THE LATEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 August 1918, Page 5

THE LATEST.

GREAT CONFUSION. Behind German Front. Rapid Flight of Transport. Received August 10, 2.15 a.m. London, August "J. There is great confusion behind Prince Rupprecht's front. Airmen report the rapid flight of transport towards the Somme. A number of high officers are already among the prisoners. Olio German general was last seen running headlong chased by a tank, wliieh was ma-chine-gunning him. "We now directly threaten Montdidier, Airman are harassing the traffic, into and out of the salient, especially across tin l Somme bridges. Our casualties were exceptionally light, especially at the beginning of'the operations. Prince Rupprecht's reply, whether by artillery, infantry, or aeroplanes, is so.far feeble, but with the coming up of I reinforcements the resistance will stiffen..

A GREAT CHANGE.

IN MILITARY POSITION. GERMAN PLANS UPSET. Received August 10, 2.15 a.m. London, August 9. Mr. Bonar Law, in the House of Commons, added that the 4th British Army comprised English, Australian, and Canadian troops. They were attacking on a front of 20 kilometres from Morlancourt to Montdidier. Ha had just been informed by telephono from Headquarters that ail objectives which were sought when the attack began had been gained before 3 in tho afternoon. Tho ground gained was of obvious strategic importance. He had no desire to exaggerate the importance of the achievement. Possibly the Germans, owing to previous attacks, had intended to retire, but the attack was a complete surprise, upsetting whatever plans tho Germans had formed. The result can, (he said, without exaggeration, indicate a complete change in the military position in the last few weeks.—Press Assoc. AVIATION REPORT. EXPLOSIVE FACTORIES ATTACKED. Received August 10,1.55 a.m. London, August 0. "Sir Douglas Haig's aviation report is as follows: We dropped over 17 tonß of bombs in the daytime on the 7th, wit 1 .! good effect. Fifteen hostile machines were brought down, and seven driven down uncontrollable. Two British are missing. Bad weather hampered operations at night time. A ton of bombs were dropped. One of our night fliers is missing. The Air Ministry reports: Our aeroplanes successfully attacked explosive factories at Rombach, with good results. All returned.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association and Eeuter.

A MONTH'S BAG

OF ENEMY AEROPLANES. - Received August 10,1.55 a.m. London, August 9. A French communique states: The attack -we began south-east of Amiens in conjunction with the British was continued under good conditions, 184 enemy aeroplanes were brought down during July, and 154 were seen to fall disabled behind the German lines. Our aeroplanes in July set fire to 49 enemy captive balloons. Our bombing planes in July dropped 194 tons of projectiles during the day and 3f>(> during the night on tho Marne bridges and enemy troops south of the Aisne, and stations in the region of Laon, Hirsiu and Rethen. —Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter. GERMANS ADMIT SUCCESS OF ATTACK. Received August 10 1.53 a.m. London, August 9. Wireless German official (evening): Between the Ancre and the Avro the enemy forced his way into our positions. —Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter

A DECISIVE VICTORY.

GENERAL FOCH HAS NO DOUBT. Received August 10, 8.30 p.m. Sydney, Last Night. General Focli, replying to the Commonwealth's congratulations upon liis recent success, says: "I have no doubt we shall secure a decisive victory."— Press Assoc, AMERICANS EULOGISED. London, August 8. The Daily Chronicle correspondent on the French front states that General Mangin, in an order of the day thanking the Americans for their splendid achievements, says: You have proved yourselves worthy of a great country. Ninety-one cannon, 7200 prisoners and immense booty over six miles of recon, qucred territory are your share in the trophies of this victory. Also you acquired a superiority over the barbarian. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc.