THE WEST FRONT.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16219, 23 May 1918, Page 7

THE WEST FRONT.

LULL CONTINUES. TEEE OFFICIAL REPORTS. (By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z Cable Association.) (Reutcr'a TclegTama.) (Received May 22nd, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 21. Sir Douglas Haig reports: — ' 'After a heavy bombardment the enemy counter-attacked in considerable strength on a front of T2DO yards against our new positions nortli-west of Merville, but despite the intensity of liis artillorv preparation his infantry only succeeded in reaching our positions at two points, where they were dealt with effectively by our troops. Our whole line is intact. "The French repulsed two night raids north of Bailleul. "Wo took a few prisoners in a patrol encounter in the neighbourhood of Noyelles." A Belgian communique states: — "Reciprocal artillery activity has been very great daring the past' 24 hours." _ „ . LONDON, May 21 (1.50 p.m.). Sir Douglas Haig reports:— "A Surrey battalion was successful in a* local operation north-west of Morville. Our firo broko a counter-attack against the new positions wo gained. "\Ve made a successful raid southeast of Arras. "The enemy artillery is active." THE NEXT PHASE. SPECULATION AS TO GERMAN DELAY. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received May 22nd, 9.80 p.m.) LONDON, May 21.

The "Pall Mall Gazette" says that in Bome quarters it is believed that the German commanders have been waiting for a favourable phase of the moon. Their attack may, on that assumption, bo regarded as imminent. It is certain that the enemy's prepare tions havo been complete for Bome time, and the initial attacks havo been delayed longer than usual. Meanwhile British and French aviators havo blinded the enemy as they havo never Before blinded him on the eve of a great battle. They have also greatly deranged tho enemy's artillery movement. Signs exist that the enomy must not delay longer if ho wishes to retain tho advantage of his initiative. (Rcuter's Telogrann.) (Received May 22nd, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON. May 21. lleuter's correspondent at French Headquarters, writing on May 21st, states: — "The activity of the German aeroplanes, and exceptional violence of the artillery bombardments on tho Avre and in tho region of Albert, aro only indications of the coming bio nr. Ihe Germans have betweon Zonnebeke and Noyon nearly one-third of their whole j .strongtil in France, namely, 64 divi- ! sionß, out of a total of 210 divisions. They have carried out a redistribution of their forces along th 9 whole front. (Australian bjkV N.l&. C&blc Association.) (Received May 22nd, 7.30 p.m.) " ROME, May 21. Tho "Epoca" states that at Germany's request, Austria is sending a , newl.v-formed army of maoouvro to the "Western front. AUSTRALIANS' THRILLING EXPLOIT. (Australian atid N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, May 21. Mr Philip Gibbs describes the Austra--1 lians' caoture of Villo sur Ancre as a i thrilling exnloit, similar to their recapture of Villers-Bretonneux. tmder a bright moon, parties, in the face or fierce machine-gun and_ rifle fire, worked up each side of the village, tho garrison of which had been heavily strengthened. Following the creeping barrage over flooded ground, tho water in F.oino places being waist high, smashing through entanglements, they bombed their way forward to their objective, flown sunken roads, driving the enemy before them. Then a third body advanced at the centre, and cleared out the village, -where much heavy fighting ensued amon.ir the ruins, which were strewn with dead Germans, the enemy defending themselves: desperately. Tho Australians consolidated tho ground. This brilliant little success increased the difficulties of the enemy in any attempt north of tho village, as they must now come under cnfilado firo. Many of tho prisoners aro young, spectacled, weedy lads. They were very hungry, as they had , br-en separated from their rations for a long time, and they eagerly accepted biscuits. One after his surrender shot a scout corporal and tried to escape. The incident was punished by instant death. A machine-gunner, wearing an Iron Cross, fought so bravely that when he was sent back as a prisoner he waß given a no to, hoping that no one would take the cross from him. LONDON, May 23. Sir Douglas Haig congratulated the Australians on the completed success of thoir operations on May 19th, which resulted in. the capture.of Ville-sur-Ancro and/)thei: gaina», ' .

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. ("Tho Times.") LONDON, May 21. Mr Perry Robinson, dcsciibiiirr the American invasion of the British front, says that the_ ranks contain everything from millionaires and professors to pugilists. There is enough theatrical talent to supply a dozen theatres. No on© has ventured to oount the number of nationalities. A purc-blcodad Chinaman is on tho staff. Germans are everywhere. Many of tho Best "noncoms" are Jews. All aro fused i n tho mapcinn's melting-pot. the fir 0 beneath which is pride in "Old Glory" (the American flag). Thev have much to learn, but they soon know more than the 'averago Tommy or poiiu. Thoy have adopted British rules and efiuiuinent. (Australian and Cablo .Association.) . NEW YORK. May 21. Ihe British Mission has announced that British aviators control the air in thoir section of tho West front. Practically all the combats take place over the German lines. NEW YORK, May 21. Ihe Chicago Daily .News" Stockholm correspondent reports that, judging by foreign exchange rates, the Germans have no prospect of breaking; through on the West front. The German .hxchango had an unward trend at the beginning of the March offensive, but now it is several points lower than before tho offensive, and is famine dailv WASHINGTON, Mar 21. diplomatic advices state ttiat the German Government is having the greatest difficulty in. explaining to the public why the West front drive has not been continued. att « ck \°? t^l6 Italian front has not been startod. (Australian and 2C.Z. Cablo Association.) (Received May 22nd, 8 p.m.) PARIS, May 21, The Russian Legion participated in a recent attack beside tho Zouaves, and earned tho highest praise for their dash and bravery. (Received May 23rd, 1 a.m.) WASHINGTON, May 21. The United Press states that owing to the speeding-up in transportation of the United States troops to France their number may soon equal that of the British forces facing tho Germans. The announcement has been made that the .first American field amy Jn France has been formed. It consists of 200,000 men divided into two corps and three divisions. j ("The Times.") (Received May 23rd, 12.50 a.m.) LONDON. May 22. Mr Perry Robinson writes:— "Prisoners persistently assert that Marshal von Hindenburg is dead. Possibly this is untrue, but a large part of the German Army believes it."