RETIREMENT AT MONTDIDIER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16921, 6 August 1918, Page 5

RETIREMENT AT MONTDIDIER

MOVING TO DEFENSIVE LINES ALLIED ADVANCE CONTINUED AMERICANS CAPTURE FISMES

A retirement by the Germans on a front of 10 miles in the Montdidier sector is reported via America. It is also reported that both enemy Banks have been turned between Soissons and Rheims. General Pershing states that the Americans have captured Fismes, and hold the south bank of the Vesle in that sector.

French progress towards the Yesle during Saturday and Sunday exceeded six miles, on a front of about 30 miles. Besides reaching the Aisne the Allies hold the southern bank of the Vesle from Soissons to Fismes, and a line little south of it between Fismes and Champigny, three miles west of Rheims, where they again touch the river. At certain points the cavalry is operating on the Soissons-Rheims railway. The line of the River Ancre, from Hamel, miles north, to Dernancourt, 2} miles south of Albert, has been abandoned by the Germans, British patrols following closely behind. Considerable importance is attached to this retirement, it being pointed out that the positions are of great value in an offensive, but difficult to defend.

The New Zealanders who took part In the battle of the Marne comprised cyclists and detachments from the Otago Mounted Rifles.