The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-12-02
BRITISH REGAIN
PART OF LOSS IN
CAMBRAIF FIGHT
Counter Attacks Restore
Less Than a Mile of Front
Near GOuZeaucOurt.
BATTLING HAND TO HAND
Turning Movement Results in
Capture of 1000 or More
Of Byng's Men.

AoNDON' DeC l.-~Only Oy tHe neTCest
kind of fighting did the British win
back to-day part, and not very
large part. OF the ground which the
Germans took away from them yester-
day. The German attacks were de-
l'vered In heavy force. several divi-
sions being employed, and their max
iinum gain on the southern edge Of
Gen. Byngs new salient, about eight
and a half miles southwest Of Cambrai.
was about two miles and a quarter.
with almost as much advance on the
northern side Of the British wedge The
British won back to-day less than one
mile OF this and lost heavily. including
1000 prisoners. to accomplish II, Berlin
reports. Heavy fighting Is still In
progress along most of the fifteen mile
front.
Omcial Report ON Battle.
An official report from British Head
quarters in France tonight says:
Reports from various sectors on the
Cambria; battle front, together with
captured orders and objective maps,
enable the following account to be
given Of the battle which began yes
terday morning:
The enemys intention was to de-
liver a simultaneous encircling attack
with large number of divisions and
drive our troops from the important
positions We had gained on the goth
Of November. The following order
was issued on the 29th of Novem-
ber by Gen. VonderlEorwitz. command
ing the Second German Army:
';Soldiers OF the Second Army: The
English by throwing into the fight
countless tanks on November 20
gained victory near Cambria. Their
intention was to break through. But
they did not succeed in doing SO.
thenks to the brilliant resistance Of
our troops who were put Into the
line to check their advance.
I'VE are now going to turn their
encircling counter attack. The father
land is watching you and expects
every man to do his duty
Owing to the magnificent defence
ana stubborn fesistance Of our troops
the encmy's object has been completely
defeated. From Vfndhuile In the
south to a point two kilometers west
OF Moeuvres an the north the enemy
advanced In masses in an endeavor 10
break through our defences by weight
OF numbers. From Masnieres north
ward our positions are intact and very
severe losses were inflicted on the hos
tile masses by artillery. rifle and ma
chine gun fire.
porarily broke through ne was caught
by the point blank flre Of our field ar.
tillery and driven back by immediate
counter attacks South Of CrevecoeM
the enemy succeeded in forcing his
way into our lines on considerable
front. capturing number of prisoners
and in places reaching our gun posi-
tions.
In these operations we have taken
several hundred prisoners and many
machine guns.
This afternoon the enemy repeated
his attacks on our positions in the
neighborhood Of Masnieres. Marcoing,
Fontaine Notre Dame. Bourbon and
Moeuvres, and SO far as reports
hitherto show he has been completely
repulsed.
The number of German prisoners
taken in November was 1851, includ-
ing 214 officers. In the same period
we have taken 1873 guns. including
40 heavy guns. and also 303 machine
guns. Ga trench mortars. besides great
quantities Of engineering stores, am
munition of all natures and war ma.
terial Of every kind.
British In serious Position.
1t is freely admitted that for time
the situation Of tho British was serious,
but a hurried retreat saved most OF the
forces. Doubtless II was In this move
ment that most OF the British prisoners
were taken. Some British guns also
were lost, but II Is hoped that the British
succeeded In blowing UP those they were
compelled to leave. Berlin reports the
capture of several field batteries,
Just how extensive tho British retreat