GERMANS SHOWING SIGNS OF EXHAUSTION.

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 165, 2 April 1918, Page 5

GERMANS SHOWING SIGNS OF EXHAUSTION.

(Rec. April 2, 1.25 a.m.) London, April 1. A French communiquo states:—"The Germans .wore oxhausted after yesterday's bloody dofeat, and confined themselves to violent local attacks. The only success scored north of Moreuil was in tho region of Hangardcn and Sauterrc, where they gained a footing after a desperate struggle between Morouil and Lassigny. Wo recaptured last evening Ayenconrt and Lemonchol._ To-day we notably advanced in the region of Oivillers after heavy fighting on tho Oiso front. An enemy assaulting detachment which crossed tho river near Chauny and tried to establish a bridgehead on the loft bank was entirely annihilated or taken prisoner. Our long-range guns destroyed an enomy train and heavy artillery elsewhere"—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. MORE FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS FOR ALLIES' DEFENSIVE. Paris, March 31. An official communication states: "The Allies are now securingmoro favourable conditions for the defensive. The Third and Fifth British Armies aro entirely reconstituted with fresh reserves." —"Tho Times." THE BATTLE FROM THE FRENCH STANDPOINT TERRIBLE SLAUGHTER. OF THE ENEMY. Paris, March 30. From the French standpoint, the battle opened on the evening of March 21 (Thursday), when several divisions wero rushed up in motor-wagons to ait! the British right, which was thus enabled to withdraw along tho Crosiat Canal. Another French force reached Chauny on March 22. and was instructed to keep in touch with the retiring British right. Tho French, on March 24 (Sunday), repelled ropeated attempts to cross tho Oiso, the French line extending to Noyon and Lassigny. Now that the initial danger has passed, it can be said that the Germans wero very noar breaking the Allied front in this region. On March 25 (Monday), the pressure increased, and on March 26 and"27 tho French front was pressor] back to tho Avre River, and then to Montdidier. The enemy pressure was tremendous. There were only sixteen German divisions on the fifty miles of front before tho battle. Hindenburg and Ludendorff commenced the great gamble with thirty-eight, and Tjy Thursday eighty-seven had been identified. These represent practically a million men, though the sector is only one-eighth of the Western front between the sea and the Alps. ■ The French war experts believe that the Germans aro unable to bring up more than forty divisions more. Ilie slaughter of tho enemy is most terrible. The country roads aro strewn with German dead. Great piles of bodies are collected after each clay's fighting in order to keep open the lanes of traffic. Only on Thursday and Friday did the enemy begin to burn and bury tho doad. Previously he had not even time to remove all the wounded. The spectacle of the slaughter has .an inevitable effect on the fresh German troops, many of whom are youngsters. Prisoners describe the German losses as enormous, and as being mainly due to machine-guns. The 88th Division was almost wiped out, and the 206 th was very badly mauled. Correspondents state that all the dead found on the battlefield were stripped of clothes and equipment, which the Germans collect svstematically and send to tho rear owing to tho shortage of clothing and leather. British and French uniforms are evidently collected for uso in some deceptive manoeuvre. The prisoners are astonished at the comparatively small number of British and French dead left on the battlefield. The Gorman commanders are surprised at the Allies' jesistance. They told the men that it would be all over in a few days.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE GERMAN REPORTS "ENGLISH AND FRENCH COUNTER-ATTACKS REPULSED" (Rec. April 1, 9 p.m.) London, March 31. A German offioial report dealing with Saturday's operations says: "We repulsed English counter-attacks on the Upper Ancre, and stormed Aubercourt, Hangard, and Demuin, thrpwing tho enemy back on Moreuil, despite the most violent counter-attacks. We attacked newly-brought-up French troops between Moreuil and Noyon. We repulsed the enomy northward of Montdidier, and stormed the heights on the west bank of the Avre. Oftrepeated French counter-attacks eastward of Montdidier against Mesnil failed. We stormed Fontaine and threw the enemy out of freshly-constructed trenches beyond Assauvillers, Rollot, Hainvillors, and Thiscourtville. Strong French counter-attacks collapsed. We stormed Renaud Fort, dominating the Oise, south-west of Noyon. The enemy's losses wero heavy everywhere." A later report states: "We have had local successful battles between the Luce and the Avre. French counter-attacks west and south-west of Montdidier heavily failed."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.' POLITICAL OBJECT OP THE CENTRAL POWERS CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN REACHED. Berne, March 31. The Vienna "Rcichspost" states that political circles in Vienna and Berlin consider that the political object of the Central Powers has already been reached on the Western front, though the military result is undecided, The German success must convince the Entente that it cannot destroy German militarism, and therefore the retirement of Mr. Lloyd George and M. Clemcnceau is evident (? imminent). Tho "Reichspost" admits that the Entente's counter-offonsive is yet to come, and that it remains to be seen whether the German plan of separating the British and French armies will succeed.