New-York tribune., 1916-07-19
London Reports Heavy
Engagement on New
British Front.
BATTLE TO SAVE
ALBERT PLATEAU
Teutons Win New Hold in
Biaches, but Are Forced
to Retire.

49, So - "NN%f's -
gas shells, the Germans began a
fierce counter attack against Gen.
eral Haig's line to-day. The battle
is still in progress, according to an
official statement issued at midnight
tonight.
The steady advance Of the British
troops threatens the Albert plateau.
So serious has this menace become
that the Kaiser's forces, drawn up
before the third line Of defence. are
assailing the enemy line vigorously,
in an effort to break the British hold.
Poiseres is now only dent in the
British line. The capture Of 1900
yard front north of Bazentin Mon
day cut it off on the East. The
capture of 1000 yards of trenches
north of Ovillers last night cut it of
on the west.
The city lies in ruins. Into its bat
tered walls the British guns are
pouring shells from both sides, pre-
pairing the way for the thrust to
carry the stronghold.
French Line Attacked.
Along the French line the Germans
are attacking in an attempt to drive
L,- IL Eo-1tS kafnra kI1u,
for Peronne can be struck. They sue
ceeded in winning a new hold in
Biaches, on the Somme, a mile from
Peronne, but, according to the French
statement tonight, were forced out
again.
Meanwhile, raids similar TO those
which preceded the first Allied attack
are proving the German defences all
along the line.
AT numerous points along the north
ern 'front.'" says Berlin, enemy patrols
were repulsed by our defence"
The British statement tells Of sue
cessful enterprises like those in Bel
gium and in Northern France. And the
Belgian War Office announced tonight
that north of Dixmude detachment
had penetrated the enemy trenches,
killing the greater part Of the oecu-
pants.
These activities are interpreted hero
as indicating that an attack north OF
the present battle front is contem-
plated. The German salient, which
projects now from Arras to Ovillers,
Is being gradually reduced by the
drive northwsrd from the Bszentln
line. A thrust south from Arrss would
succeed in pinching the Germans out
of this position more speedily.
Aim to Extend Front.
The advance north of Ovillers is Of
tactical value to the Brit
ish. General Hsig has been aiming to
extend his front, which is still too mar
row TO make sure a break in the Ger
man third line when the assault is re-
sumed.
Thus. the British commander is work
ing to redeem by clever tactics what
was practically a failure in the frst
offensive on the northern end OF the
sector. Instead Of attempting wedge
drive, with spectacular advances, Gen.
eral Haig is widening his front from
the centre.
Che counter attacks on the french
sector had been anticipated. Though
forced TO withdraw a short distance,
the French still hold a strong posi-
ton for another drive in the near
future. Because of natural as well
as artificial defences. much prepsrs-
tion is necessary before Peronne is
stormed.
Heavy Armament Taken.
Military critics are agreeably sur
prised by the large captures OF heavy
armament General Haig, tho British
commander in chief, has been able to
announce, and point out how, although
the British attacks have been pressed
with the greatest rapidity in order to
give the Germans no time to organize
formidable defences, at the same time,
as was evidenced by the withdrawal
of the British from the Foureaux
wood, where they had reached the
German third line, General Hsig wise
ly resisted the temptation TO hold on
10 that point, which would have in
Cured severe fighting with prob
able heavy losses, in favor OF q more
methodical advance.
Evidence received from the 'front.'
as we'll as the Official map published
here, seems to prove that the German
second line Of defences was far less
strong and elaborate than the first;
hence the military observers believe
that the obstacles are likely to be less
difficult as the Entente Allies advance.