ALLIED ADVANCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17878, 26 August 1918, Page 5

ALLIED ADVANCE.

THE BRITISH LINES

STEADY PROGRESS.

A. and N.Z. Cablo Association and Keutor. LONDON, August 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—Fighting as proceeding practically on tho whole front between Lihons and tho Cojeul River. Wo are progressing at a number of points. We repulsed two attacks during the night in the neighbourhood of BaillescoMrt Farm, eastward of Beaucourt. Wo slightly advanced our lino eastward of le Touret, north-west of Neuf Berquin, and eastward of Outvesteene. A local hostile attack north-westward of Bailloul broke down before oar, positions. CAPTURE OF ALBERT. i. and N.Z. Cable Association and Eeutor. LONDON, August 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports:— English eastern county, London and Australian troops, holding the sector between the Somme and the Ancre, attacked with the object of carrying tho positions in the high ground traversed by the Bray sur Somme-Albert road. The attack was completely successful. We captured the whole objectives at an early hour and advanced two mile 3 on a front of over six miles. We i«took Albert.

The enemy ctrongly resisted at certain points, particularly on the slopes northward or,Bray, which in itself did not form a part of our objective. In this latter section a counteir-attack pressed us back five hundred yards. Fighting continued for some time in Albert, until the town was finally cleared by our troops. In this successful operation we took prisoner 1400 men and captured a few guns.

Wo also progressed on the left bank of the Ancre southward of Beaucourt.

Northward of the Ancre the enemy counter-attacked heavily at a number »f points. After we had repulsed one hostile assault in the early morning in the Miraumont sector, the enemy again attacked the sector entered. Our coun-ter-attack immediately drove him out. The enemy also succeeded northwestward of Achiet-le-Grand in pressing back our forward points, but again our counter-attack re-established our position, .and 200 were taken prisoner. We repulsed other attacks eastward of Courcelles, and eastwaras of MoyenviUe.

IVe toot prisoner a total of over 8000 yesterday between the Somme and Moyenneville.

On the Lys front we progressed eastward of Merville, and in the direction of Neuf Berquin. taking prisoners and machine-guns. We also advanced on the line, northward of Bailleul, on a front of a mile and a half, taking prieoners.

. We repulsed a raid in the neighbourhood of Dickebusch.

BETWEEN CHATJLNES AND ARRAS. k. and N.Z. Cable Association and Renter. (Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 24 (12.5 a.m.). Sir Douglas Haig reports:—During the day we pressed our atacks vigorously and successfully on more tnan thirty miles from Lihons to Mercatel. English, Scottish and Australians attacked south of the Somme at 4.35 a.m. We captured Herleville, Chuignes and Chuignollesj also woods between villages, and, between Chuigtiolles and the river, during an advance of over two miles, we killed a great number and captured many. Ten minutes later the English and Scottish Guards atacked on the left of the battle front and stormed Gomiecourt, Ervillers, Hamelincourt, Boyelles and Boiry-Becquerelle. Wo took many prisoners. During the remainder of the day we progressed eastward of these villages. Meanwhile, on the right centre of the battle front, English and Welsh atacked positions on the east bank of the Ancre, from the south and east of Albert to the neighbourhood of Grandcourt, gaining ground after heavy fighting. Wo beat off counter-attacks. South of Grandcourt, at about 11 a.m., the English attacked on the left centre and along the railway north of Grandcourt, and captured Achiet lo Grand, Bihucourt and, and the ridge overlooking Irles. We continued our attacks during the afternoon, taking several thousand prisoners. Dnrinrr th 0 day heavy casualties were inflicte3 on the enemy.

LOCAL ATTACKS IN NORTH. A, and N.Z. Cable Association an 3 Reuter. (Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 24 (1.15 p.m.). Sir Douglas Haig reports:—Wo progressed on the Albert sector during the night, taking prisoners. Our attack was resumed early this morning. Since the morning of August 21, in three clays' fighting, wo have taken 14,000 prisoners and a number of guns. Wo carried out a successful local operation north-west of Neuf Berquin, &nd repulsed, after sharp fighting, local attacks at night time north of Bailleul, south of Locre and north of Kommel. Fighting took place to our advantage in the morning north of la Basse© Canal, in the Givcnchy sector.

on the battlcfront north of the Somme since early morning. Wo are pressing tho enemy hard everywhere, allowing him no respite. We progressed on the whole front on which we are attacking, despite tho arrival of considerable hqs" tilo reinforcements. Numbers of prisoners and quantities of material of every description have fallen into our hands. ' Tho Australians Bhortly after midnight, attnekine" along the north bank of the Somme, captured Bray sur Somme, securing a number of prisoners, and, continuing their advanco with great skill and initiative, they carried trie enemy's positions in this neghbourhood on their left.