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TENTH DAY OF THE BATTLE SITUATION MAY.BE REGARDED WITH MORE CONFIDENCE EIGHTY ENEMY DIVISIONS UNMERCIFULLY HAMMERED London, March 31. Renter's correspondent on the British front writes: "On tho tenth day of the battle we can regard tho situation with more confidence than in tho last few days. The German progress in front of the British armies has been almost trifling. Except for tho determined attack with the object of capturing Arras and. turning our flank in that direction, the Germans attempted no operations on a largo scale, and in the vast majority of tho minor encounters we had much the better of the exchanges, this being conspicuously true of the area from Arras to Albert and about the Ancre, where the Germans repeatedly made vicious drives to capture local strategical positions. Impossible to Compute the Cnrman Losses. "How great wero their losses for Iho whole ten days' it is impossible to compute. The Germans have i ow put into tho crucible of battle over 80 divisions of infantry, and all have been more or less unmercifully hammered. Within the last few days comparatively few new German divisions have been thrust into the line, which probably means that the enemy is preparing a second great blow, which may fall at any time with all the tremendous might that was behind the Germans' first blow. To-day we stand unshaken across their path. Seven divisions of good troops tried to take Arras and failed. The decisive check to the German advance on Arras is important, for it further delays the enemy's plan of campaign." Battle Promises to be of Long Duration. Renter's correspondent at French Headquarters reports that the enomy is firmly held west of Montdidier, where the broken ground facilitates the defence. His nearest point to Amiens is thirteen miles away. All accounts agree as to tho severity of his losses, but it must bo remembered that of the eighty or ninety divisions thrown into tho battle only ono-fifth have been withdrawn. He therefore has still huge number* to throw into the attack, and the battle promises to be of long duration.—Router. Amazing Experience of a Battery pf Artillery. Mr. Perry Robinson, writing on March 30, says: "When the Germans succeeded in crossing tho river in rear of the British tho situation was momentarily serious, but troops faced to the rtar and gallantly drove back the enemy till tho guns got away. The conduct of our gunners was full of miracles throughout. A battery of horse artillery, cut off by the German initial advance, was lost for three days, and had an amazing experience mostly in the rear of the German linos. It was generally in action, and finally found itself among a hard-pressed British unit, and helped to turn tho tido. One of tho most dashing operations of tho week vas a counter-attack by a scratch force of road-Korkftrs, signallers, and other miscellaneous units, commanded by artillery officers."—"The Times." GERMANS LOSING SPIRIT AND BECOMING DEPRESSED ANXIOUS AS TO THE FUTURE OF THEIR WILD GAMBLE (REC. APRIL 1, 9.55 P.MJ London, March 31. Mr. Phillip Gibbs writes:—"After heavy fighting around Arras and some minor engagements north and south of the Somme, there is a lull. Tbn enemy is reorganising and developing new plans. His violent efforts against Arras were repulsed with extremely heavy lossos. A small party of men who wero cut oif in Rouex withdrew successfully yesterday. Our linos aro firmly held. The enemy's,only gain south of tho Somme is the capture of Marcolcavo and Mossiores. Wo made a counter-attack here, which the enemy's ma-chine-gun fire held up; nevertheless, many Gonnaus wero killed. _ It is evident that during the last day or two the Germans havo been losing somo of their spirit, and are becoming depressed and anxious as to the future of their wild gamble for a decisive victory After the first overwhelming thrust they no longer have so much advantage, and their losses arc increasing. They have been hard hit during the last few days at Hebuterno. . They tried to rush tho village, and gained the cemetery, where they placed several machine-guns. Our troops advanced on the cemetery, but were'ehecked by the machine-guns. They roturned and reorganised, then swept through the village and charged the onemy lino, smashing it to pieces. Fiorco hand-to-hand fighting and bomb fighting and bnyonot lighting took place in the streets, in which many Germans wero killed. , Valuafile Work of the Tanks. "Since the colossal bombardment on March 21 our tanks have done gallant work in some hidden woods bohind the linos that were gravely threatened by the advancing enemy waves. It was impossible to get all tho tanks away rapidly, and the pilots blew them up. Tho tanks were, successfully utilised at various points, and drove the onemy twice out of tho villago of Ttoisel, and covered the withdrawal of the line. They fought a gallant rearguard action at Sorvill for two days, covering tho withdrawal. A most courageous action by tanks was at Vaux Vraucourt, south of Biillocourt, _ which the enemy had captured. Our aviators reported a heavy concentration of

