WESTERN FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

CLIMAX OF THE WAR. Long and Bitter Battle. Still Raging With Incredible Fury. Enemy's Desperate Resistance. Received* Oct. 3, 10;10-p.m. London, Oct. 2. Renter's correspondent at British headquarters says the long and bitter battle is stiH raging, but has turned so definitely in our favor that it is not premature to call it a great victory, the enemy's desperate doggedness and endurance alone warding off an immeasurable disaster.

i By the afternoon of the Ist inst. the Australians had breached the Wain-court-Beaurevoir line, which is the last rearward outpost of defence of the HinIdenburg system, thus giving the French [flank a covering for the capture of St. Quentia.

The way in which the whole German resistance was stiffened in the last few days was remarkable, seeming to indicate the enemy's sudden consciousness that he is fighting witlhi his back to the Wall This is confirmed by the sullenness and subdued savageness of recent prisoners.

Northward of the chief tactical gain the battle swayed with incrpdible fury. We gained and maintained the high ground between Crevecoeur and Rumilly, sending back batches of prisoners. The Canadians fought, at heavy numerical odds, in the spirit of men who would not be baulked, and inflicted the heaviest losses on the enemy. In Flanders the Belgians are pushing on through the mud, which is often hip high. They drew nearer to Roulers, taking Hoogele and Handazene. Our Second Army, which is equally handicapped by the condition of the ground, continues to open its great crab-claw towards Annentieres, and took Le Bizet, north of the town, this morning. The enemy opposition is increasing as reinforcements appear in the line. The whole Hindenburg system below the Bellicourt tunnel is now reported to be in our hands. Strong patrols are working through the tunnel and the many latteral galleries. This morning the Australians were exploiting yesterday's gains and going on. Likewise the English and Canadian divisions between Le Catelct and the Sensee. As the climax of the war approaches the fighting grows more intense and stupendous. Never was there suo'hi searching tests of human endurance and killing. The pace cannot be long maintained.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. A MOST INTERESTING SITUATION. Enemy's Retirement Predicted. On a Large Scale.

Received Oct. 3, 7.45 pjn. London, Oct. 2. The situation on tie western front is most interesting. The los 3of St. Quentin and the positions northward must result in the enemy's retirement on a fairly large scale, probably greater than the present fighting indicates. There will be a big change in the situation before the winter. The weather now is unfavorable, but, if it permits the Allies to continue tibeir pressure, the enemy will be compelled to make serious and far-reaching changes to save the western front. The Flanders advance must slow down until the guns come up. The enemy is vigorously contesting the 'Cambrai sector, where he has massed many divisions. The Allied capture of Rumilly, Crevecoeur, and the high ground northwards and eastwards is a serious threat, and may compel a retreat in the region of Le Catelet or Coop. The enemy is in an awkward corner between Cambrai and the Scarpe. We have broken through the line between Gonsomme and Beaurevoir. It is still uncertain what lines he has in the rear, but he certainly has some, though the present fracture makes the position most serious and threatens his lino of retreat along the Oise valley and from the St. Gobain massif, which is in process of being turned. The enemy is being pushed back vigorously between the Aisne and the Vesle, the French having advanced three or four miles on a ten-mile front.

Tho Germans are now retreating to their 1917 line behind the Ailette and the Aisne.

In the Champagne the French made small gains, despite enemy resistance, at a place where he can hardly afford to give any ground.—Australian Cable Association.

PREPARING TO LEAVE BELGIUM. Wanton Destruction of French Towns. Reprisals Suggested. fleceived Oct. 3, 8.10 p.m. Washington, Oct. 2. Despatches from Holland state that the Germans are removing stores and guns from the Belgian coast. German civilians have been recalled, and the naval reserves stationed at Antwerp are said to be preparing to leave Belgium. The State Department is considering an ultimatum to Germany regarding the wanton destruction of French towns. It is suggested that the Allies should hold German cities definitely accountable whenever they are in a position to enforce punishment.—Aus. KZ. Cable Association. American Hospital Shelled. Received Oct. 3, 7.40 p.m. Washington, Oct. 2. A ihell struck the American hospital behind the fighting line, killing twenty wounded men.—Buuter.