MEAT BRITISH OFFENSIVE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 16960, 11 April 1917, Page 5

MEAT BRITISH OFFENSIVE.

THIRTY SPARE MILES 6APTUREO NORTH AHB EAST OF IMS,

TREMENDOUS ISSUES AT STAKE.

GERK3AISS LOSE STRONGLY FORTIFIED POSITIONS.

"■■-■■ > 8 , CANADIANS CAPTURE ViMY RIDBE.

BBOUT 7000 PRISONERS AND MANY GUNS CAPTURED.

The' great news contained in to-day's cables will come as a "bolt from the blue" so far as the majority ot people are concerned. Though (as we pointed out several times lately) big things might nave been expected north oi? Arras, few people Were prepared to hear of such a big and successful blow as is to-day" recorded. On a front of tweb© miles from Henin (south of Arraa) to Givenchy-en-Uohale (half way between Lefts and Arras) the British have progressed to a depth of from two to t_iree miles, capturing about 7000 prisoners and many guns, and carrying trench systems and fortified works whicn have defied assaults .for over two years. The attack, which was preceded and accompanied by a terrific bombardment, was most successful, village after village, falling^ in rapid succession. J.he greatest achievement is that ot the Canadians, who'carried the Yimy Bidge. This will have a far-reacnincr effect, for this ridge stands as a natural screen to the Douai plain. The British will now dominate the plain, twelve miles on the opposite side of which lies the important junction of Douai. Sir Douglas Haig has indeed sprunV a surprise on the Germans, for by attacking as he has done he has upset flindenburg's calculations^ for the top of the Arras-Cambrai-St. Quen-#ri-Laon line has now practically gone. It was genarally thought that the British^ by smashing the Cambrai-St. Quentin line, would necessitate the enemy's, retreat from the Arras district, but Sir Douglas Haig, confident in his strength, has hastened the; retreat by dealing smashing blows on the enemy's head, while he is ' also about ifr deal a staggerer to the Germans' «o!ar plexus (between Cambrai and St.' Quentin). Added to this, the-French and British will before long knock awa^ythe feet (at St. Quentin) and then down will go a very much disgruntled Hmdenburg line. So far 'as yesterday's^ operations are concerned, correspondents say it is'too early to speak of a great victory, but the opening success is beyond expectations. The Britysj. have generally established themselves in the third German line The day/s fighting represents a minimum gain of thirty square miles. The'tanks again played an important part.

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