THE VESLE REACHED.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1918, Page 5

THE VESLE REACHED.

ALLIES OBTAIN - FOOTING ON THE NORTH BANK. Wellington, Last Night. The High Commissioner reports, under date London, August 4, 12.30 a.m.: French oflieial: We reached ihe Vesle at several points eastwards of Fismes. Despite lively resistance, our light elements got a footing on the north hank. We captured Fismes and reached Neu Villaie, on the left of the Avre, between C'astel and Zon.il St. Georges. The Germans were forced to abandon part of their positions. We occupy branches at Hargicourt, and have reached Courte d'Anche. PAUSE IN BATTLE, TROOPS EXHAUSTED AND THE HEAVY ROADS. ENEMY MAKE STAND BEHIND THE VESLE. Received August G, 1.20 a.m. London, August 4. Router's correspondent states: There is a.pause in the battle along the River Vesle, largely due to fatigue on the part, 'of the troops, who have been fighting and advancing continuously for several 1 days, also to soaking rains, the roads in consequence being heavy. Only light advance columns are at.; present in contact with the enemy along..: the Vesle. These are awaiting the main body of infantry and guns before at- , tempting to drive the Germans behind :| the Vesle. The fact that the enemy has installed | heavy artillery on the plateau behind-J the Vesle indicates the likelihood of life,! decision to stabilise bis line on the | Vesle. The Germans. are stll close to Rheims, j swest, north"and .east. GERMANS RETIRE. ON A-TEN-MILE FRONT. THEIR FLANKS TURNED. Received August 5, 7.50 p.m. New York, August 4. The Germans have retired on a tenmile front to Mondidier, both enemy; •flanks being turned between Soissons' .and Rheims.—Press Assoc. ADVANCE CONTINUED. DELATING ACTION PROBABLE. t London, August 3. The ..advance.-continues. Fismes has been set on flare, also two villages to .the north-west and .l'i others in the area between Muizon and St. Thierry (near Rheims) indicating that the enemy •does not intend standing on tlho Vesle, but behind the Aisne, possibly even at tthe Ohemin de.Dames. He-will probably fight a delaying action on the plateau between the Vesle and tlie Aisne. Tho French, -who are apparently occupying the whole of Soissons, have advanced their troops to tho norflhenr edge of the plateau. The French cavalry are on the Vesle 'between Ohampigny and Jonohery, but all the 'bridges ;over the river have been broken and iio French tnoops-are across the river..The enemy retired raip'idly. There has not ibeen a great deal of fighting, and largo captures of prisoners are imtikely. The enemy in the neigliboufhiood of' Albert and Avcluy Wood has retired to the east bank of'the An'ore- It is only a small retirement on a front "of five, miles, but is significant.,.as tho formerposition was good for an offensive but no'.vgood for Assoc. OFFICIAL REPORT. ENEMY CLOSELY FOLLOWED. London, August 4. Sir Douglas. Haig reports: The progress of-our-.TMrol'S'-iu the Alhert sector has continued. We hold the greater part of -the ground previously in the enemy's posseiss'iion on the west side of the Anere. We are closely following up the enemy in his withdrawal, indications of which were previously observed. Wc repulsed strong raiding parties ' foiith-eastward of Hfcibuterne and eastward of Robecq. There is increased hostile artillery fire at Kemniel. The aviation reports states: The weather has interfered with air work. We di-opped lo tons of borate in the daytime, three tons of which fell on Bruges Docks Night flying was impossi'ble.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Reuter.