ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20906, 11 September 1939, Page 7

ON THE WESTERN FRONT

MUCH TERRITORY OCCUPIED ADVANCE OF THE FRENCH TROOPS “MOPPING-UP” BETWEEN MAGINOT AND SIEGFRIED (United Press Assn.—Eleo. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 9 A French communique issued at 9.25 p.m. states: “Continued progress has been made on the Western Front, in spite of local enemy counter-attacks, and important heights have been captured. The German artillery is most active in attempting to stem the advance. French aerial reconnaissance continues, in spite of the efforts of pursuit aeroplanes.” A French High Command communique says: “During the night our advance elements operating west of Forbach occupied most of the Warndt Forest, in which they found much destruction and all sorts of traps.” It is understood the French, including Moroccan troops have pushed beyond Saarbrucken to within striking distance of the Westwall (Siegfried Line) fortifications. A semi-official commentary on the communiques underlines the “mopping-up” of the ground between the Maginot Line and the Westwall, and the consolidating of positions. When this process is complete, it will be possible to contemplate an attack on the Westwall. French tanks and infantry are reported to have reached the Saar River on the left in a flanking attack against the Westwall. It is stated unofficially that Germany is making a serious stand across the Saar River. All bridges have been blown up. Bombers attacked, but French aircraft fought them off, minimising the danger of air attack. At the end of the first week of the war the French hold approximately 200 square miles of German territory, including 20 square miles of the Warndt Forest, covering one of the richest coal deposits in the Saar, west of Forbach.

FRENCH ADVANCE FIERCE FIGHTING PROCEEDING NOVELTIES IN WARFARE GAINING MANOEUVRING SPACE NEW YORK, September 8 The Paris correspondent of the New Y'ork Times says the French have continued to carry out strategic and tactical objectives to relieve the pressure on Poland by preventing reinforcements for the expected decisive battle and to retain the initiative, which also has been achieved. The French are understood to have advanced five or six kilometres between the Rhine and Moselle for the purpose of gaining manoeuvring space directly before the Maginot Line, and are occupying new jumping-off points. In view of the nature of the ground and the existence of German field fortifications the progress is considered most satisfactory. The French Command is economising men, therefore frontal attacks are barred. Each obstacle is tackled methodically by artillery or flanking movements, the advance "being continued when the obstacle is reduced. Soon the west wall will be faoed einoe the maximum distance of the frontier in this sector does not exoeed ten kilometres. Then the nature of the operations may change. Hitherto there has been an innovation in warfare —namely, the war of movement between two lines of fortifications. When the west wail is attached other novelties can be expected. They are at present the secret of the General Staff, but will soon be revealed. Meanwhile it is significant that the Germans are evacuating civilians in all the Saar towns. French Mads Double Thrust It can now be revealed that the French High Command made a double thrust during the first operations of the war. They struck at a point near the junction of the French, German and Swiss frontiers near Belfot, and simultaneously advanced into Germany through the Saar district. If Neunkirchen falls the French will acquire a valuable railway junction. The capture of Saarbrucken is now reported to be in progress. Its encirclement would open the way to the valley of the Rhine via Homburg and Kaisersalutern. In the meantime the French are increasing the pressure on the Western Front. The enemy must further reinforce because, in spite of the peaceboasts of the invulnerability of their permanent fortifications, they must organise positions behind the threatened line. Importance of Occupation The importance of the French occupation of the Warndt Forest lies in the fact that it Is bounded by the north by the Saar River, the possession of which would greatly strengthen the French position. It should be remembered that an advancing force must "organise in depth" in readiness for possible counter-attacks, and must jirepare successive lines of defence to its rear. Extremely heavy French attacks are developing on the northern tip of the front toward the German city of Trier.

FRENCH OFFENSIVE EFFECT ON GERMAN TACTICB USE OF SHOCK TROOPS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 11, 11 a.m.) PARIS, Sept. 10 The Midi says: “The French offensives have forced the occupants of the West Wall to undertake counter-offensives, using shock troops stationed behind the lines. “Infantry action was preceded by a barrage.” CONTINUED PROGRESS DESTRUCTION BY GERMANS ANGLO-FRENCH CO-OPERATION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrljjtit) PARIS, Sept. 8 A communique states: “ There is continued progress on the West Front, despite the fact that the retiring enemy is destroying bridges, railroads and tunnels. “We are sending patrols across the minefields. Air and sea activity is growing with the co-operation of the British Navy.” THE SIEGFRIED LINE reconnaissance by planes PLAN OF GERMAN DEFENCE •.United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK, Sept. 9 Communiques have been stressing Air Force reconnaissance activity, says the New York Times Paris correspondent. This, in conjunction with similar British activity, seems to justify the belief that when the Siegfried Line is attacked the war will see the first massive use of aviation. Before the outbreak of war, it was impossible for the French to obtain a clear picture of the Siegfried Line. Since war started, French aeroplanes have been continuously flying over the line, photographing it at all angles. These are now being pieced together into a detailed plan of the German defences. SHIPPING FREIGHTS BIG INCREASE IN AUSTRALIA CANCELLATION OF CONTRACTS nMPrt Prpss Assn.—Elec. Tel. Conyrlsnt (Received Sept. 11, 12.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 11 An immediate increase of 25 per cent in overseas shipping freights is announced by the Overseas Shipping Representatives Association. Because of the war all forward quotation bookings and freight contracts have been cancelled.