SPLENDID ALLIED PROGRESS ON WHOLE BATTLEFRONT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16927, 13 August 1918, Page 5

SPLENDID ALLIED PROGRESS ON WHOLE BATTLEFRONT.

BRITISH SWEEPING DOWN SLOPES NORTH OF SOME.

ENEMY STRIVING DESPERATELY TO SAVE' MATERIAL.

Australian and N.Z.

(Received 7.10 p m.) LONDON, Aug. 11—9.20 p.m.

The Allies are making splendid progress on the whole front between the south of Arras and the. Oise. A fierce struggle raged at Chaulnes with strong enemy forces, which were covering the retreat. The enemy made a great effort during the preceding 48 hours to remove vast stores from Chaulnes, with only moderate success. The British are overcoming fierce opposition north of the Somme. They are advancing down the long slope towards Bray, which has now probably been reached. The Germans are contesting every inch of ground on the Vesle with the Americans, who are fighting with superb hero;3ra. A German retreat to the Aisne or beyond is clearly imminent. The enemy is showing signs of anxiety between Arras and Albert, where no material advance has been made.

South of the Somme there has been a slight retirement in some places. The enemy is throwing in reserves and fiercely counter-attack-ing. Large fires and long transport columns in the enemy's rear indicate he is counter-attacking in order to gain time and save the huge quantities of stores accumulated in this area. Our casualties were extremely light for the first two days, while over-running the enemy's positions. They have now become heavier owing to the severe fighting. The enemy's available reserves cannot exceed 20 divisions. There need be no apprehension that we will be unable to hold our gains and resume the advance when opportunity offers. Immediate interest centres in the fight of the French troops for the Lassigny Massif, ■ commanding a considerable extent of country. If it is captured the enemy's hold of the section round Roye. and Nesle will be difficult. The Third French Army has advanced in this neighbourhood from three to five miles since yesterday morning, over difficult, undulating country intersected by valleys. Interesting developments hero are expected.