New-York tribune., 1916-07-27
Three-Day Fight Ends
In Capture of Key
To Ridge.
HEIGHTS CONTROL
ROAD TO BAPAUME
French Gain Ground in
Sharp Struggle Near
EstreeS.
BY ARTHUR S. DRAPER.

London, July Zo.-lne capture OF
the last Of Pozieres, reported by
General Haig early to-day, though it
involves the clearing of only few
acres of ground, has rejoiced all
Britain and greatly encouraged the
belief that the Allied offensive will
win through.
Far more than the ground actu-
ally won the success means to Brit
ain: The first breaking Of the Ger
man third line since the fiasco of
La Bassee nearly eighteen months
ago; success of new troops against
German veterans at time when it
was evident they had put forth all
their strength, and at place they
had resolved to hold at any cost;
and, finally, the capture of heights
which are the key both to the power
fully fortified Albert ridge, includ-
ing the bloody ground of Longueval,
Guillemont, Combles and the Fou-
reaux Wood, and to the plains slop-
ing toward Bapaume beyond.
Expect New Squirt.
The army experts expect tonight
that the British offensive will take
new squirt as soon as the captured,
ground can be consolidated. The
statement that two trenches to the
west have been cleared is believed
to show that Haig is already push
ing on along the Bapaume road, and
that he will soon be on the flank,
and perhaps in the rear, Of the ridge
forts he has been unable to seize
by direct assaults.
On his right, too, he is now in
much better position, since from the
new positions guns can enfilade the
powerful fortifcations of Thiepval
and of the almost impregnable Leip-
sic redoubt. All these positions are
expected to be in British hands soon.
Five Miles from Victory.
The British are now about five miles
from a decisive victory in the capture
of Bapaume and the turning OF the
German positions along at least a
thirty-mile front. They were just as
near at Gallipoli. but here their out
look is much brighter. At Gallipoli
the British had few men, and it was
difficult TO bring up supplies, while
their enemies had almost unlimited re-
sources. Now the British resources are
unlimited, while the Germans are
forced to shuttle men back and forth
tc meet the changing pressure. It
must also be taken into consideration
that the majority of the British troops
are now gaining their first fighting ex-
perience. They will naturally improve,
especially the artillery.
Strongest Point on Line.
The final clearing out Of Pozieres,
which the British considered the
strongest point along the eight-mile
sector where they have been driving
for the last eleven days. came after
midnight on Tuesday. after three days
and nights of some Of the most des-
perate fighting of the war. The first
rush of the Anzac men chosen for the
tremendous task carried them half way
through the village Saturday night.
But from that time on they nave been
winning literally only foot by foot.
Each cellar, the ruins Of each house,
have been turned into a separate and
powerful fortress, and from these the
Germans literally had to be blasted
out. Hand grenades, knives. occa-
sionally the bayonet, were about the
only arms that could be used. But
finally. last night, the remnants OF the
Australian force came TO the outskirts
Of the town and were able TO look down
into the valley below. where the Ger
man communication trenches are, and
to see in the distance the lights Of
Bapaume.
Counter Attack Awaited.
A German counter-attack is expected
at any moment. The Germans have
shown how valuable they regard the
ruins. Three times during the last
three days heavy forces have been
thrown aginst the Anzac men, and they
have had 10 defend themselves des-
perately before going back TO their
slow, murderous, cleanup work. The
reports from Berlin Of the prepars-
tions for a German offensive are taken
seriously here, and supported by the
reports Of British officers. IL Germany
cannot hold there-if she cannot re-
J gain the lost ground-then it will be