THE AIR WAR.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16215, 18 May 1918, Page 9

THE AIR WAR.

GREAT WORK BY BRITISH AVIATORS.

"WEST FRONT STILL QUIET.

4th YEAR —290 th DAY.

THE WEST FRONT.

LULL CONTINUES

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUES

(By Cablo.—Preaa Association. —Copyrijriit.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Reutcr's Telegram*.) LONDON, May 16. Sir Douglas Haig roports reciprocal artillery activity in the Somme and Ancro valleys, eastward o£ Arras, ana on the northern battlofront. An American communique states: —- "There is a marked increase of reciprocal artillery activity north of Toul and in Lorraine."

(Received Mav 17th. 11.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 17

Sir Douglas Haig reports mutual artillery activity, particularly northward of the Lys. A Belgian compiunique states that an enemy aviator dropped four bombs upon a hospital at Hoogstadt. Artillery action has assumed a lively character, especially in tho region about Pilkem. A French communique records marked reciprocal artillery activity noitli and south of tho Avre. Eighteen enemy aeroplanes were brought down on April loth, and four captive balloons were set on fire.

A German official report states: "Wo ejected tho French from the positions they gained northward of Kemmel. We repulsed a strong advance from Heiecat Wood. We shot down 33 aeroplanes." THE DELAYED OFFENSIVE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Aisociation.) (Received May 18th, 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 17.

Mr Philip Gibb s writes:— "Tho long postponement of tho enemy's assault Beems a definite proof that his losses in the earlier offensives were so heavy that ho is obliged to abandon his costly tactical blows in order to prepare for new battles on a wide front." Mr Gibbs is of the opinion that th© enemy will not strike until he has completed his fresh formations and their special training, in order to resume the offensive on something Jiko the scale of March 25th. It is truo that the process may bo near completion, but we have gained invaluable timej and the enemy thero' • has lost his greatest, jjerhaps his » . chance of victory. Our gaps liavo boon refilled and our troops rested and refreshed. The British, with French assistance, will not again be obliged to bear the brunt of an unequal struggle. GERMANS LESS OPTIMISTIC. (Australian and* N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received May 17th, 8.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 16. Advices from Germany indicate that the German people are now more doubtful of their chances of success. The German High Command hopes that tho danger of the loss of Paris and tho Channel ports may force peace.