WAR REVIEW.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVII, Issue 16619, 26 August 1918, Page 7

WAR REVIEW.

VICTORIES IN IHE WEST. RUSSIAN AND ITALIAN EVENTS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. LONDON, August 23. The Australian Press Association learns that it is too early yet to say what effect the advance between the Aisne and the Oise will have upon the situation; but it evidently constitutes a serious threat to the enemy positions north of the Aisne, and if it is continued further it will outflank the whole German line on the Aisne and the Vesle. It also threatens the enemy's line west of the Oise.

The total number of prisoners taken between the Oise and the Aisne on August 18, 19 and 20 was over 10,000, while.the French losses are reported to have been small.

Our forces in the Ancre section have now advanced practically to the lin6 of the Albert-Arras railway, and the enemy's right flank on the Ancre at Thiepval ridge is already threatened. The enemy's retirement may be preliminary to a withdrawal on a more extended scale, such as he undertook early in 1917 to the Hindenburg line.

It is noteworthy that the attacks of the Tenth French Army on the Oise and the Aisne and of the Third British Army south of Arras completely surprised the enemy, saying much for the efficiency of our present tactical methods. . >

The harmonious -working of a French Army under Sir, Douglas Haig's orders is a tribute to -the value of the unified command and the confidence the French place in Sir Douglas Haig. There is nothing of importance from Italy, but it is interesting to note that the Austrian losses on the British front from June 15 to August 15 are tstim-' ated at 20,200, while ours total 2544. There is no confirmation of T;he alleged Bolshevik successes oyer .the Czecho-Slovaks at various points or the report that the Czechs have fallen back east of the Volga. The only change in Persia and the Caucasus is the success of the Turks west of Lake TJrunua. The Turks have taken the town of TTrumia, and this has caused a wholesale emigration of the Jolu population, who were closely pursued by the Turks until a British cavalry force dispersed the enemy, enabling the fugitives to escape.