The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-06-07
OCCUPY TOWNS
TAKE z WOODS
and A RAILWAY
Take Nearly 800 Prisoners, In
Guiding Ten Officers.
Hold Gains Today Despite Des-
perate Counter Attacks.
INFLICT TERRIFIC CASUALTIES
Marines Make Great Use of
BayOnets and Guns.
Sweep Germans Back 2 Miles
on Smile Front.
FRENCH MAKE GOOD GAINS
Recapture Hill 2O4. and Take
Prisoners From Huns.
British Repulse German At
FRENCH MAKE GOOD GAINS
Recapture Hill 2O4 and Take
Prisoners From Huns.
British Repulse German At
tackS and InfIict Losses.

Striking the Germans northwest OF
Chateau Thierry, along the line where
the enemy legions were launching
their heaviest blows but a few days
ago, American marines, fighting with
French troops on either side, have
pushed back the tip of the salient
driven by the Germans in their rush
to the Marine. They have recaptured
the village of Torcy and at last ac-
counts were disputing with the Ger
mans the possession of the towns Of
Bussaires and Bouresches.
The gallant work of the American
soldiers of the sea" in this advance
of over two miles along a. front of
almost three miles stands out as a
heroic chapter in the story of Ameri-
can participation in the struggle in
France. Narratives of the battle
which began Thursday afternoon, tell
of the irresistible dash of the marines
and the deadly accuracy of the fire
they poured into the German forces
opposed to them. West of Scissors
the French have taken the village of
Leport, which is located on the north
bank of the Aisne.
Further south, crossing the Clignon
river from Gandelu, the French have
recaptured the hamlet of Vilny and
swept eastward from Neuilly Lapoterie
and driving the Germans out of a
grove which they held there.
Well Defined Plan.
Just to the south, the Americans
launched their blow at the Germans
and have taken extensive ground Re-
ports from the scene state that vir-
tually all their objectives were gained,
which would appear to indicate that
the attack was not a local affair, but
part of well defined plan directed
by the allied command
Belleau wood east of Torcy was
first reported cleared of Germans
by the American marines, but later
adVfces made it appear probable that
the enemy was still holding out in a
portion of this wooden area. West
of Chateau Thierry, the Germans in
their rush last week occupied Hill 204
a height which dominated the city.
From this they have been elected by
the French. On the front between
the Marine and Rheims the British
have gained foothold in the town
of Bligny which is nine miles from
Rheims and in a sector which might
become vital, should the allies attack
there in force. German official state
ments have mentioned the arrival of
allied forces in this particular re-
gion and the allied aggressive there
may be linked up with the activity
on the western side salient in con-
sideration of what may be the initia-
ton of a counter offensive against the
Germans.
Use Three Divisions
The blows being struck at the
German positions will have a ten
dency to prevent the Germans from
withdrawing their crack troops for
recuperation before launching an at
tack on another sector of the front.
Advices from the battle area say that
three German divisions which evil
IDENTIFY had been held in reserve had