The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-07-24
lin ARMY IS BEING WIPED OUT
IN DESPERATE LAST STAND BATTLE

pinch OF the Franco-American shears.
Near Rheims, the FTanco-British
shears jabbed its point in little far
ther, adding to the danger of the Ger
man army in the pocket below.
The Germans slight success result
ed from heavy counter attack, which
ousted the Americans from Epieds.
But the Americans later regained the
town and advanced a bit farther.
The object OF the Germans in throw
ing in strong forces here is not GER
tain, but it is believed to be necessary
to protect the slow process of with
drawal OF supplies and troops from the
pocket.
Incidentally today's reports showed
that all munition depot fires are not
the result of their destruction by the
Germans but all allied aviators and
long range artillery have been prac-
dcally successful in hitting these
dumps.
The French today attacked astride
the Ourcq, crossing the Parct-et-Tigny
road, toward Villermontoire (south OF
Soissons).
North of the Marne, the Americans
advanced to the BarbiIlon wood line,
passing the region of La Censedeaux.
Between Mont st. Pierre and Char
teves, the bridge head was enlarged
and several farms taken, despite
stubborn enemy defense.
Possibly the days most important
success was the Franco-British adj
vance in the Ardre valley, southwest
OF Rheims, where they took Vrigny, a
part of Ardre wood, all of the Rheims
wood and passed Ste Euphraiz.
watched the progress of the battle
from the heights of Montague de
Rheims this afternoon. In the beech
and oak covered hills, directly be-
low the west, heavy forces of British
| troops were engaged. From the for
ests arose the crackle OF machine gun
fire, while the heavier note of artil-
lery sounded more remote.
| Both artflleries at the time were
engaged solely in bombarding the rear
areas as the fighting was mostly
hand to hand and the canopy of trees
prevented accurate observation from
the battery Positions. The gunners
were afraid of hitting their own infan-
| try.
German prisoners admitted their
surprise at finding themselves oppos-
| ed by British soldiers. Many of the
French officers declared they did not
know the allied counter offensive had
| begun on the other side Of the sa-
| lfent.
The experience or the British in
this battle illustrates the versatility
of General Foch's strategy. They
were moved from their previous po-
sitions, some distance away, expecting
to go to the defense Of the Marne line.
Suddenly they were diverted to their
present positions, arriving on the
night Of the 18th. They were ordered
| to attack the next morning, at the
same time relieving the Italians, who
had been holding the Germans sue
cessfuIly, but who needed rest.
The German fifteenth division al
ready had lost heavily at the hands
of the Italians. The British attack
completed the work, almost ann1h1t
ating It, Only about 300 men were
left. Other divisions badly mauled
were the Seth, 103rd and 22nd
On the road to Epernay lorries and
ambulances of all the allies passed
each other in continuous lines. One
ambulance was driven by a youns
woman in dust-covered khaki. Italian
soldiers resting by the roadside way
ed to her and she smiled brightly
Later I learned she is Miss Italia Carl
baldi attached to the remarkaol'
italian Alpini hospital, situated near
by. It is operated for all nationalities
, including Americans.
100000 Germans in Peril.
TRv John De GaHdt, United Pres
! staff Correspondent
; PARIS. July "a a p. M The Ger
mans appear determined to avoid
. prolonged retreat and are reported +
' be preparing for desperate stan
, along the present battle front.
, Further allied successes under thes
, conditions will thus imperil more tha,
. 4no 600 Germans in the Scissor:
Pheims pocket, as their forces witt
, in the salient have grown to that rs
ure.
= French and American troops ove1
coming bitter resistance, are progres:
w. northeast of Chateau-Thierry an
south of the Ourcq.
The enemy position at Oulchy-Lt
} Chateau (Which already is reporte
~ have oeen rendered untenatle b
the allies) is outfianked.
10000 Casualties.
PARIS. July 24.-Unofficial est
mates today placed the total Germal
.os,1o1ties in the recent Champaign
lighting at 10000. -,
This figure is discounted in mill
: tary circles.
,, German Proarau, Gun1ned Up.
! rRv Frank j. Taylor, United Pres
! staff Correspondent
WITH THE AMERICAN ARMIES
:, IN FRANCE. July "a t3:45 a. M