EXCEPTIONAL SUCCESS

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 18, 20 July 1918, Page 8

EXCEPTIONAL SUCCESS

GROUND WON AT MANY POINTS RECOVERY EAST OF-REIMS AND ■ , IN CHAMPAGNE. (Received July 20, 2.30 p.m.) tONDON, 19th July. Up to noon the French had advanced ; between three and four miles. They were especially: successful in the Aisne Valley. . The American artillery cooperated in the battle, which is the biggest Allied counter-offensive since April, 1917. Meaarwhile, the Germans made no further advance towards Epernay, and were slightly thrown back in plaoes. The French have recaptured the whole front on the Beausejour-Massiges line at the eastern end of the Champagne front, and also recaptured Lateuil, Venguel (?Vemeuil), and the Bois de Roi, on .the Marne. The American division captured Vierzy and advanced three miles beyond the village.The .Germans further south, on- the heights north of the Qurcq Valley, hastily counter-attacked and the situation is for the moment obscure.. The French, stall further '. south, gained, the western outskirts of Chouy and Neuilly-st-front. They also advanced to a depth of three miles east of Rheims, and recaptured Pninay. ... '-# The counter-offensive is regarded as having succeeded exceptionally well, and the situation is extremely promising. The enemy's artillery replied weakly, while the French counter-battery work is reported remarkably good. German aviators, flying low, used their machine" guns in an endeavour to im--1 pede the attack, but with small success. The French attack has already been much more successful than either the German attempt on theNoyon-Montdidder front or the latest attacks around Rheims. The French advanced to a considerably greater depth in six hours, than the Germans did in three days. The attack threatens the German communications within the salient, especially at two points, Ouchy-le-Chateatt and Fismes. The French now have the communio- , ations under direct observation. They have thus achieved an important strategic position, whatever the next developments may be. This valuable advance is regarded as one of the most brilliant performances of the war. There is local fighting south of the Marne. The French lost some high ground at Donnans, and came back further on the southern slope, but although they f perhaps lost observation, their guns remain within effectivo range ' of the bridges.