London and East County troops further progressed at night alone the high ground south and east of Albert, taking several hundred prisoners. On the right oentro Welsh and North Country troops advanced over tho old Somme 1916 battlefield about La Boissebe, Ovillers, Mouquot Farm, Thiepval and Grandcourt. W r o caotured all these strongly defended localities in the face of determined resistance, taking over 1000 prisoners. Our troops are again astride the Thiepval ridge, and are advancing eastwards. .

Onv the left centre East Lancashire troops were heavily "engaged all day Ipng about Miraumont, where the enemy held out with great stubbornness xvntil the village' was gradually outflanked by our advancing columns north of the village. Tho New Zealand Division in the centre of the attack struck in the direction of Bapaume. Advancing with irresistible dash and determination, they carried the defences of Loupart Wood, and, pressing forward with great gallantry, they captured Grevillers and Biefvillers, and reached Avesnes les Bapaump, on the outskirts of Bapaume. On the flank of this attack, English troops took possession of Irles. W 7 e advanced in the direction of Sapignies, overcoming strong resistance south and east of Bihucourt.

On the left of the battlefront. English and Scottish divisions and the Guards are fighting on the front Mory-Oroiselles-Neuvillo Vitasso and have captured St Leger, Renin sur Cojeul and the hill eastward of the latter. Our captures cannot yet be estimated.

On the remainder of the British front successful local actions occurred north of the Soarpo. We captured a section x r Y, erman front line north and east of *ampou. North of La Bassee canal we captured tho old British line east and north-east of Givenchy, and progressed into the German position. They secured all their objectives. Our patrols occupied Neuf Berquin at night time, where a number of German dead were found. We advanced our line during the morning a mile on the front north of Bailleul. Ou r artillery crashed an enemy counter-attack.

,WITH THE FKEN/CH,

MUCH MATERIAL TAKEN. ■A. and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. LONDON, August 23. A French commuuique reports:—Yesterday we several times caught the retreating enemy under our machineguns in the region of Lassigny and between tho Oise and the Aisne. We dropped, during the day, thirty-four tons of bombs on the region of Chauny, Margival, Vauxaillon and Anizy le Chaiteau, and during the night we dropped twenty-eight tons on tho railway stations at Thionvillo, Conflans and Mezieres, also in the battle zone. Numerous bombs burst on their objectives and fires were observed on the stations at Conflans, Ham, Guiseard, Chauny, Thionvillo, Thiaucourt and Pontavert. Last evening the Germans bombed Dunkirk with shells of great calibre. Seven civilians were killed and ono was injured.

During the day we continued to progress on the whole battle front between the Matz and the Oise. Wo are skirting the Divetto from its mouth to Evricourt. East of the Oise we carried our lines to the outskirts of Quierzy. Between tho Ailetto and tho Aisne we captured St Aubin, Selens, Bagneux, Epagny, Biouxy, Vaurezis and Pomnuers.

The enemy abandoned a I great quantity of material between the Aisne and the Oise, over 200 guns being counted since August 20. (Received August 26, 12.20 a.m.)

LONDON, August 24. A French communique states:— In tho region of Lassigny and between the Oise and the Aisne tho night was marked by fairly active artillery fire. . Our detachments penetrated at several points enemy trenches in Lorraine and brought back prisoners. The night was quiet on tho rest of the front.

PROGRESS BETWEEN OISE AND AISNE. A. and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. (Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 23. A French communique states :—During tho night there was a violent bombardment between Beuvraignes and the Oise, notablo at le Plemont, Passel Chiry-Ourchamp. We hold the southern banks of tho Oise and the Ailette from Sompigny to as far as the railway from Courcy le Chateau to the cast of Helens. We carried our lino forward to tho outskirts of Guny and Pout St Maril. The night elsewhoro was calm.

