New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-10
Drive Back to Outskirts as
French Advance Near
Craonnc
IS German Divisions
Withdrawn, Defeated
London Critic Says Losses
Of Tcutons Have Sealed
Their Doom

London. May . Heavy pressure
which neither side could force into
extended movement was the feature
OF the days struggle on the West
front What progress was made was
registered by the British, toward
Frcsnoy. which was lost yesterday IN
German counter attack. and by the
French. who continued to enlarge the
wedge between Craonnc and Brmont
by successful isolated actions.
Canadian troops have reacted to the
strong German counter thrust, working
their way back to the outskirts OF
Frcsnoy. which the forces or Prince
Rupprecht arc barely holding
Throughout last night and this
morning Nvellc's soldiers on the
crest Of the Chcmn dcs-Dames we're
subjected TO determined German at
tscks. The fighting was particularly
severe at Cerny, Hurtebsc and on the
California Plateau. near Craonne, but
the detachments Of the Crown Prince
failed to regain ground anywhere. On
the California Plateau they won
temporary footing on the northwest
salient, but had TO retire under a
bsyonet charge.
Last night a quick thrust by the
French brought them into possession OF
three quarters of a mile Of enemy
trench northeast Of Chevreux and 200
prisoners. AS part of the same general
operation they struck again to-day
northwest Of Rheims. won 400 yards of
trench and brought in 100 more pris-
oners.
Chevreux Believed Taken
The language of the French official
reports would indicate that the village
OF Chevrcuy is either in French hands
or about TO be. though no specific claim
10 its capture has been made. The viii
lage is northeast Of Caronne, which
the Germans have never admitted
losing, though they have twice asserted
that Chevreux was still held by their
forces. Their official reports to-day do
not mention the place, but reveal that
the British are much closer 20 the
southern hinge Of the Drocourt- Queant
line than even the British bulletins
have limited
The German War Office tells of heavy
fighting between Riencourt and Fon-
taine. the former village being a bare
mile and a half from Quesnt and less
than that distance from Cagnicourt,
the next German stronghold north of
Queant. Apparently the British are
we'll within the town Of Bullecourt,
where they are gradually absorbing the
hostile posts remaining within its
limits.
To reestablish their domination of
the Oppy Line on the north and thus
clear the way to the Queant-Drocourt
or Wotan. line. the British will be
compelled to recapture Fresnoy. Their
front was swung gradually northward,
past Gavrelle. Oppy, ArleuX. Fresnoy
and toward Acheville, with the obvious
purpose Of crushing in the salient
which enables the Germans 70 cling
70 Lens and the French coal fields. The
British artillery fire Is growing heavier
all along the line and indicates major
operations in the near future.
s. German Divisions Defeated
man divisions have been withdrawn
exhausted from the British battle
front since April /. Their total West
front strength has been computed at
1871 divisions, the German divisions
being now reduced from their former
strength of nearly 10000 men TO about
three regiments. or 5000 rifles.
A high military official here. outlin-
inc tho animation on the british front
said to-day:
"The question of the gain or loss OF
ground on the West front is one of
entirely minor Importance. The de-
cisive battle of the war may Just as
we'll be fought in the present locality
as anywhere else. There is no inten-
ton OF breaking through the German
army lines. Instead, we want to break
down the German army.
Nov we are fighting for the Dro-
court Queant line, which is the only
remaining defence of Douai. If that
goes, then Hindenburg has but little
alternative except a retreat And il
won't be without loss. Realizing that
eventuality. he is lighting with his
back to the wall trying TO break our
attack.
"Our losses have certainly been high,
but the German losses of the last three
weeks have been terrific far more
than than in the beginning of the
battle OF Arras. The British artillery
has attained almost TO perfection. Sew
cral times our barrage has completely
wiped out attacking battaliOns. II Rus
Sia is able TO take the offensive. then
Germany will be "A cleft stick and the
end will be near"