ON THE FRENCH FRONT

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13851, 31 August 1918, Page 5

ON THE FRENCH FRONT

THE CAPTURE OF NOYON.

TAKEN BY SHEER FIGHTING

PROGRESS FURTHER EAS'I

FRENCH CROSS THE AILETTE

(Australian and N.Z. and Reuter.) Received August 31, 9.40 a.m.

LONDON, August 30

A French communique reports that during the day we made progress in the, region of the Canal du Xord, which we skirt on its whole length except towards Catigny and Hermoise. We have captured Quesnoy wood, northeast of Eruvilly, and Beaurains. Southwards the battle became bitterly violent. We carried Noyon by sheer fighting, and reached the southern edge of Happlincourt, east of Noyon. We gained a footing on the southern slopes of Mont St. Simon, and took Landrimart and Morlincourt and several hundreds of prisoners. We crossed the Ailette between the Oise and the Aisne at several points north and south of Champs, despite resistance, and captured Cuny and Pont St. Mard.

GERMAN COUNTER-ATTACKS.

ALONG THE WHOLE LINE

TO FACILITATE THE RETREAT

THREE FRENCH ARMIES ENGAGED.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received August 31, 1.40 p.m. LONDON, August 30

Writnig or. Thursday evening from French headquarters, Reuter's 'correspondent says that to-day the Germans were counter-attacking along the whole line. They are stoutly holding many places with a view to a further retirement at a more favourable mo. ment.

General Debeney's army southward of Neslo is progressing in the region of Moyenoourt and Breuil, also towards and :i|ong the unfinished Nesles-Noyon Canal.

General Humbert's army has captured Beaurains and Hermoise. General Mangin's army is fared by a long rampart of hills from Mont St. Simon to Chauy. This armv is firmly estabjished on the LafTaux plateau, ft has captured Tartiers and is close to Juvigny . The next step in the development of the battle depends on the advance of the armies north of the Somme.

After carving Noyon, the French infantry reached the southern slopes of Mont St. Simon. Some units have crossed the Ailette, and in conjunction with the Americans continue !-; press the enemy on the pht •. : :'.: Jpvigny. The enemy, knowing the vital value of these positions, is evidently prepared to defend them at all costs, and is throwing in his best troops available, including the Guards.