tho enemy. The tanks advanced, accompanied by two companies of iPiM' try. Tho enemy at closo range opened iire with machine-guns like field guns. As soon as tho tanks came m sight they niado straight for tho German trenches and raked them. Our losses jvero not light, for tho tanks were close targets for field guns firing point blank, but wo inllieted heavy casualties, and tho enemy fled. Some tanks which had been put out of action lay derelict among tlio Gorman dead and dying, but maintained tho fight for several hours, tho survivors returning at midnight. Tanks Prevent Infantry Being Cut Oft. "On March 20 four tanks fought a rearguard action between Varastcro and Lesboeufs, without infantry support, holding up tho German waves and preventing tho cutting off of the infantry. The tanks slouched ?mong tho enemy, raking masses of storm troops in open country and holding tho hordes at hay until they brought up field guns. Then the pilots required all their skill and courage to manoeuvre the tanks and avoid direct hits. They however. fougbt_ their way back. In_ all theso fights the pilots and crows fought with an utter disregard of'their lives. Tho. cavalry had long looked for a chance in the vicinity of Ham and Noyon. They streamed through Guiscard aim did most gallant work, taking 150 prisoners. The Arras Attack Utterly Defeated. "The Arras ''attack was prepared or. \ seals of enormous strength, by divisions in depth, preceded by heavy bombardments. Tho enemy aimed at capturing Arras and the Vimy Bidgo. Seven divisions were placed north of tho Scarpe. and twelve south of tho river, in au arc round Arras. The enemy's plan was that whilo two divisions, with others in support, attacked Arras, threo divisions, composed of storm troops, would rush through, seizing tho Vimy Heights. The brunt of tho attack fell on London troops. _ Our guns, machine-guns, and rifles swept tho onemy's advancing lines to pieces. Tho enemy came again and again, despite the massacre. Towards night the attacks died out. Sjich an utter defeat will cheek the German efforts around Arras."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Immense French Armies Gathering in Threatened Sectors. Mr. W. Murdoch writes: "Tho immense French armies have beenscarcely touched since the Champagno offensive, and have boon gathering in the threatened sectors and growing in strength and preparedness daily. All manner of guns also aro flowing thither. The Germans have deeply entrenched from the Sommo northwards, and lightly entrenched elsewhere. After his failure to roll up the Third Army, Von Hindenburg has shifted tho main forces southward, and is now committed to th& plan of defeating the French reserves as they arrive, and opening a road south of the Somnie towards Paris." —United Service. A Tribute of Praise to the Cavalry. Renter's Headquarters correspondent, writing on Sunday evening, says there has been a comparative lull in the fighting at the weekend; this will enable the disposition of our troops to proceed smoothly. The weather has been very unsettled after the rains, which made the country heavy. Referring to tho cavalry, he says: "Tho enemy, baving secured a large wood northeast of Moreuil, at dawn our cavalry were thrown into it before the Germans had consolidated, and drove back the enemy into the open, with severe casualties. Tho cavalry's "work in this open lighting was beyond praise, splendidly justifying the existence of this arm. Enemy Attacks Repulsed. "After the capture of Marcelcave, the Germans in considerable strength attacked between the Somme and the Aucre, covered by many low-flying aeroplanes, which were promptly attacked by our airmen. This attempt was completely repulsed. This morning tho Gcrmaus attacked determinedly near Arras, out were repulsed after fierce fighting. After receiving reinforcements they again attacked, and were again repulsed. At two o'clock to-day wo assaulted enemy positions near Lasyd Farm. a short, obstinate struggle we returned to our own lines with over 200 prisoners and '10 ma-chine-guns."—Renter. THE KING VISITS THE WEST FRONT "A CROWDED FIFTY HOURS" London, March 31. . The King went to the "West front on March 28 (Thursday), and returned to-day.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. April 1, 11.45 p.m.) London, March 31. Renter's Headquarters- correspondent states: "The King spent l a crowded fifty hours in France. He moved freely among tho troops who resisted the first onslaught of the enemy. There was no official programme, His Majesty, desiring a quiet, informal visit that would not interfere with military movements. His Majesty chatted and shook hands with many officers and men going from and coming to tho front. He also visited Headquarters, and congratulated Sir Douglas Haig. At the casualty clearing station tho King walked among the lines of stretchers and cheered tho wounded. He inspected the air service headquarters, including the American section, which ho congratulated on its smart appearance. At ono part of tho journey the King, meeting a marching regiment, shouted: "Aro we downhearted?" Tho reply was an enthusiastic uproar. Amongst the wounded at tho clearing station was a colonial, who looked critically at the King, then painfully extended a hand and said: 'I've often heard of you. Put it right there!'