Carroll County democrat. (Huntingdon, Tenn.) 188?-1971, 1918-03-29
BIG BATTLE RAGING
Greatest Battle 10 Worlds His
tory RACES on French Soil

hO RASoetJ oNNNA NAoCA AAlN ANl&
heralded German drive, Of which
the papers have had so much to say
of late, actually began Thursday of
last week. The British we're at
tackled on a 50.mile front. The
greatest force was felt in the Cam
brai sector.
The attack was made on a scale
hitherto unknown during the war.
The bombardment began at 5
O'Clock Thursday morning. Shells
of large and small calibres we're
rained upon the lines held by the
British for about FIVE hours. Then
the German infantry stormed out
TO make the first great assault.
The Germans, favored by the wind,
moved forward under cover Of
pail of smoke, which hid the as
saulting columns from the eyes of
the British holding the front lines.
The british lines were forced
back from four to nine miles over
a front of fifty miles.
The news reached here Friday
that the lines of defense had been
broken and that the city of Paris
was being shelled with big guns.
The news caused much excitement
and a gloom hung over the town.
Every bit of news available was
eagerly sought. The evening pa
pers did not confirm the report.
but the news was meager and very
discouraging.
Saturdays reports were even
more discouraging. The line had
been broken was the claim, the
Germans insisting that a great vic
tory was being won and thousands
of English soldiers we're being cap
tured. The assault was described
by the English as terrific and very
little encouraging news could be
found.
Sundays papers were eagerly |
sought with the hope of finding
some comfort. But they only con-
firmed the disheartening reports
Of the day before. Desperate
lighting was still in progress. The
forcing back of the English lines
was confirmed. Paris was being
Oombarded in mysterious way.
A big gun was finally discovered,
with a range of rs miles. Shells
fell on Paris at regular intervals,
but the damage being done was
only slight.
Monday, Germans claim the
capture of $4,000 men and 900
guns. London contradicts Berlin's
1t was insisted that
The new positions were being held
and the Germans gradually driven
oack. 1t was also claimed that
Ihe Germans for the past four
days lost no less than 100000 men
each day. The slaughter wrought
among the masses of Germans was
described as appalling. Many fake
reports were circulated locally and
5he war was discussed by everyone
and the deepest concern was felt.
Monday the British Premier
wired Field Marshal Haig con-
yratulations and thanks, and added:
AT home we are prepared to do
al in our power to help in true
spirit of comradeship. The men
necessary to replace all casualties
and cannon and machine guns re.
luired to make good all those lost
are either now in France or al
ready on their way, and still fur
5her reinforcements Of men and
guns are ready to be thrown into
5he BATTLE"
The reports Tuesday and We'd
lesday were more encouraging.
While fresh Germans, in large
had been hurled against
The English forces, yet most of the
ines we're holding and what lines
we're given up were by the allies
we're yielded slowly and at great
cost to the enemy. The allied
IL l.;.l 49, ~. g.