New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-05
Seize Three Villages,
Press Flank Drive
on COmbleS.
5000 GERMANS
MADE PRISONER
Haig Continues Furious
Attack North of
PoziereS.
fBv Cable 70 II. Tribune

London, Sept. An the rehe"eN
offensive in Picardy FOch shifted his
main attack to-day. Just as the sud
den stroke yesterday scored impor-
tsnt gains north of the Somme, so a
quick blow to-day won stronghold'
south of the river.
Attacking the enemys second line
along the twelve-mile front from
Barlean to Chilly, the French
.roops made breaches all along the
line. They carried by assault the
~illage Of Soyecourt, south Of
Estrses. Chilly, south of Chaulnes,
and Hill Sc. east of Chilly, and pene-
trated the village Of Vermandovil-
lers which had resisted their efforts
since the beginning of the Picardy
battle.
In the last two days the French
have taken more than 5000 prison
ers. The captiyes of the British
tring the total of the new Somme
drive to 5000. This, in itself, indi-
Gates the extent of the attack, and
the thoroughness with which it was
carried out.
Foeh Strikes South of Somme.
The gains yesterday north Of the
Somme cleared the way for the as
saut south Of the river to-day. Po-
stions above Peronne, from which
the Germans could direct an enfilad-
ing fire against the French south of
the Somme, were carried yesterday.
With this danger removed, Foch was
able TO launch a successful blow
south Of the river to-day.
A furious battle continues on both
hanks Of the river. Berlin remarks
that the FIRE preparation which pre-
teded yesterdays attack exceeded all
expenditures Of ammunition known up
. nov. Parts Of the Germans second
line we're wrecked completely by
shells and in one sector all the defend
us we're killed by the fire.
North Of the Somme, Foch continues
70 press hard against the German line,
striving 20 widen the gap cut yester-
cay and 70 follow up quickly the ad-
ysn,sge won. Fresh progress was
sade east Of the village Of Forest, thus
'.tssnkng the German position at
lsmbles.
Halgs Troops Advance.
Meanwhile. on the northern part Of
nc British front heavy fighting con-
unsss. Hsig's troops we're occupied TO-
asy chiefly in epelling counter-attacks,
Ut once these were turned they ad-
'4teed once more. storming ground
icr'h Of Pozieres
The British victory yesterday was
'4t 70 the splendid cooperation OF the
'iillsry and infantry. Guillemont was
bssn more quickly than was expected
.riy because the guns had done the
PRELIMINARY work 20 we'll The British
ftepi rushed through Guillemont 10
l'fthy before they were checked. Then
hsy we're forced 20 give ground and
- hold only part Of Ginehy.
Immediately the Germans opened a
''sntsr stroke, but this failed 70 push
YER opponents back The British
.s'a' yesterday averaged from half
y 9szr,sr of mile along front Of
'ss''y two miles. The French gains
"''sged three-ousrters Of a mile on
'iosr.nile line.
rs'onne Seriously Imperilled.
mus the Allies are only two miles
"'h ne Peronne-BapsUme road. II
T succeed in cutting across this
away they will have driven a wedge
T''n the tho towns. The way has
~ isid open for an advance over a
'' iront Peronne's position IL now
"'''msiy serious
"'0ni YerdBn heavy fighting hss
-''i'te Ia little change. The French
<''s'f IN advancing to-day on the
al' BANK ~ the Meuse in the Fleury
s,~' But although these gains are
j faI msy have seryed greatly 20 in
''f ms confidence ~ The French
hsess.
h' asilitY of the Allies 20 shatter
"'mys defence and carry By
tn p>iitions held By the Prgssisn
Ns' has been the mort cheering
~"'hsyAtlon of ths battles IN the
s><iLssss On sGss z .sissas