THE WESTERN FRONT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1360, 22 June 1918, Page 9

THE WESTERN FRONT.

ATTACK ON RHEIMS. (Router) PARIS, June 20. Router's correspondent at French Headquarters states that the German attempt against Rheiins last night was made with a view to buckling tlic loop already made round twothirds of the city and completing its capture. The attack was delivered on a front of 13 miles. The Germans were already in the suburbs north-west and north, between St. Brice and Betheny. In addition to defeating the enemy's main attacks, the French had the best of the lighting among the outlying houses, the Germans blundering in the dark against cleverly-masked defences. FRENCH REPORT. (Rcuter) PARIS, June 20. A French communique reports:— Our detachments penetrated the enemy's lines between Montdidier and the Oise, and in the region of Boise le Chaume, and brought back prisoners. GERMAN CLAIMS. (Rcuter) LONDON, June 20. A German oflieial report states:— Enemy activity increased this evening on almost the whole of Prince ! Rupprecht's front. We repulsed strong infantry advances on numerous sectors. We penetrated deeply the American positions between Mass and Moncel. ' . Enemy partial attacks northward of Albert, south-westward of Noyon and north-westward of Chateau Thierry failed heavilv.

THE NORTHERN SECTOR. (A. & N.Z. & Renter) LONDON, June 20. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—Two successful trench raids were made on the night of June 19 in the neighbourhood of Locre. AVe advanced our line slightly this morning northward of Mcrris, and repulsed two counter-attacks on our new positions. Hostile gas shelling was active in the daytime in the vicinity of Ayette. Low clouds and rain are interfering with flying. We destroyed nine and drove down two enemy machines on June 19. One British machine is missing.