FRENCH FOUR MILES FROM ST. QUENTIN.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14864, 11 September 1918, Page 5

FRENCH FOUR MILES FROM ST. QUENTIN.

CROZAT CANAL CROSSED ON A

WIDE FRONT.

ADVANCE LIKELY TO SLOW

DOWN

GOUZEAUCOURT WOOD CAPTURED

'Australian and N.Z. Gable Association)

London, Sept. 9. The French in the vicinity of the Crozat Canal made progress, and are now within four miles of St. Quentin at tho nearest point. They forced the canal along practically t"he whole front, advancing towards Clastres and Fort do Liez. Their cavalry patrols are close to La Fere. While there is no intention to allow the enemy rest, rapid movement like that of the last few weeks is now improbable, and the advance is likely to be somewhat slower as the Allies approach the Siegfried line and meet opposition by heavy guns. More movement is possible south of the Scarpe, near the Wotan line, but here the gunners have a good defensive line behind tho canal, which they are improving. . We were attacking Gouzeaueourt this morning, and have captured Gouzeaueourt Wood. We hold the northern edge of Epehy and patrols are reported to be through the village. Patrols have also occupied Vendelles, and entered Vermand, which is probably the largest town in tho neighbourhood.