THE DIVETTE CROSSED. (Received August 25, 5 p.m.) LONDON, August 24

A French communique states: —Between tho Matz and tho Oise there were violent artillery actions. We crossed the Divetto during 'tho day in the Evncourt region. ; Our progress between tho Ailette and tho Aisne continued east of Baguoux

and west of Orecy au Mont. The front was quiet elsewhere. A. and N.Z. Cable Association and Eeuter. (Received August 26, 1.40 a.m.) LONDON, August 25 (2.46 ft.ia.) A French communique states: —Between the Ailetto and tho Aisne wo progressed south of Crecy-au-Mont, and took prisoners. The Americans west of Fismes carried their line to the Soissons-Rheims road on a front of eight hundred mofcres. Thero was quiet elsewhere. Nine German aeroplanes on August 23 were downed. EVENTS BIG WITH PROMISE. LONDON, August 23. Mr G. H. Perris writes: — General Mangin's advance eastward of the Oiso was sometimes stoutly resisted, but elsewhere it proceeded with singular ense. "Tho capture of Mont do Choisy, between the Aisne and Cuts, standing 300 feet above tho river valley, was a decisivo point in tho success. Tho Germans viciously defended Cuts, but seeing themselves irresistibly pressed into the low, swampy land between the hills and the river, accepted tho inevitable and beat a rapid, sometimes a disorderly,' retreat. General Maiigin, holding tho Oiso near Noyon, necessitated tho abandonment of the last, enemy hold on the Divetto valley. Thursday was mainly devoted to consolidation work. Many cannon, with material and stores, hurriedly abandoned by tho enemy, were found behind the broken lines. French cavalry patrols and tanks aro out in all directions sweeping the country free of all enemy groups. French guns aro rapidly coming up. Aviators are incessantly bombing the river crossings.

The skill in the plan, the execution of the movement, and the way in which each move nided the other aro striking and big with promise.

GERMANS RETIRING. PARIS, August 22. The French on lo Plemont aro able to see Germans retreating northward, following the capture of Lassigny-

EVACUATING NOYON. (Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.) PARTS, August 23. During fcfur days Genera] Mangin's and General Humbert's armies have captured fifty-two towns and villages. The Germans aro evacuating Noyon.

THE CHEMIN DES DAMES. (Received August 25, 11 p.m.) LONDON, August 24

The " Daily Telegraph's " Paris correspondent states that the enemy's retreat on tho French front is rapid. A great number of trains have been seen hurrying northward. The Germans arc bound to lose the Chemin des Dames, in consequence of the Allies' gradual but persistent pressure. In fact, General Mangin has a good chance chance of turning the whole Chemin des Dames positions.

THE AILETTE CROSSED. (Received August 25, 11 p.m.) PARIS, August 24. French patrols are across the Ailetto River at- some points.

(Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, August 24

General Mangin continues to make important progress eastward of the Oiso. W 7 o have outflanked tho enemy positions on the Aisne and the Vesle. General Mangin's army is now posted 'on the Chemin des Dames reefs. The enemy is carrying out a general retreat. General Debeney, in an order of the day to tho First .Army, Bays:—The battle is won. Side by side with the British wo have broken the enemy front and liberated a depth of twenty-five kilometres of the sacred, beloved French soil. We have beaten sixteen German divisions and captured' 10,000 men, 220 guns, and an enormous quantity of material.

THE GERMAN SIDE

OFFICIAL CLAIMS

A. Hud N.Z. Cable Association and Router.

LONDON, August 23,

A wireless German official message says:—Tho British and New Zealanders attacked between M'ayennevillo and the Ancre. Their first onslaught broke down before our battle positions. We captured, in counter-attacks, portions of the ground which wo had ceded according to plan. Wo retired a short distance south-westward of Noyon, and also withdrew our troops from Oarlepont Wood to behind the Oise. The enemy gained ground at Blcrancourt. The English made large scale attacks northward of Bapaumo and between Albert and the Somme, but they failed.

