New-York tribune., 1916-07-05
Germans Forced from
Barleux and BellOy-
Ell Santerre.
BRITISH CAPTURE
pRUSSIAN TROOPS
Entire Battalion Surren-
ders-Advance Checked
in Ancre Valley.
-r, c,s,. a. =. Trsunsl

London. July with the period
ofsurprise now past, the death Crap
ne on the Somme settled down in
earnest today.
The British, confronted with an
almost inlpregnable position to storm
along the Ancre Brook, made prac-
,cally no fresh headway. They did
succeed. however, in completing the
occupation Of La Boisselle and in
capturing an entire Prussian bat
talon
French progress, though inter
ierred with by bad weather, was also
more difficult. General Foch capt
u-ed the villages of Barleaux and
Belloy-en-Santerre and drove the
Germans from the remainder Of
Es,rees after terrific fighting. He
succeeded. TOO. in cutting off an
ether mile Of the three separating
the French from Peronne.
Yet. despite this slowing down on
the Somme. the conviction increases
here that the grand drive" ac-
cepted as the cardinal point in Allied
strategy, Is now really under way.
This is strengthened by the news
that the Russians have begun a fresh
offensive this time against the Ger
mans in the north, rather than
against the weaker Austrians.
Allies Day Dav ming.
There was fresh tonic for mount
ing hopes also in the report that the
Cossacks are again crossing the Car
pathians. and have even reached
Hungary.
Other events also contribute TO this
optimistic feeling that the Allies day
is dsvnine. General Maurice, director
Of military operations Of the British
staff. permitted himself 70 be quoted
TO-DAY on the West Front offensive. lie
declared that the French have already
broken all the German trench lines
south Of the Somme. and are now free
% embark on field operations. Corre-
spondonts on the front echo the same
thought
Wha. the significance Of that state
ment IS perhaps only men who have
been +, the trenches can realize. 1t
means that the period Of statement
which settled on the West Front after
the Germans reached the Aisne, and
which they were confident could not
be broken. has been ended. II the
breach can be widened, once more the
armies Will regain their freedom OF
manuuvre, as the Russians won IL
after their victory in Bukowina' II
means also that the offensive has re-
established its power over the defen
1--WE.
Allies Hold Initiative.
Dispatches from Germany indicate a
realization Of what is occurring. While
Berlin denies any considerable gains
have been made by the British, the
advance % the French south Of Somme
is admitted. German correspondents
are likewise pointing out that the ad'
vantage Of the initiative, and with II
the advantage Of interior lines, have
now largely passed from German hands
They are still sanguine, however, OF
the outcome.
British officers declare that the bat
lie on the Somme is yet in its opening
stages. Although German counter at
tscks have already been launched. they
expect tremendous efforts 70 be made
TO rocapture Fricourt The War Office
ssys tonight that many fresh German
battaicns have made their appearance
and these will not long be idle.
There are indications, too, that th'
Germans are preparing counter Of
fonsive in the vicinity Of fpres. Ar
mtntieres suffered from heavy bonn
bardment to-day, while the Germani
attempted raid on the Brtisi
trenches at that point. This IS be
heyed 20 be a screen for German actly
i'y OH the northern end OF the line.
German Bravery Unparalleled.
From an sides one hears Of the mar
Veilous bravery exhibited by the Ger
mans and Of the desperation OF thei
qeierce. Life meant little 20 them. a
Ia boissellc. rricourt and Mametz, the!
va not hesitate 20 show their con
tempi FOR death and 20 prove them
,Fes worthy Of the same tradiuon
VI prodigslity displayed at Ypros ant
Continued on page 3. column