HAIG'S LATEST REPORT

Grey River Argus, 21 September 1918, Page 3

HAIG'S LATEST REPORT

(Rec. September 20, 10.30 p m ) LONDON, September 19. .Later this evening Sir Douglas Haig states: Further reports connrm the heavy nature of the enemy's counterattack yesterday afternoon l north ot rrescault and the severity of his wsses. I Fighting continues to-day i n the sector eastward of Epehy and also in the neighbourhood of Gouzeaucourt, where we have gained ground northward of Gauche Wood.

Local engagements have occurred on the remainder of the battlefront. We impwed our positions slightly west ot Wytschaete. We repulsed raiders east of Neuvre Chappele, and north of the Ypres-Commines Canal.

FItENCH PUSHING ON. (Rcc. September 20, 11 p.m.) LONDON, September 20 , A French, official report states. We ' have continued to attack south-west of St. Quontin. We have extended jour gain, notwithstanding • obstinate resishuic. We ha v« captured Coutci court and Castrcs. | On the plateau, wbst of Jouy, the enemy made counter-attacks, which were broken with heavy losses.

ST MIHIEL ADVANCE,

PRESENT SITUATION STATED

(Rec. September -20,= 9.30 p.m.:} LONDON, September 19. The Germans have constructed a line-across the base of St Slihiel salient to which they haye 1 retired;, but it is believed to be of no great strength, lhe Germans realise that any further advance in this — sector will-' involve Mefcz-and important lateral communications from Strassburg to Meti via Montemedy. They, therefore- -are likely to offer determined resistance. The French are -emphatic in * their 1 praise of the : American Staff work, i n carrying out on such a large scale an attack, when comparatively new to the game. .-. ■...-,

| As the position threatens the whole line of the Meuse northwards> its influence on the future course of the war may be very great. ,• The enemy probably intends to hold the Hindenburg line until the winter renders further operations impossible. The German strength on the West Front is now reduced to 191 divisions. Ffteen divisions have recently- been broken up, while in more than twenty divisions the battalio.rfs have been reduced to the strength of three companies. Evidence exists showing- that the enemy is finding great difficulty in arranging reliefs: for divisions i? the line. ■ ■ ■•■■■■. '