A. and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter,

(Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 24. A wireless German official message says:—The British attack north of the Ancre, begun on August 21, was continued, with full force. It extended north of Albert as far as tho AlbertSomme sector, but collapsed. We forestalled tho enemy assault and attacked tho enemy between Moyyonnville and Miraumont and threw him back in places two kilometres. We repulsed attacks from Puisicux, Beaumont-Hamel and Albert. The enemy crossed the Albert-Bray road, but our counter-at-tack threw him back. We have withdrawn our troops behind the Ailette River. Our troops left on tho west bank retired before strong attacks between Manicamp and Pont St Mnrd.

A. ftnd N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter.

(Received August 26, 1.20 a.m.) LONDON, August 25

A wireless German official message saya: —Our advanced troops, in accordance with orders, withdrew. Fighting on the Croisilles-St Leger lino was renewed. The enemy assault gained ground in tho direction of Mory. Tho enemy pressed back our lines towards Behagnies and Pys, whero ho was brought to a standstill by our reserves. Four attacks on both sides of Miraumont were shattered. The enemy gained a footing on the east bank of the Ancre, east of Hamel. His attacks from Albert broke down eastward of the town. For the purpose of joining our lino near Pys, we removed our lines from Miraumont to eastward of Albert from tho Ancre.

The German evening official message says:—English attacks south-east of Arras and against Bapaume failed. Tho enemy gained ground east of Thkjftal. Repeated English attacks from eastward of Albert to tho Somme broke down. French attacks between the Ailette and tho Aisne were repulsed.

FORTIFYING THE MEUSE LINE. (Received August 25, 6.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 23. Tho " Daily Express " states that the Germans are fortifying tho line of the Mouse.

DETAILS OF PAST

FIGHTING

THE FRENCH SUCCESSES.

* (Received August 24, 9 a.m.) LONDON, August 22.

The , Australian Press Association learns that it is too early yet to say

what the effect of the advance between tho Aisne and the Oise may have upon the situation, but it evidently constitutes a serious throat to tho enemy positions north of the Aisne, and if continued further will outflank tho whole German line on tho Aisno and Vesle. It also threatens his lino west of the Oise.

Tho total prisoners taken between the Oise and the Aisne from August 18 to August 20 is over 10,000, while the French losses are reported to be small. Our forces on tho Ancre section have now advanced practically to the line of tho Albert-Arras railway, and the enemy's right flank on the Ancre-Thiep-val ridge iB already threatened. The enemy's retirement may be preliminary to a withdrawal on a more extended scale, such as he undertook early in 1917, to tho Hindenburg line. It i 3 noteworthy that tho attacks of the Tenth French Army on the Oise and tho Aisne. and the Third British Army south of Arras, completely surprised the enemy, saying much for the efficiency of our present tactical methods and tho harmonious working of a French Army under Sir Douglas Haig's orders. It is a tribute to tho value of unified command and tho confidence the French place in Sir Douglas Haig.

ENEMY HEAVILY PUNISHED. Router's Telegrams.

LONDON, August 23. Renter's correspondent at French Headquarters, writing on the evening of August 22, says : The pursuit continued the whole afternoon and evening of yesterday. "Wo reached tho Oise ab Scmpigny just as tho bridges wero blown up, but their destruction is incomplete. Further south, as wo were occupying Potit-Mau-Maulas, tho enemy began to retreat in disorder. Numerous trains on the other sido of the Oiso were seen hurrying northward.

Throughout tho afternoon the enemy rearguards fought their fiercest to save important material, but vainly. Our troops at the close of the evening advanced, other regiments following and collected a huge quantity of material, heavy guns and machineguns.

Our artillery and cavalry pushed ahead, and it was soon noticeable that tho enemy resistance, chiefly by ma-chine-guns, was diminishing. Nevertheless, it was desperate at certain points, notably from St Aubin to north of Hill 140, where we aro fighting with bombs.

Batches of prisoners continued to arrive all night long, and it was impossible ito count them, as they total at least several thousands.

The enemy considers tho positions of his first lino divisions precarious, and he rests his hopes on the second lino divisions, which aro echeloned in depth, in order to resist at all costs.

Our advance continued this morning towards tho Ailetto (through the enemy's broken front.

