WESTERN FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 October 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

RECOVERY OF LENS MINES. THE HUSTLING YANKEES. Received Oct., 0, 5.5 p.m. New York, Oct. 4. The Times' Washington correspondent learns on excellent authority that American engineers and experts have been preparing for months past for the recovery of the Lens coalfields. American units have been equipped with modem mining equipment in readiness. Mr. James states: "American troops are astride the Kriemhilde-Stellung line, after a day of terrific fighting."—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. LENS MINES FLOODED. Received Oct. 6, 5J5 p.m. Paris, Oct. 5. The Mayor of Lens states that the Germans flooded all the mines. It will take years to fully establish the industry. Restoration begins shortly. The Government has advanced two million francs for the purpose.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. ' THE HINDENBURG SYSTEM. A-COMPLETE BREAK THROUGH. GALLANT WORK OF AUSTRALIANS. Received Oct. 6, 5.5 p.m. London, Oct. 5. Mr. Gilmour, describing the Australians' attack on the Beaurevoir line, says there is a likelihood of the pressure bv Australian and other troops in this sector effecting a complete break through. Already the backbone of the Hindenburg system has been broken along a considerable front. General Monash, in his order of the day, conveys his sincere thanks for tiie fine work of the Australians, although hampered by the want of the free use of artillery, in completely overwhelming the stubborn defence in the most strongly fortified sector of the west front. Mr. Gilmour describes the gallant work ft the divisions in pushing forward after crossing the sunken canal line, on top of which German dead lie thick. They have now gone nearly three miles behind the Hindenburg line. The Australians are making all manner of wagers as to when the Germans will be driven out of France.

Signs of German demoralisation continue, notably in the Second Guards. Catches of this broken division have been taken over a wide front during the past few days.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

THE REAL BATTLE. COMING IX THE BRIEY BASIN. Received Oct. 6, 5.5 p.m. Amsterdam, Oct. 5. The German newspapers warn their readers that the real battle ihas not yet begun. Marshal Foch has hitherto been occupied in attracting German reserves in the hope of forcing a decision before the winter. His main attack will be directed against the Metz-Sedan railway in the Briey basin.

The Germans have evacuated civilians from forty villages in Alsace, and ordered the inhabitants of Mulhouse, Colmar, Altkirch, and other towns to prepare to leave immediately.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS. DOUAI AND CAMBRAI IN FLAMES. AMERICANS MAKE MORE CAPTURES. ■ Received Oct. 6, 5.5 p.m. London, Oct. 5. The British advance north of Le Chatelet continues. Eight hundred prisoners have been taken. The Germans have set fire to Douai and Cambrai. The Franco-Americans attacked between the Meuse and the Argonne, many villages being taken. General Pershing's communique states: The Americans advanced from two to five kilometres west of the Meuse, and captured Gesmos, Sleville, Chehery, and La Farge. A United Press message states that the Franco-Americans are less than five miles from Vouziers. A London message says it has been authoritatively learned that the Americans have captured Cunel.—United Press.

FRESH ADVANCES. POSITION'S IMPROVED. Received Oct. 0, 5.5 p.m • London, Oct. 5. A. French communique issued at 4.40 p.m. states; We advanced at night-time east of Lea din and in the region of St. Quentrn, also north-west of Rheims. ■Minor operations enaHed us to widen our bridgeheads east of the canal and .improve our positions in the region of Bctheny, in the Champagne. Franco-American troops extended their gains of Blane Mont and the Medeafc! farm.—Aus. NIZ. Cable Assoc. Washington, OcJt. 5. Franco-American attacks in tlie-Cham-pagne forced the Germans to retreat on the left flank towards the river Arnes, The French readied the heights southeast of Monmvillers, north-west of Rheims. In five days th» French captured 2500 prisoners and Zt grata. —Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. Received Oct. 6, 55 pjn. London, Oct. 5. Sir Douglas Haig' reports; in successful minor operations on Friday north of St. Quesfan we substantially progressed south-east of Beaurevoir, north of Gouy and Le Oatelet, prisonering 800. We again advanced our line at night-time northward of Le Catelet. — Aits. JLZ. Cable Assoc.. and: Renter. •