French Launch Vigorous Counter-Attack

Northern Advocate, 7 June 1940, Page 6

French Launch Vigorous Counter-Attack

Tanks Smothered With Withering Fire (Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 5. THE FRENCH LAUNCHED A VIGOROUS COUNTER-ATTACK AT THE CLOSE OF THE DAY, IN THE AILETTE SECTOR, WHERE THE GERMANS EARLIER ADVANCED, SAYS A PARIS MESSAGE. The French night communique says: . “The battle continues on all fronts between the sea and the region of Ohemin-des-Dames. . “‘The enemy has thrown in masses of tanks in groups of 200 and 300 at numerous points. “It is estimated that over 2000 German tanks were engaged. “Our divisions fought magnificently and tenaciously clung to strong points. “Battalions, companies, platoons and batteries faced up to the onslaught of tanks, and smothered them with their fire. “Several hundred tanks were destroyed.

> Unprecedented Onslaught. “This unprecedented German onslaught submerged and outflanked certain French units, particularly in the region of the Lower Somme, where enemy elements penetrated .as far as Bresle River. “German detachments also advanced in the region of the Ailette River until they reached the heights bordering on the right bank of the Aisne. “The battle is continuing with the same violence. ‘The morale of our troops is splendid.” The French Air Ministry reports: “Our air force continued in close cooperation with land forces today. “Gur bombers registered many hits against convoys and communications, while our fighters effectively accompanied bombing expeditions and protected supply operations.” Somme Bridgehead Capture. The British United Press correspondent at Paris says the French captured one of the Somme bridgeheads in the Peronne region after a fierce counter attack. The French military spokesman said that nothing very definite has been received regarding the Somme front. The Germans are attacking on both sides of Amiens near Peronne, and also at Chauny and near Soissons. General Weygand reports: “The situation is good enough. The brittle is progressing as we expected. The enemy has not yet brought up all his forces.” The French Air Ministry emphasised the extent of Air Force co-operation in the defence against the German onslaught. “A formidable aerial attack resulted from the German attack,” stated an earlier communique. “Our fighters and attack aeroplanes lent magnificent support to the land forces, with which constant contact was maintained. ‘Cur aircraft formations accompan- j ied all French infantry and tank attacks, while our light bombers dis- j played an ardent offensive spirit. j Penetrated Barrage. j “Our aeroplanes penetrated a violent fighter barrage and dropped 15 |

tons of bombs on roads and bridges, put out of .action an anti-aircraft battery, and heavily punished a motorised column. “Great fires were observed along the battlefield. We brought down a large

number of enemy aeroplanes. “Our bombers last night attacked important objectives in the region of St. Quentin, Peronne and Cambrai, wiped out a railway station and several convoys, bombed troop concentrations around St. Quentin, and harassed enemy columns without respite.” The activity of German tanks yesterday afternoon represents a new element in this offensive. Hitler Wants Short War. The French military spokesman said that the Germans sent in their tank forces after dive-bombers and heavy artillery had pounded the defence lines. From a radio message to the troops to “hold on,” it can be deduced from the rapidity of the new offensive launched that Hitler cannot allow his troops a breathing space, because, in order to achieve victory, he must wage a short war. Seek Weak Spots. The new German offensive appears to be still in the preliminary stages, and there are no important changes. The French communique this morning says: “The battle was resumed at dawn this morning. “Enemy pressure was especially marked the south of the Lower Somme, where there were slight withdrawals by our .advanced elements. “On the whole, we maintained our positions on the rest of the front.” The Germans still appear to be trying to find the weak spot in the Allied line by attacking at various points. It is reported that General Weygand has given up the idea of fixed fortifications. Instead, deep defences are being used, making use of natural obstacles, such as rivers and thick woods. A report received in Paris says the Germans hold three bridgeheads southward of the Somme. Country Aids Defenders. j The Germans have made no impression, save in one or two places where tanks managed to penetrate a certain depth. The German right flank rests on the Channel coast, near the estuary of the | Somme. Along the Somme, canal and river form a strong double line, while beyond Amiens the river has many loops and turns with swampy ground in be- | tween. j Towards Soissons, however, there is an interval of 12 miles where the only waterline is canals, and the country is flat and dry. It is here that the Germans are trying to push forward.