STILL PROGRESSING

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11614, 13 August 1918, Page 5

STILL PROGRESSING

FIERCE STRUGGLE AT GHAULNES

ENEMY FIGHTING (FIERCELY. AMERICANS ON THE VESLE. London, August 11. The Allies are progressing splendidly on the whole front between sou*h of Arras and the Oise. There was a fierce struggle at Chaulues, with strong enemy forces covering the retreat. The enemy made a great effort during the preceding 48 hours to remove vast stores from Chaulues, with only moderate success. The British are meeting fierce opposition north of the Somme. They are advancing down a long slope towards Bray, which has by now been probably readied. The Germans are contesting every inch of ground on the Yesle with the Americans, who are lighting with superb heroism. The Germans’ retreat to the Aiane or beyond is clearly,'imminent. The enemy is showing signs of anxiety between Arras and Albert, where no material advance lias been made. South of the Somme there has been a slight {[retirement in some places after desperate fighting, the enemy throwing in reserves, and fiercely counter attacking. Large fires and long transport columns in the enemy’s rear indicate that he is counter attacking in order , to gain time to save huge quantities accu mulated in this area.

The enemy’s available reserves cannotJexceed twentyjdivisions. Thera is no apprehension that wo will be unable to hold our gains and resume the advance when the opportunity offers. Immediate interest centres in the French troops’ fight for the Lassigny Massif, commanding a considerable extent of country. If it’is captured, the enemy’s bold round Roye and Nesle will be difficult. The third French Army has advanced in this neighbourhood from three to live miles since yesterday morning over difficult, undulating country, intersected by valleys. Interesting developments are here expected.

Prisoners state that the Seventh Bavarian Division, which arrived at Lihons in time to receive the full weight of the Australian assault, is incapable of father fighting at present.

We are pushing forward from Proyart along the Faucourt road, and in more than one place are hack to'the old Somme positions. At Frausart, and beyond these points, the retreating enemy £is continuing to':fire villages and blow up dumps a long way back.