The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-03-19

LONDON, March 1s.-All doubt that
the Germans are making their big re-
treat in northern France has vanished.
The movement spread to-day until on a
front totall!ng 100 miles the Germans
had given way to depth at many places
Of ten or twelve miles.
The more important towns occupied
by the Allies were Peronne, on the
Somme and Chaulnes. taken by the Brit
ish: Noyon. on the Oise. taken by the
French. and Nesle, on the upper Somme.
which troops Of both armies entered. II
being now their junction point. The
British alone have taken more than sixty
villages. The area of the German re-
tirement stretches from Arras to Sois-
sons. from the Scarpe to the Aisne.
Evacaatins Big Salient.
II IL now certain that the Germans are
evacuating the whole Noyon salient and
dra wing back to the "Hindenburg line"
twenty-five miles to the rear Of the front
they have held for two years. On this
"Hndenburg line" fortified with tre-
mendous strength. 1t Is believed they
propose to make a stand. II will be
probably several days before the new
line Is reached.
The German withdrawal has again
brought cavalry into the warfare on tho
western front. With wonderment Lon
don hears that British and French
mounted troops are actually in open
country, riding after the retreating Ger
man rear guard. In such fighting as has
not been known for two years. French
cavalry entered Noyon and Nesle this
morning.
For some days past British cavalry
has been moving in readiness for this
opportunity. 1t was wonderful sight
to see the cavalry sQuadrons moving to-
ward the front says correspondent,
They have included some of the crack
British regiments. looking very grim and
businesslike in steel shrapnel helmets and
equipped with gas masks.
Despite this cavalry pursuit. however,
there is evidence that the Germans are
executing a mastery retirement leav-
ing no loopholes for the pursuers to cut
through and throw them into confusion.
The main body Of the German troops Is
apparently far ahead Of the rear guards
who are holding up the British and
French as much as possible.
Retreat Well Concealed.
The German official statement to-day
makes the announcement that the posi-
tions between Arras and the Aisne were
voluntarily evacuated by the Germans
and that the whole operation goes on ac-
cording to plan. "Only In some plac ,s
are our protecting groups In fighting
touch with the hostile cavalry and IN
fantry." indicating that the retreat Ia
very rapid and has been we'll concealed
l<st tnf tul
Berlin. however, arouses the greatest
interest and curiosity here. "Fis'd
Marshal Won Hir1enburg." it says. has
gone to Great Headquarters to make a
report on the situation to Emperor WITH
lam" Doubtless this report is of great
consequence. and may cover a fa- wider
situation" than that on the western
front. In view of events In Russia and In
Asia Minor. A few days ago Won Hin
denburg was reported to be supervising
the retirement In France.
While the cavalry galiop and the In.
fantry march forward on ground now
hardened so as to permit OF very rapid
movements. In the air there are big fights
! between allied and German airmen. The
weather Is clear and bright. and the air
, over the whole area Of retirement Is
filled with machines.
scores OF Airplanes Engaged.
In these Nights the Germans repor,
they have brought down twenty-five
| machines, either In air fights or by anti,
aircraft fre. while the British and
| French announce that twenty German
airplanes have been winged. The Brit.
| ish admit the loss OF eight machines, buj
say their aviators dispersed many large
squadrons OF German airplanes protect
| ing the retreat.
The great French aviator Capt. Guy.
nemer brought down his thirty fifth
| German to-day. He brought down three
yesterday. Lieut.. Baron Won Richt.
hofen, Germany's best airman. brought
down two to-day. his twenty-seventf
and twenty-eighth prizes.
The total front on which the Germans
| retreated was occupied by the British
and French In almost exactly equal pro,
portions. The British moved forward
on a front of forty-five miles from the
region OF Arras to Nesle. north Of tht
Avre. There they touched tho French