THE GERMAN RETREAT

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15194, 14 April 1917, Page 7

THE GERMAN RETREAT

Mr Beach Thomas (Daily Mail correspondent) says that the bulk of the enemy and his heavy guns have retreated to'a defensive line beyond («he present fighting- The retreat is shallow in the north. It tapers to nothing at Arras, bnt is deep in the south, especially toward St. Quentin. The northern "pursuit is now difficult and hazardous, as the army is _ traversing sloug-hs worse than the Pripet Marshes, interspersed •with countless meres and ponds, lagoons, deltas, and gluey ridges, and stinking pits, in which all traces of roads and villages have vanished, GUNS ACROSS THE MUD. Nevertheless, the army's herculean efforts overcame bhe difficulties, and bridged the morasses, and our guns are now booming on the further side. The first wounded from Bapaume have arrived in London, a/nd confirm, the fact that the Australasian losses were trifling and mostly due to sniping and isolated i parties advancing too far. The field guns were moved smartlv through Bapaume, hhe 13th Light Horse working magnificently at scouting. Horses and men were fit, and the latter delighted to encounter the German cavalry. One adP~ ranced troop had aiAerco hand-to-hand with a etrongc of Uhlans, both suffering. The Australians were armed wit<h rifles and bayonets, and the Uhlans with lances and sabres. They first cut up the .Australians, but the fifht finished with honours easy. The Light Horse flying squadrons are organised and ready to despatch to Prance.