MALMAISON ABANDONMENT.

Northern Advocate, 1 October 1918, Page 3

MALMAISON ABANDONMENT.

ENEMY DETERIORATION DIS-

. CLOSED

(Received 10.20 p.m.)

"LONDON, Sept. 30

Mr George Ferris reports: "General Carlowitz' sudden abandonment of the Malmaison front, which was one of the strongest German positions orr the West front, and his retreat behind the Ailette began on Friday night. General Mangin's army had been steadily pursuing a patient investment of the Malmaison plateau by a concentric movement from north-westward, westward, and southward. The troops engaged in a fierce encounter on Friday at Colombe Farm and bombarded the whole region during the night. Patrols want out at 6 o'clock next morning and encountered resistance around the ruined villages, but exploding bombs and burning stores made it clear what was afoot. The general advance began at 9 o'clock between Vauxaillon and Vailly and quickly reached and passed famous landmarks on Chemin dcs Dames. Violent explosions occurred in the moat at Fort Malmaison, but none were hurt. The French advanced and reached Pinon and Vaudesson by evening and the pursuit was continued during the night. On Sunday morning we reached the old front on the Ailette. General Mangin's left wing advanced beyond the old line •and reached Grandecourt, threatening Ainsy Le Chateau." —A. and N.Z.