ATTACK THIRTY MILES WIDE.

Grey River Argus, 31 May 1918, Page 3

ATTAC K T H I RT Y MILES WIDE.

MADE BY TWENTY DIVISIONS. FOUR GALLANT BRITISH DIVISIONS, ADD TO A SPLENDID RECORD. SITUATION UNCHANGED IN NORTH. AMERICANS ATTACK. The Times'. Service. (Ree. May 30,. 9.1 p.m.) LONDON, May 29 Mr. Robjnsoii writes' 'early this morning that twenty German divisions attacked on nearly a thirty mile front from Vauxaillon, north ot Soissons, to Brimont, above Rheims. The British held twelve miles of 1 this line and fouglifc with extreme stubbornness. When the extreme British left was compelled to swing back, it did so methodically, pivoting the left and centre and ' fighting hard all the way. . . . The left and centre held their origina 1 positions until ordered to conform to the right's retirement. The Aisne divisions were commanded by Sir Douglas Haig and fought gallantly in the previous stage of the offensive. „'.., TKe 21st and 25th , Divisions'" have been twice commended, and have already had their glorious doings recorded. -. The 50th Division, were in the front line again yesterday. They had supported our retreating troops on the 21st March, and were moved northward subsequently. They now immediately faced the shock of the next German advance. Each of the four divisions named has this year been compelled to withstand the weight of the hea^est attacks of the war. The successive shelling alone was sufficient to break tne hearts and spirits, of men less magnificent. Remembering what they had gone through^ it is difficult to imagine anything more moving than that these four divisions should once more fight •as they have during the last two days. They - necessarily included numerous new drafts, which are behaving splendidly. The situation generally is unchanged on the remainder of €he British front. Lesser enemy attacks between Locre and Voormeezeele have been resultless.

The position here has now been restored. \ The Americans attacked at Montdidier. This was the first definite offensive which the Americans had undertaken. They fought with expected dash and gained all their objectives.