AMERICAN OPINIONS. NEW YORK, August 22. The "New York Times," commenting on tho British offensive, states that Sir Douglas Haig's new offensive is plainly a counterpart of his late brilliant drive further south. The new drive began in a fog, and what has been accomplished is not yet fully reported. General Sir Julian Byug is moving with characteristic speed in the direction of Bapaume. Marshal Foch's plan, evidently, is to keep the Germans moving and not allow them to select winter quarters. The "New York Tribune" says rthat General Byng has had a chance to come back at the Germans. He was unable to repeat his first day's success at Cambrai, but nevertheless he shook tho German line at a critical point, making it mote than ever likely to be a German retreat.

TANKS GO ASTRAY. LONDON, August 23. Mr H. W. Nevinson, cabling at noon on Thursday, says:—The prisoners in to-day's advance already total 2tiUD, and we cap.ured three guns. The number would have been larger, but tno Germans withdrew tho guna immediately the attack began. Miraumont is not occupied, but is becoming encircled and is full of gas. ttome or our tanks are reported to be across the railway, and were seen along the Bapaume road. Their fate is unknown. Tho heaviest ngiuing occurred at Comcelles and Bea'uregard Dovecote, which is north-westwaru of Miraumont. Tho casualties were slight, and the prisoners taken by most ol tho division outnumbered their casualties.

Fuller details of yesterday's fighting show that the'mist saved many hundreds of British lives, because the Gejman infantry and machine-gunners could not see the assaulting troops until they were cioso upon them. Very naturally, however, our tanks battalions lost their direction, and became confused during tho attack. Wo took Moyenneville without difficulty, and proceeded towards the railway.' It ',> stated that the .tanks crossed tho railway line, but were lost in the i'og beyond. 'Hie struggle for the railway lasted < till six o'clock in the evening when it was gained. We are now holding tho ridgo a mile beyond. Some of our troops on tho left were badly gassed by shells during ,the assembly, showing that the enemy on this part ol the line was less surprised than elsewhere.

Prisoners taken at Logeast Wood declare that their part of tho German army is in good condition, and well fed, but there is a great shortage of first lieutenants, and .this gives an indication of the drainage on Germany's best young blood. • There was some opposition at Ablainzeville, Bucquoy and Achiet le Petit, but hardly any at Puisicux. The division attacking Achiet-le-Grand did not quite succeed in taking it, and tho enemy still this afternoon held the railway cuttina southward of tho town. This is unfortunate, because the lino curves westward and threatens to expose our right flank. Wo put down a barrage here at midday to-day, preparatory to an assault. We filled the ruins of Irles, across tho railway, and Miraumont with gas. The latter is not directly attacked, anJ no ono would now wish to enter that once-admired place. The heaviest fighting' on Wednesday and Wednesday night and Thursday was in the neighbourhood of Scrre and tho Dovecotte. Our forward battery at Serre was heavily gassed. To-day coun-ter-attacks, including ono by fresh divisions from Morris, failed. Aeroplanes have done great service, bombing transport and communications. They pursued and destroyed a train.

THE MOONLIGHT BATTLE. LONDON, August 23.

Mr Percival Phillips, describing tha moonlight battle at Beauregard Dovecote, says that the German gunners held out most of Wednesday until the English cleared it late in tho afternoon. They found two wireless operators huddled amid tho wreckage of their apparatus and a solitary field-gun. Beforo the gun could be salved the Germans counter-attacked, and we dropped back, picking our way amidst hot shelling and through craters in brilliant moonlight, tho batteries concentrating in a kind of desperation, putting down as heavy a screen as they could before the gateway to Bapaume. Tho Germans .had hardly began to dispose their new machine-guns in niches in the redoubt before they were again overridden. Bayonets flashed in the moonlight and the English again manned the redoubt. The Germans, for over an hour, gas-

The cable news in tins rsßtio accredited to Tho TimM" has appeared in that journal, Mit only where expressly statedln >ueh MWI trio editorial opinion oi The limes. Other abU n«e* unlee, stated to thecjntom, ha™ been received through the AuntraliM Njd Now Zealand Cable AwociMion.

shelled the redoubt. Then fresh troops re-attacked at dawn. Tho impact of this blow sent back some of our troops nearly to the original line. This did not discourage them, however, for they ctermed the Dovecote a third time at leven o'clock in the morning and got it.

The airmen, strafing the ground all day, caught a transport column in a cutting and obtained eight direct hits. Tho remaining waggons bolted -and tried to turn, but became jammed in another angle of the road, where tho airmen fell upon them with excellent results.

