The Bridgeport times and evening farmer. (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1918-1924, 1918-08-12

With the British Army In france,
Aug. l2.---(Associated Press.)---The
allied forces continued their victorious
advance all along the line Saturday
night and early yesterday, pushing in
the general directfoP of the upper
reaches of the Sonme. They were
smashing the stiff resistance inter
posed by the rear guards of the re-
treating Germans, the bulk of whom,
according to. reports considered reliable,
were fleeing in disorder.
British cavalry were reported yes
terday afternoon operating close to
the town of Nesle. (Nesle is six miles
southeast of Chaulnes)
Up to date 81 German divisions have
been in contact with the allied forces.
Of these, q have been engaged be-
tween the extreme left Of the allied
Gank and the point where the French
1oin the British. A number of pris-
nners from these divisions have also
been captured by the French.
Ten divisions Of Prince Rupprechts
reserves have been identified in the
fighting.
Many hours ago the British, French,
and American troops had reached,
roughly, the old line held by the Ger
mans before their retirement to the
Hindenburg line. They have row
pushed beyond it in many places.
Goyencourt, two miles northwest of
Rove, is reported to have fallen to
British troops.
Other British forces were on the
front of Chaulnes, Hattencourt, and
Nillers-des-R oye.
The Germans are retiring gradually
everywhere in the face Of the ire
from the British guns, rifles, and ma
chine guns.
The Americans and British north OF
the Somme had further hard fighting,
and with fine spirit pushed on toward
!Bray. They have traversed the north
ern spur east of Chipilly, and Etine-
hem. as we'll, is in their hands. Ores
saire Wood had long since been
cleared of the enemy, the allied forces
passing around the wood, which was
lreeking with gas from many pockets.
Here both the British and Ameri-
cans were helped on their way by
tanks. At one place a tank, contain
ing IL volunteers, rushed q strong en-
Smy position. Scores Of Germans
were killed, and seven officers and 200
men were captured. This permitted
the infantry to get on to the line II
was holding yesterday morning.
The Americans, in the fighting of
the last 20 hours, had further casual
ties, principally caused by machine
gun bullets, but their casualties were
no more than were to be expected
among troops constantly delivering
attacks against the enemy, who here
put Up probably the stiffest resistance
of any along the line, realizing the
Importance of the positions, which
are now in the hands Of the British
and American forces.
A considerable number of additional
prisoners were taken here, and the
Germans suffered extremely heavy
losses.
Large groups Of prisoners, hungry
thirsty. and grimy, and appearing
thoroughly disheartened, continue t.
arrive at the collecting cages. AnSonE
the captured were five regimenta
y commanders and ten battalion com
manders.
London, Aug. 11-Notwithstandin
a greatly stiffened German resistanc
the British, French and American
continued to advance today along tn
southern extremity of the curving sa
lent that extends from north of tn
Somme to the neighborhood OF tn
Disc
The French made the greatest pre-
gress during the day. South IN
southwest of Roye they drove acro>
the Roye- Compeigne road and reach
ed the road leading from Compeigr
to Noyon at Cambronne. The FrenC
have now extended their lines cas-
ward from Montdidier about seve
miles.
The French are forging rir
about Noyon, which probably will |
the German base, if it is possible
hold it, in the battle which mu
follow. On the southeast the FrenC
approached within seven miles
Noyon by the capture of Chevincoul
Marchemont and Cambronne. tt
French approach is being made
the route of the Disc Valley, the
towns lying in the valley Of tn
stream. Canny-sur-Matz, nine mil
west of Noyon, also has been captu
ed by the French.
Behind the enemy's lines maj
large fires continue to be seen al
allied airmen report that long tran
port columns are fleeing eastwa
with all possible haste, which is a
cepted as evidence that the Germa
intend to retreat to new lines of d
fence Allied filters have destroy
all the bridges across the Somme
tween Perrone and Ham, distan
of fifteen miles. This, combined wi
the fact that allied airmen and {
tiliery have slowed up in many
stances totally disrupted the enel
retreat. led to the interposition
strong rear guard elements to halt
allied progress. French and Brit