The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-03-29
On a Fffty-Five Mile Front.

The gigantic conflict over the
ground between the Scarpe and Olse
rivers has entered into a new phase.
Repulsed in their efforts to break thru
in the center the Germans have turned
their attention to the wings of the
salient in the allied lines but heavy
fighting continues on most of the
fifty-five mile front.
On the northern flank, which has
been extended slightly across the
Scarpe. Field Marshal Haig. altho CIV
ing some ground, has repulsed attack
after attack and has held most of his
positions intact. especially between
Boisleux and Albert. On the south
ern flank, the German gains around
Mont Didier have been offset by
French offensive movement south of
Noyon and the repulse of heavy en-
envy attacks along the Disc.
May Be French Offensive.
Attention is divided between the
German attack along the Scarpe to-
ward Arras and the probability that
the French movement in the south is
the beginning of a counter offensive
on a large scale. The wings of the
German salient were its weak points
and when the allied troops checked
the onrush and held it to small gains
al great cost as they have done for two
days-th the enemy had to change his tao
tics. Arras is one of the strongest
points in the British line and is guard
ed on the north by Vimy ridge and on
the south by Wailly ridge while there
are strong hill positions to the east
From these positions the British ar
tillery could lombard the rear of the
German lines toward the Somme and
prevent the Germans from widening
the salient toward the north while at
the same time giving the British a
point from which to launch a counter
offensive. The German attack along
the Scarpe may mean either feint to
draw British attention, an attempt to
take the high ground around Arras or
an effort to offset a British counter
move toward Cambria. Whatever its
purpose the attack continues in
strength with the British withstanding
the enemy efforts CALAMITY.
Heroism in French Defense.
French troops since their entrance
into the battle last Saturday have
made courageous defense but none
was more so than that of Mont Didier.
Driven from the town and some dis
lance westward by overwhelming
numbers. the French counter attacked
and captured and held three towns
west of Mont Didier.
Meanwhile another French force
struck the German line south of
Noyon hard blow and pushed it back
along a front of six miles for dis
lance of more than one mile. This
gain not only menaces the southern
ieS VI the salient OUT also the German
gains around Mont Didier where the
enemy has driven a small and pre-
carious wedge.
East of Noyon in a counterpart of
their effort along the Scarpe the
enemy is attempting to force a passage
OF the Disc General Petain's defense
however, has been too strong and the
Germans have been thrown back with
heavy losses. American troops were
reported on this sector early in the
week.
May Form Joint Command.
London newspapers hint at a Joint
Franco-British command on the west
ern front 1t is declared that General
Foch. commander of the allied reserve
army. will be given an important role
under the new arrangement
On the other battle fronts there has
been no change. Northwest of Tou!
the American artillery keeps UP its
strong bombardment of the enemy
lines, but there has been no infantry
action.