The prisoners include an Austrian artillery captain, whose unit, from tho Tyrol, had been in tho line opposite to Oourcelles. Tho officer was polite and anxious to please—very different from the Prussians.

HUNS FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE. (Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 23. Mr Percival Phillips writes•:—-Tho swaying front extends for more than thirty miles between Arras and Chaulnes, across two rivers, with scarred hillsides on their flanks. Tho Hun is desperately engaged in losing the last battlo of the Somme series. Clean, swift blows have shaken two German armies. They wero well-planned blows, aimed at Vulnerable parts of tho machino, not a sudden thirty-mile wido thrust, requiring the utmost energy, but a calm, unhurried thrust hero and a thrust there, with an economy of man-power and a gradually increasing pressure. Tho battlo is extending its limit, until it embraces more than tho old battlefield. Tho enemy is fighting blindly and desperately, losing blood at every blow, and hoping that each attack will be the climax of the British counter-offensive. Thero is marked confusion in the forward organisation of both German armies. Troops have been flung in without definite orders or objectives, battalions, split into fragments by shcllfiro, have drifted in different directions, hindering instead of helping tho broken unite they have been sent to relieve. They have already loot an unusually largo proportion of officers, and are still losing guns. Altogether an air of incipient demoralisation pervades the enemy.

AUSTRALIANS AND NEW ZEALANDERS. (Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 23. Mr H. W. Nevinson states that Thursday's attack- was carried out t by part of General Byng's Third Army in tho northern sector and part of General Rawlmson's Fourth Army in the southern. Ho is now permitted to mention that the New Zealanders held a dis-ting-dished placo in the Third Army and tho Australians in the Fourth. Both these in the last two or three days have maintained their remarkable reputations for qualities which count in war. There is hardly anything to choose between them. At the samu time, they must not forget the silent, stolid battalions of tho old British counties. . Australian staff officers repeatedly praised tho brigade of a certain British division. They kept on saying that the brigade did extraordinarily well, and praise from such a quarter is weighty and valuable.

NEW ZEALANDERS' TRAP. (Received August 25, 11 p.m.) LONDON, August 24. Correspondents, describing tho terrific fighting at the Dovecote, state that once our line swung back some hundreds of yards, but tho guns pounded away at the Germans, who were too exhausted to exploit or keep their gains. One British united loosed off 20,000 rounds, inflicting terrible slaughter The correspondents counted 400 bodies' in one, group. Tho correspondents describe the New Zealanders trapping a German counterattack. They apparently made no attempt to stop the enemy until he had gone too far to withdraw, then suddenly all the machine-guns put down an impassable barrier in the German rear and moved it slowly forward. When the Germans realised tho position, those who had not been killed or wouncd, ran forward crying "Kamerad. Nearly 300 unwounded prisoners wero captured.

FIGHT FOR ALBERT. (Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.)

•LiUiMiju.N, August; 23. The United Press correspondent says:—Six tnousanci prisoners nave ueeu taiien in tureo clays, during tuo course of the hricish auvanec. They woaide upwards of a thousand taken Before noon to-day and also «. thousand on Thursday souiii of the Sonimo. Tho Germans were surprised at many points in the latter region by Sir .Douglas -tlaig quickly securing the high ground in the south, including tuo towns Chuignes, Herlerilie and Chuignofios. The Germans elsewhere were only overpowered alter fierce lighting. The British lines now reach JJoyelles, Hamelincourt and Gomiecourt. Mere many wore captured in the Erst rush, A bitter battle preceded the capture of Albert. Before victory was achieved it was necessary to wipe out a multitude of machine-gun emplacements, formed' by the wreckage of houses. The famous church, from which figures of the Madonna and Child hnng suspended for a long time, now forms a striking monument to tho Huns' destructivenoss. The sight which greeted the Tommies pouring in on Thursday was the church levelled to tho height of the other ruins round abo'ut. The Germans tenaciously clung to tho position which cost so much to attain, and it was only given up after the dead littered the broken piles of brick and stone throughout the city Iho prisoners hero totalled 750, iux*B™ battalion commander and his •i xTn°., cit y was attacked o n two sides While a brief haze in the morning lasted tho infantry crossed the Ancre to tho south and took up a position in the rear of the city. Then the forces holding the railway, on the western edge, poured out, striking the city frontally. _ Shortly after ten the desperate resistance ended. The divisions further south were able to use tanks advantageously, working up the exposed slope to take a hand after tho severe fighting in pushing the Germans out of the so-called Happy Vallov. Meanwhile the British carried thennew line around the northward of Bray taking 200 prisoners from tho hard fighting with tho Germans, bringing up the total for tho first ten hour's to ioUJ. Iheco was furious fighting elsewhere The Beauregard Dovecote changed hands five times. The Australian Press Association learns that there is .little to report this morning, the fluid nature of tho fighting making it difficult to tell how the operations are proceeding. Late last night our lino in the Royo sector showed certain slight advances, contrary to yesterday's German communiques, 'The British Third Army's attack began on August 21, with complete success, all Kk objectives being taken. Tho Germans, instead of defending the front nositions, retired, losing 3000 prisoners. Tho enemy's casualties in killed and wounded were far heavier still whereas our tnM casualties were fewer than our prisoners.

