Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1918-03-22
Looks Like Big Drive.

British Army Headquarters in France, March 21.-The Germans this forenoon launched heavy attack against the British lines over wide front in and near the Cambrai sector of being the beginning of the enemy's much-heralded grand offensive
 Hard fightinfi is progressing from a point north of Lagnicourt southward to the Gauche wood. just below Gou- Zeaucourt. The attack was preceded by heavy bombardment from guns of all calibre. and the duel between the opposing heavy batteries has been rocking the country for hours. The Germans have employed gas shells freely and constant stream of high velocity shells has been breaking with frightful concussion far back of the British lines.
 The bombardment began in earnest at o'clock this morning, and about five hours later, the enemy forces hurled themselves on the British front line trenches, north of Lagnicourt and Louveral the latter place lying due west of Roursies.
 At the same time other German forces advanced behind a smoke bar rage along the ridge running north ward from GOuzeaucourt. It may be said that the attack in this region was by no means unexpected by the British and they had made great preparations to meet the onslaught
 The two vast forces have been lock ed in bitter struggle over this wide front for hours.
 terrific nature and finally the infantry Idrove forward against numerous points in the Cambrai sector
 The preliminary bombardment had extended from a point below St. Quen- tin north to the river Scarpe, and at last reports sanguinary fighting was in progress as far south as the region of Handicourt, and as far north as Bulle- court.
 The early stages of the battle would seem to indicate that the enemy was trying to drive a wedge on both sides of the Camhrai salient and pinch it off.
 A keen struggle has been proceed ing in the neighborhood of Bullecourt and Legnicourt and south of the sa- lient, near Hardicourt, and Ronsoy.
 The British had been looking for this attack today. Not only have pris- oners declared that yesterday or today would mark the beginning of the of fensive on this front, but there were abundant signs of an enemy smash against this sector, which was the scene of the last great battle in the British theatre That the Germans were thoroughly prepared as possible was we'll known, and, as conse' uuence. the British had taken exten- sive steps to meet the blow.
 It is too carly to predict the out come of the first few hours of the struggle, in which vast forces and every conceivable engine probably was employed. On general principles, however. it may be stated that the great concentration of attacking forces probably will result in the de fensive line being pushed back in places. This would nearly be history repeating itself. This much is cer' tion, never before has there been machine been in such perfect condl' tion, never before haas there been higher morale or optimism among the British troops.
 The general impression on the front is in agreement with that of the Ger mans-that this is the decisive con test of the war, but on the British side there is no doubt that the decision will be eventually in the allies favor Germany is stalking everything on this plan, and if the great attack fails tt break clear thru, it is believed tha1 the Germans will be finished, for they have nothing further to offer, excep a gradually weakening Offense.
 The bombardment today was one O
 the most tense seen along this front As had been generally expected, tho Germans depended on short heavy al tillery work to carry troops forward
 Large quantities of gas were used a various places. and extraordinaril, high velocity shells have been whining