Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-04-23
HA,e srlFFENs pEFENsEs

rAss0ciated Press Summary
While awaiting the next German
blow. now momentarily expected, Field
Marshal Haig is taking advantage of
the Sc0HfpafAtiSc lull 40 .aerenstA bis
lines II various spots.
Both north and south Of the Somme
and on the Lys battle field the British
defensive positions were improved In
local operations last night. Similarly
the Germans made an attempt to push
forward their lines in the Mezenil re-
zion north Of Albert, In which sector
they apparently are preparing for
some more important movement. The
British offered sharp defense, how
ever, and foiled the enemy effort.
GUNS BATTER WIDE FRONT
Heavy artillery fire is in progress on
so many parts Of the front that little
indication is afforded by this as to the
point selected by the Germans for
their renewed thrust. Naturally they
may be expected to make further ef.
forts to extricate themselves from the
pocket into which they have forced
themselves along the Lys. southwest
Of Ypres. Thus last night the enemy
was reported shelling the British posi-
tions in Nieppe wood, wherein lies the
route to Hazebrouck, the railway cen.
ter which it is well nigh vital for the
British to hold.
There has been no new development
in the region north Of Ypres, where the
Belgians stopped turning movement
last week. preventing the British from
being flanked out Of the present post.
ton. The nature of the ground and
the disposition of the oposing forces.
however, make 1t seem probable that
a repetition of the attempt Is to be
looked for.
NEW BLOW FOR AMlENs
The situation in the Sommel region
is being for the moment eveA more
closely watched than that along the
Franco Belgian border to the north.
Field Marshal Haig reports heavy
shelling of the British lines on both
sides Of the Somme and the Ancre and
the CORES pondeuts are sending word
of German preparations for move
ment OF some nature between Arras
and Amiens, within which the region
under bombardment is located.
The enemy is known to have brought
UP some OF the heaviest guns to the
SOmme Ddttle Uelu, WucEe ALilSHS Ii
his objective, but the entente artillery
is matching these and hampering the
Germans severely In their preparations
for attack. Last night the French re-
pulsed a German raid along the Avre
in this region.
FRENCH HELP BRITISH
Meanwhile French reinforcements
are pouring in behind the British lines.
French troops are now with Field Mar.
shal Haig's men on both the northern
and southern legs of the salient south
of Ypres. Near Robecq, on the south
ern leg. the British have driven the
Germans from some advanced posts
In this area. where strong German at
tacks were repulsed sanguinary last
week, the enemy artillery is most &C.
tive. Artillery dusls continue violent
along most Of the Picardy battle front
where the Germans are using guns OF
the biggest calibres.
IN SECOND MONTH
Today the German offensive begins
its second month without having sepa
rated the British and French and with
the British army still intact. Where
the next blow will fall is uncertain. but
1.-THE allies are prepared to meet II as
they have met the others. 1t is prob.
able the Germans are not willing to