THE GREAT STRUGGLE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 27 March 1918, Page 4

THE GREAT STRUGGLE.

News received overnight shows that the desperate attacks are being continued by the enemy, and a struggle of the greatest violence is taking place west and north-west of St. Quentin, and that the British have I'etired from Bapaume. The loss of the devastated town is militarily unimportant, and the new positions on high ground will only be taken at a heavy cost in life. The line has bent considerably under the extreme weight, but the Germans hay© failed to force a definite passage or "open road" as they put it. Official and correspondents' reports seem confident, while the cheering; statement is made by Mr Lloyd George that plenty of men, guns and tanks are ready to take the place, of those lost. The front at Wancourt, the northern end of the bend in the British lines, is reported to have been heavily attacked, the enemy doubtless finding the resistance on the flank a hindrance to hia driving forces further south. The enemy will probably continue to throw in strong forces, but it is most un- i likely that, having withstood the tremendous strokes already delivered, our j line will now fail. The position at latest advice to hand seems to indicate that the line runs from Croisilles • in a southerly direction to the Pozieres ridge to a point slightly west of Peronne. Messages received this morning show that there is a lull in j the fighting, the worn-out enemy seeking breathing space. Other reports, are that a- British jxmnter-drive in, 'another sector"'is'" likely. The statement of comparative strengths between the British and Germans is interesting and seems to support this view. The French left is now under pressure and Noyon has been evacuated. The withdrawal is part of the Allied plan, and the Ailet'te may yet be a terrible ' valley for the Germans. The desperate attacks will probably be resumed ' in a few hours, but every minute's re-, spite from the fierce combat gives our gallant army a chance to improve its defences and our officers more time to determine upon their dispositions. A quiet confidence is apparent, which, 1 it is hoped, will continue until the 1 time comes when a greatly weakened enemy falls a victim to a powerful ' Allied drive.