THE WESTERN FRONT.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16357, 31 October 1918, Page 7

THE WESTERN FRONT.

FIERCE FIGHTING. STRONG POINTS CAPTURED. FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORTS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, October 29. A French communique states: — There is fierce fighting on tho east bank of the Oise, opposite Verly lo Grand, where the enemy launched several counter-attacks. Further south the French pushed their lines as far as the approaches to Guiso, rapturing strong points north-west of Guise. We also progressed oast of the river Peron, and in the region north-east of Pargny Wood. Wo are now in contact with the whole of the new enemy line between the Oiso and tho Serrc. Wo have advanced north of Herly and west of Chateau Porcien. LONDON, October 29 (4.5 p.m.). A French communique states:— Wo considerably advanced towards Guise, and carried the hutments surrounding a hospital and tho first trench of tho fortified works south of tho castle. Further south we advanced htv yond Louvry Farm. On tlie right bank of the Peron we continued to progress east of Monceau le Nouf. STPv DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORT. ' (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Renter's Tplejramo.) LONDON, October 29. Sir Douglas Haig reports:— There is artillery activity and patrol encounters on different parts of the front. AMERICAN OFFICIAL REPORT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Reuter'a Telegrams.) LONDON, October 29. An American communique states: — On the Verdun front the operations are marked by heavy artillerying. An enemy couutor-attack on Bolleu Wood was repulsed. AMERICAN LONG-RANGE GUNS AT WORK. (R«uter's Telegrams.) (Received October 30th, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, October 29. An American Headquarters report states: Long-range guns of big calibre and more formidable than "Big Bertha," which bombarded Paris, have bqjjun shelling in the direction of the Longuyon - Montmedy-Sedan - Mezieres itiilway, which is the vital communication upon which the enemy depended for the cjuick transport of troopß and supplies from one portion of the front to another. Observers report that the Germans have abandoned Clery le Grand. Already a great section of Lorraine and part of Alsace have been formed ifito a huge entrenched camp by the Germans in. a desperate effort to defend Metz and the pivot of the iine northwards. THE LIBERATION OF LILLE. AN HISTORIC PAGEANT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Octobcr 30th, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, October 29. Mr Percival Phillips writes: Lille was made glad to-day by a pageant which the populace had eagerly awaited since their liberation, when tho British troops made a formal triumphant entry into tho city. Bands playing the "Marseillaise" and British tunes, marched through the crowded streets and were acclaimed with cheers and tears. For the first time in this war we saw the infantry dressed and polished for a fete, and carrying flowers and little tricolours. General Birdwood led the historic procession with a glittering staff, to the Ladeseo Column, where the Mayor and many dignitaries awaited. General Birdwood dismounted, advanced with the red and black headquarters flag, and asked the Mayor to accept the flag in the name of Lille. He expressed his admiration for the courage and devotion of its people. Another flag, inscribed "From the people of Lille to her liberators," was handed to General Birdwood. Troops r,nd guns marched past, while the people feasted their eyes on the seemingly endless procession.