PATROLS AT MOBY. Routers Telegrams. (Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 24

Renter's correspondent at British headquarters says:—This morning we captured Bray, which is an important position, and also Drillers. We bavo

surrounded Thiepval. Tho Australians yesterday made a fine advance over the old Somme desert, taking; 2000 prisoners from t/on regiments. The Germans arc rushing up stronp; local reserves to oppose tho British approach to Bapaume. We encountered strong opposition at Bihucourt, where the enemy held the big sugar factory redoubt. Beyond Gommecourt our patrols were seen as far forward as Mory. (Mory is due north of Bapaume.)

WAR IN THE AIR. DARING ALLIED RAIDERS. LONDON, August 23. Correspondents describe the recent air work, particularly a daylight raid on the Harbourdin aerodrome on August 10. Flying at an average altitude of 200 ft, without interference from enemy planes, the British spotted two in tho distance and attacked. One crashed down, and tho other was driven down. The raiders silenced nests of machine-guns a.'uout the aerodrome, and dropped a hundred bombs, which completely destroyed three largo hangars containing machines, partially wrecked eight machines in the open, set fire ■to tho officers' and men's quarters, blew up the officers' messroom, and ignited several buildings, including an ammunition shed. There were many casualties. Having completed the demolition of the aerodrome, the machines went off and chased apd stopped a train, overturned a staff motor-car into a ditch, and forced another 'to run up tho bank, and, it is believed, lulled ail tho occupants of both machines; The whole of the squadron returned.

EXTENSIVE OPERATIONS. LONDON, August 23. A and N.Z. Cable Association aud Router.

Sir Douglas Haig's aviation report states:—Thick mist prevented our aeroplanes participating in the early stages of the attack northward of the Ancro on August 22, but when tho weather cleared their participation became active. Our airmen attacked hostile troops and transports at low altitudes with bombs and machine-guns, scattering ammunition waggons and marching columnst They also in several cases silenced guns firms; on our tanks by means of bombs and machine-gunning from the air.

Wo dropped twelve tons of homb3 during the day and destroyed twentyone aeroplanes. Eight British machines are missing. Our night bombers dropped twenty-five and a half tons on different targets. Cambrai and Marcoing stations were heavily attacked, also a number of bridges, railway lines, aerodromes and billets. We broke down tho Anbigny-au-Bac bridge on tho Donai-Cambrai road.

The Air Ministry reports that despite tho enemy's determined protective efforts, consisting of large numbers of aeroplanes and an increased number of anti-aircraft guns, we heavily attacked fivo important German towns and five aerodromes. We attacked Frankfort and Cologne on the nights of August 22 and 23, with very good results. The bombs landed all round the stations and barracks. We also successfully attacked the Treves railway junction. We _ heavily bombed four aerodromes hitting many hangars. We attacked chemical factories at Mannheim on the morning of August 22., We • successfully bombed the objective, and tho fiernest fighting occurred on the return journey, as a result of which five British machines are missing. An American official message states: —Wo carried out a successful raid northward of the Vesle. Our aviators on August 21 and 22 successfullv bombed the railway yards at Lengyon, Audon. lo Romman and Confians, and secured many direct hits. A. and N.Z. Cable Association and Bcuter. (Received August 25, 5.5 p.m.j LONDON, August 24. Sir Douglas Haig's aviation report states:—We had a busy uind a successful day on August 22. Our airmen constantly harrassc-d the enemy. Wo dropped 25 tons of bombs and attacked tho Gondecourt aerodrome with good effect, also many dumps, stations and bridges, and tho Bruges docks. Wo destroyed twenty aeroplanes and drove down four out of control. Three British machines are missing. Our night bombers dropped 19 tons on selected targets, including tho railway junctions at Valenciennes, Louvain, Douai and Cambrai. All our machines returned.

