Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-04-20
EVENTS. OF WEEK
The change

EVENTS OF A WEEK
The changes on the battle fronts in France and
Flanders which have occurred during the week can be
indicated on the map only by only slight shifting Of the
lines which existed at the close Of the previous week, al
though the great series Of battles has been progressing
with intensity until the latter part of the week. AT this
time there appears to be a slackening all along the line.
but there is rs yet nothing to indicate whether this is due
to the actual, exhaustion Of the Germans or to the fact
that they are making preparations for a renewal Of the
assault Aside from many local and very sanguinary en-
Gasements. the main feature of the week has been the
continuation by the Germans Of their effort to break
through the British lines in the Ypres district In this
sector, while the base Of operations has been narrower
than in the first attack on the somme, the fighting has,
II possible, been even more desperate. The British,
greatly ~outnumbered, have fought With desperate cour-
age. and while they have been obliged to retire from
positions which they put forth their utmost effort to
hold. their retirement has been slow, in good order, and
the Germans have been compelled to pay a tremendous
price for every foot Of ground that they have gained.
The sitauton during the past week is generally con-
sidered to have been the most critical that has existed
since the German offensive began. Abandoning, for the
time, the attempt to make further progress in Picardy,
the Germans shifted the weight of their attack to the
northern sector, and for days their forces were sent in
great waves against the British defense. The breaking
Of the British line at that point would have cleared the
way to Calais, which is but 10 miles away. and a large
British army would inevitably have been .pocketed and
captured. After days Of fighting Haiss men continued
to hold the enemy, and as the week closes the attack
has subsidized. @ .
On the side Of the allies there are signs Of the read
5ustment of forces which may mean much within the
next few weeks. French forces apparently in consider
able numbers have arrived to aid the British, and it is
announced that Italian troops have been dispatched to
France and are now acting as the right wing Of the allies.
Neither the exact location of the Italian forces, their
number. nor the precise purpose for which they have
been sent have been stated. 1t is to be supposed that
when the Italians are said to be on the right wing of the
allies We are to understand that it is the army which has
been sustaining the brunt Of the recent attacks that is
meant. There is apparently no need for additional troops
toward the Swiss border, which, of course, is on the e-
trene right Of all the allies positions on the east front.
It is more probable than in order to check the Germans
effectively on that section French reserves have been
brought up from the south, and Italians have been hur-
ried across France to help make up a great cosmopoli-
tan army opposed to the Germans from Picardy to the
sea
We are without definite information as to the where
sabouts ana the activities Of the American troops which
have been sent north to aid in the defense. 1t is prob
able that our information as to the movements Of our
men in that territory will be vague for some time to
come. In pursuance OF the understanding reached
hmong the several commanders. American troops are be-
tng brigaded with those Of Great Britain and France.
5Ths announcement is made that this course was chosen
bscauss at this time our strength in France is not suhi-
cient to enable us to place in the field a separate army
of size adequate to participate in the gigantic events of.
the present time. and our men are therefore being used
" fill In where they are most needed. The commands
under which they will serve viii, as in the past, be Brit
m or French, and each American battalion will be but
small unit Of a much larger force Of one Of the allied
.arnies. In the sector along the Lorraine front, of/course,
Anericans are actually holding several miles Of line on
fhsir own account, and while the engagements in which
athey have participated have been spirited, few men have
4sen engaged, and the battles have been only Of local
fnnnportance.
Early in the week interest was aroused by the news
40 SBrttish naval forces had entered cattagat and de-
l4eSeyeds ten German trawIers. The presence Of a consid-
N6estt British force In those waters was taken AZ a posi-
nSSMlhdca4ion Of 4 coming naval battle Of Importance
@9Ss reports of such IN ensassmentSshavs yet been
A1comins. ~ Sthe foray rs intended = An invitation
@AAs Gerrnans fleet 10 come ont 'of its hold and fight,
ESInhsita tton 80 carefuIiy Ignored.
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