DROCOURT LINE BROKEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16946, 4 September 1918, Page 5

DROCOURT LINE BROKEN

STRONG DEFENCE OVERCOME ADVANCE ON WIDE FRONT ENEMY SUFFERS HEAVY LOSSES AUSTRALIANS CROSS THE SOMME

The carrying of a wide sector of the Drocourt»Queant line, south of the Scarpe, by English and Canadian troops is officially reported. The trenches were strongly held, and the enemy offered a determined resistance. The opposition was over* come and the Germans suffered heavy losses. The Canadians captured three villages, including Dury, 11 miles -south-east of Arras, and made progress beyond them. English and Scottish troops on their right made substantial progress in the direction of Queant, capturing many strongly fortified positions. The attack was made on a front of 25 miles. Further results have been obtained by the continued French pressure north of the Aisne. Progress in the Jnvigny region has resulted in the capture of Terny=Sorny, 5} miles north of Soissons, and Leuilly, 2} miles further north. Another crossing of the Canal du Nord has been effected east of Nesle. The Germans are being allowed no rest in the Peronne sector. Their heavy counterattacks at Mont St. Quentin on Sunday were quickly neutralised, and fresh progress made. The Australians have crossed the Somme south of the city in spite of the marshes, and gained the high ground on the further side. It is officially announced in Paris that since July 18 the French have captured 75,000 prisoners and 700 guns, It is further stated that between July 18 and August 31 the Allies have taken 128,000 prisoners, 2069 guns, 1734 mine-throwers, and 13,700 machine-guns.