GERMS FORCED TO RETIRE NORTH OF THE AISNE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16969, 1 October 1918, Page 5

GERMS FORCED TO RETIRE NORTH OF THE AISNE.

FRENCH ADVANCE AND OCCUPY THE PINON FOEEST. HEAVY FIGHTING CONTINUES In THE CHAMPAGNE. Australian and N.Z. and Beutei. LONDON, Sept, 29. A French communique says: Our repeated attacks on the plateaux north of the Aisne finally forced the enemy to retire towards the Ailette. Pursuing the German rearguards at Allemant and Jouy we occupied these villages and the southern outskirts of the forest of Pinon, 10 miles north-east of Soissons. We captured Vaudeson, Chavignon, and Fort Malmaison. Further south we made considerable progress on the plateau north of Vailly. The Germans in the Champagne furiously counter-attacked on our right, and desperate fighting is proceeding in the Boyonville region on the heights south of Gratreuil. Our troops in the centre and left continued the progress, particularly north of the Challerange railway. We captured Maures, and reached the otskirts of St. Marne a Py. Our losses were slight. A later report stated: North of the Aisne our pursuit continues. We occupied the forest of Pinon and reached the Ailette in this region, and also east of the Chavignon front. The enemy is strongly resisting our advance in the Champagne. Attacks launched by the enemy yesterday were broken, and we resumed progress, particularly north of Gratreuil, where we gained possession of Bellevue Heights.