A French communque states: —There was much aeroplaning yesterday, owing to the favourable weather. Numerous reconnaissances were made far into the enemy lines. Wo felled fourteen aeroplanes. Our bombers in the day time dropped 18 tons of bombs on troops and convoys. Our activity was not relaxed at night, when 25 tons of bombs were droped on stations at Laon and Ham, causing fires. An expedition of great force attacked tho important Mars la Tour aerodrome. The first bombs caused fires in the hangars and huts, andy aided by the light of the flumes, our remaining aeroplanes bombed other hangars, huts ahd personnel, and numerous machines on tho ground. Altogether 43 tons of explosives were employed yesterday.

A. and N.Z. Cable Association and Eeutex.

(Received August 26, 1.20 a.m.) LONDON, August 25

Tho Air Ministry reports:—We dropped eight tons of bombs on Thursday night on aerodromes at # Folpersveiler, setting fire to several largo sheds and hangars. We attacked a chemical works at Saaralbe with excellent results, fires and explosions being causedWo bombed on Friday an aerodrome at Buhl and tho railway junction at. Treves. Several bursts were observed on the station and railway. All our machines returned. Despite thunderstorms wo last night raided an aerodrome and railway "junction at Ehrange and caused fires and considerable damage to the latter.'

Sir Douglas Haig's aviation report states:—Our low-fliers constantly ma-chine-gunned and bombed German infantry, waggons and guns, throwing them into confusion. Also in co-opeit ation with our tanks, . they silenced enemy batteries, which' were impeding our advance. We'raided an aerodrome at Gantin, set on fire several hangars, and machine-gunned troops and transports in the vicinity. We shot down an enemy machine. All of ours returned. Twenty-five tons of bombs were dropped during the day. We destroyed fourteen machines and drove down three others out of control. Four of ours are missing. Wo dropped five tons of bombs at night time. During the last fortnight 328 German aero" planes have been brought down, and 134 have been driven down out of control. Thirty-one balloons have been shot down and 591 tons of bombs have been dropped.

GERMAN STATEMENTS. (Received August 25, 11 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, August 24

Berlin reports that no one was killed in tho Frankfort air raid, but the material damage was heavy. Five were killed at Cologne, and a number of private bnildinpp were destroyed.

TEE ALLIED CAPTURES

100,000 MEN SINCE JULY 18. PARIS, August 22.

Tho "Echo de Paris" estimates thatover 100,000 Gentian prisoners have been taken since July 18.

THE AMERICANS

GERMAN' OFFICIAL ADMISSIONS. AMSTERDAM, August 23. The German military authorities officially admit the accuracy of Mr New-

ton D. Baker's statement that 1,200,000 Americans are in France, and that 700,000 of these are fighting troops. Already 400,000 are at the front.

LONG-RANGE GUN. LOCATED AND SHELLED. PARIS, August 23. The French located and shelled the long-range gun during the advance between Lassigny and Roye, necessitating its withdrawal. MUNICIPAL SHOPS. CHECKMATING PROFITEERING. PARIS, August 23. In order to combat extortionate charges the City Council is opening. 480 municipal grocery stores. Fixed prices will prevad. Tradesmen undertaking not to exceed the fixed prices will be granted special facilities for supplies, thus rendering it unnecessary to deal with wholesale profiteers.

AUSTRALIANS TAKE BRAY

WEW ZEALANDERS IN SUBURBS OF BAPAUME. &. and N.Z. Cablo Association and ReutW. (Received August 26, 12.20 a-m.) LONDON, August 25 (1.20 a.m.). Sir Douglas Haig reports : 9Thoro has been continuous fighting