_ The King immediately did so. Throughout the tour His Majesty had sincere words of admiration and encouragement for tho men who were resting. Soldiers told him that their greatest need was sleep."—Reuter. MESSAGE TO SIR DOUGLAS HAIG THE EMPIRE'S GRATITUDE TO THE ARMY. (Rec. April 1, 9.55 p.m.) London, March 31. The Press Bureau reports: "The King has written -to Sir Douglas Haig: 'My short visit to tho battlefrout afforded me an exceptional opportunity for obtaining personal testimony to tho indomitable courage and unflinching tenacity with which our splendid troops withstood the supreme effort of tho greater part of tho enemy's fighting power. Tho whole Empire will join with me in oxpressing gratitude to tho Army for its skilful and unswerving manner of dealing with the formidable attack. Though obliged to give ground against the sheer weight of numbers, no army could bo in better heart, braver, or more confident. I am proud that tho British race has that unconquerable spirit which will, please God, bring us through tho present trials. Those at homo must ensure that the man-power is adequately maintained, and that the workers nobly continue to meet the demauds.' "— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Iteuter. MR. LLOYD GEORGE SAYS THE SITUATION HAS IMPROVED "BRITAIN IS CALM AND RESOLUTE.". / London, March 30. Mr, Lloyd George has issued the following statement .—"ln the first few days when the Germans launched the attack with an unparalleled concentration of troops the situation was extremely critical. Thanks to the indomitable bravery of our troops, who gradually stemmed the advanco until reraforccmonts could arrive and our faithful Ally could enter thebattle, the situation has now improved. The struggle, however, is only opening, and no prediction of its future course can yet be made. The. War Cabinet has been m constant session since the first day, and has been in communication with Headquarters and with the French and American Governments; and a number of measures have been taken to deal with the emergency." Mr. Lloyd George, in a message to the French Premier, M. Clemenceau, says: "Britain is calm and resolute, relying on the justice of her cause and the valour of her men to defend it. Our confidence grows as we watch the steady march of the gallant Army of France to repel tho invader."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. . GENERAL FOCH'S APPOINTMENT STATEMENT BY MR. LLOYD GEORGE. London, March 31. In a statement on tho present situation, Mr. Llojd George says:—"The enemy has had an incalculable advantage in fighting as one army. The Allies have 'takpii a most important decision to meet this, with tho cordial co-opera-tion of tho British and French Commanders-in-Chief. General Foch has been charged by the British, French, and American Governments to .co-ordin-ate the action of the Allied armies on the West front. It is necessary, in addition, that action should he taken to meet the immediate needs of- tho moment and bring into operation certain measures which have long been contemplated should a situation like the present arrive. Whatever happens in this battle, the country must be prepared for further sacrifices to ensure final victory. I am certain the nation will shrink from no sacrifices to secure this and the necessary plans are being prepared, and will be announced when Parliament meets."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. I A MANIFESTATION OF THE ALLIES' UNITY. (Rec. April 1, 11.50 p.m.) Paris, April 1. The French newspapers are gratified at General Foch's appointment, as it is a clear manifestation of tho Allies' unity.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S POWERS NOT 'CURTAILED. London, March 31. The "Star" states that Sir Douglas Haig retains his powers uncurtailed. General Foch will co-ordinate the armies but will not possess executive control of both armies. Washington,-March 31. President Wilson has congratulated General Foch on his now position.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. April 1, 9 p.m.) London, March 31. The bulk of opinion supports General Foch's appointment.—Reuter. • AUSTRALIANS COVER THEMSELVES WITH LAURELS GERMANS KNOCKED BACK FIVE MILES. London, March 30. Tho intervention of certain Australian brigades on the Ancre on Wednesday is recognised everywhere as one of the most brilliant achievements amid a mass of heroic effort. The troops arrived on Tuesday and immediately took up their positions. Next day they delivored a dashing attack from the southern bank of tho river. Tho Germans were knocked back five miles, tho villages of Morlancourt and Chipilly were captured, and the ground between the Ancre and the Somme was cleared. Tho Australians held up the Germans' most direct attack towards Amiens for two days, and covered themselves with ' laurels—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ,