counter-attacks on the Marne front, achieving some local successes southwestward of Rheims. The situation is unchanged eastward of Rheims. —Aus. Cable Assoc.

DEFEAT OF VON ARNIM.

EVIDENCE OF GAINS SECURED. Received July IS, 0.45 p.m. London, July 17. Military authorities in London regard the repulse of von Arnim, by counterattacks, south of Dormans, as unquestionably evidence that the gains have j-been secured.—United Service. VON ARNiM'S ARiViY. THROWN IN EAST OF RHEIMS. Received July 18, 7.50 p.m. London, July 17. General von Arnim's army lias definitely been thrown into the battle eastward of Rheims. Colonel Repington states thai; the French and British armies have in freshly disposed. The troops we lent to each other have now been returned to their Own armies. The American divisions, however, are fighting at various points. The American divisions are much stronger than the Allied or enemy. The divisions are capable of holding their own against three German divisions.— Press Assoc. .AMERICANS PUSHED BACK.. A FLUCTUATING BATTLE. Washington, July 17. By a new German attack the Americans were compelled to retire and are now seeking to restore the position. The battle is proceeding with fluctuations. — Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. London, July 17. American official: We co-operated with the French in yesterday.'s battle eastward of Rheims, repulsed enemy attacks, and maintained our positions at all points and captured prisoners and machine-guns. Yesterday morning the enemy attempted, aiter artillery preparation, ta attack our lines on a front of 500 yards. The attack broke down under our artillery fire. Washington, July 17. General Pershing reports that only 500 Germans were captured at Chateau Thierry.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. American airmen destroyed five enemy aeroplanes and one balloon in the figliting over the Marne.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. Paris, July 17. Lieut. Quentin Roosevelt was killed in the recent fighting. The Germans have advanced to La Bourdonnerie.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. GENERAL FOCH SATISFIED. FARTHEST ADVANCE SIX MILES. London, July IT. The Australian Press Association learns that General Foch is satisfied with the situation. In the extended area of attack the enemy's only progress to-day was in the Prunay sector, east of Rheims, where, despite terrible losses, he compelled the French to. retire behind the river Vesle, two miles from the original line. This small success was gained after repeated assaults aided by tanks. The ground won bears 110 comparison with the, losses. The French line is practically unchanged west of Rheims. Owing to the successful American counter-attack the Germans have not progressed beyond Reuilly in tho Marne valley, this being the maximum advance of five miles. They are now subjecting Chalons to a long-range bombardment, owing to their failure to reach the town in accordance with the time-table of the offensive.—Aus. N.Z. Cablo Assoc. London, July 17. The Germans' farthest advance south of the Marne is a gain of six miles in the Festigny neighborhood. The German casualties in the present offensive are estimated at 100,000. Amongst Prince Rupprecht.'s reserves identified on the battle-front it appears that one-third have been withdrawn from the Amiens front. Military circles are convinced that the Germans are unable simultaneously to attempt elsewhere anything 011 a similar scale. ENEMY ATTACKS. WITH FRESH FORCES. FRENCH MAINTAIN THEIR POSITIONS. Received July 18, 9.50 p.m London, July 17, 5.30 p.m. A French communique Btates: South of the Marne, the Germans attacked last night with forces, north of St. Aguan, Chapelle, and Monthoson, and succeeded in penetrating La Bourdonnerie. The battle continues bitterly on the wooded slopes immediately south of these points. Further east, despite very lively attacks, wc held the enemy on the southern edge of Bouquigny and Nesles wood. The Germans also attempted a powerful effort in the direction of Wouvoisin; which they ssized, but a counter-attack drove them out. Between the Marne and Rheims violent fighting is proceeding in the region of Vrigny completely failed. East of Rheims local enemy attacks were resultless, notably in the region of Prunay. The Germans who are endeavoring to renew their assaults at Beaumont sustained a sanguinary defeat. We have everywhere entirely maintained our positions.—Aus. N.Z, Cable Assoc. and Reuter. GERMAN OFFICIAL. Received July 19, 12.30 a.m. Vancouver, July 18. Wireless German official: South-west of Courtemont we advanced as far as the Surmelin sector. A violent enemy counter-attack south of the Marne broke down. We extended our successes north of the Marne. We advanced to the heights northward of Vcnteuil and fought our way through Rod etat Roi Woods. We threw back the enemy on the Montagne de Rheims, and captured fgrtifiad heights AOrtfagagt <rf

FIERCE FIGHTING CONTINUES.

FURTHER ENEMY THRUSTS. POSITION'S HEID. . Received July 10, 1.45 a.m. London, July 18. This morning fierce fighting was con: tinued. * Further thrusts were made on Rheims and south of the Mamie, but our positions were generally held.—United Service. POINTS RE-TAKEN. BY ANGLO-FRENCH. BOMBING AMERICAN HOSPITALS. Received July 18, 10.25 p.m. London, July 17. Correspondents at the American front state that the Franco-Americans' counter-attack eastward .of .Chateau Thierry last night re-took the towns of La Chapelle and Monthedon and cleared portions of the Bois de Coni'e. The fighting continues, and the Americans are everywhere holding their ground, both eastward of Rheims and in the Chatefilu Thierry region. The German airmen are, apparently, carrying out a seti programme of bombing hospitals. "A" captured map showed tilie position of every American hospital near the lines. Nevertheless three were bombed, killing and wounding doctors, nurses, and orderlies. —iPress Assoc. GREAT oHELLING ACTIVITY. ON BRITISH SECTORS. Received July 19,12,35 a.m. London, July 17. Sir Douglas Haig reports: We secured prisoners in patrol encounters north of Bethune and west of Merville. There is great hostile gas-shelling on the Viilers Bretonneux front, also hostile artillerying and trench-mortar activity in the Albert sector.' GERMAN AIR RAID. KILLS 94 OF THEIR OWN. Received July 19, 12.35 a.m. London, July 18. The Germans air-raided a prisoners' camp at Troyes, killing 94 Germans. GERMAN AERODROME DESTROYED. Received July 18, 7.50 p.m. Amsterdam, July 17. Fire destroyed a new German aerodrome and twenty-two aeroplanes at Nivelles. It is stated that a German revolutionary soldiers' meeting decided to burn the aerodrome. Two German noncoms. and ten Belgians have been arrested. —Press Assoc. A GERMAN CLAIM. cr~"" . . Received July 19, 12..35 a.m. Vancouver, July 17. Berlin claims eighteen thousand prisoners and 37 aeroplanes downed on Tuesday.—Press Association. AVIATION REPORT. Received July 19, 1.45 a.m. London, July 17. Sir Douglas Haig's aviation report states:—The thunder and rainstorm of the 10th hindered air work. We dropped 13 tons of bombs ou Zeebrugge mole and on billets at St. Ailea and Merville, also on aerodromes and dumps. We brought down ten aeroplanes and drove down four. We shot down six balloons on fire. Nine of our machines are missing. Night-fliers dropped 500 bombs on the railway junction at Senlin and on billets. All returned. A large «»emj bomber descended behind our line.— N.Z. CaWe Assoc. <vnd Reuter.