THE WEST FRONT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1940, Page 5

THE WEST FRONT

GERMAN ADVANCE FALL OF ST. QUENTIN. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—(Jopyr igh t). LONDON, May 20. The latest news of the situation on the Western Front is as follows: It is authoritatively stated that the position on the Western Front is still grim. The geographical position is no better, but the moral position is better. One feature of the West Front situation is that the French are believed to be now gradually plugging up holes that have been made in the French line. The French seventy-five millimetre guns have proved extrarodinarily effective against the 'tigerman tanks. The French Monday morning communique states: — “Our troops are fighting vigorously in the region northward of St. Quentin, in order to check the enemy push. “In the neighbourhood of Rethel we threw back during ' the night, enemy elements which had crossed the River Aisne. “German attacks have been intensely renewed in the region of Montmedy, but they have been repulsed. “During the night, our bombers have ferociously pursued a plan for the disorganising of the enemy supplies.” A tremendous drive. RUGBY, May 19. ■' To-day’s news from France indicates that the battle resulting from the Nazi thrust is still continuing with great intensity and that enemy light motorists detachments reached a point ,somewhat to the east of St. Quentin, during Saturday night. Informed London quarters regard the situation is still serious, and consider that a correct appreciation of the strategic efforts of the German advance will not be possible for some days to come. By concentrating in a single drive of enormous momentum what many experts estimate to be a very large proportion of their total available strength in tanks, mechanised units, and supporting aircraft, the Germans have pushed back the French armies. The ground which the Allies have been compelled to give in northern France is a natural cause of anxiety. I PARIS, May 19. The French War Ministry spokesman said that small German advance units engaged the French on the outskirts of St. Quentin. A day communique says: The battle continues in the same region, with the same relentelessness. Our aviation during the night continued bombing the rear lines of the enemy. The Germans are reported to have he- ( gun to organise defensive positions in the Sedan region. RATTLE RAGING. WITH MAXIMUM INTENSITY. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m.) . LONDON, May 20. It is authoritatively stated that the base of the bulge between Sedan and Maubeuge has been slightly widened, but not greatly deepened. The French Spokesman said the ( battle was raging with a maximum , intensity, eastward of Cambrai. Further south, -between Landreeies , and La Fere, German armoured units continue to push west-north-wosfwanl. The only German success south of Sedan, was the capture of a small blockhouse in the most advanced position of the Maginot Line. french report. OF GERMAN THRUST. (Received this day at 12 noon). LONDON. May 20. To-night’s French communique states the German thrust is still very strong in the region north and west from St. Quentin. New attacks in Montmcdy region . : were repulsed. There is nothing of importance to re- ; : port on the rest ol the front.

The great activity of our aviation and numerous reconnaissances prepared tin l wav for heavy bombing of armoured units and their progress has been retarded and severe losses inflicted,