The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-08-13
LASSIGNY HEIGHTS
TAKEN BY French
in TODAY'S FIGHT
Ridge Commands Positions at
NOyOn and ROye.
Evacuation of ROye Is Expected
MOmentarily.
GERMAN LINE is 0UTFLANKED
May Compel Retreat to Nesle-
PerOne Front.
Fires Are Burning in Rear of
German Positions.
May Compel Retreat to Nesle-
PerOne Front.
Fires Are Burning in Rear of
German Positions.
AHOTHER RETREAT EXPECTED
Allies Have Already Advanced
10 Miles on 4O-Mile Front.
New Retreat Would Go Five or
Ten Miles More.

London, Aug. Is (4:S7 p m.)-The
French have gained control of the en-
stire nassif of Lassigny on the south
ern end of the Picardy battle front ac-
cording to advices this afternoon.
This gives command of the town of
Lassigny and the valley of the Divette,
as well as the entire district to the
north. and places the communications
of Rove under direct fire of the allied
artillery,
Artillery Covers Noyon.
Paris. Aug 13.-The allied artillery
now has full control of the conNeFg-
ing roaGs in and out OF Noyon' near
the southern end of the line notably
that running toward Ham to the
north. The difficulty of the enemy in
carving cut a retrograde movement
is thus increased.
Burning Villages.
London. Aug. 13.-The enemy is re-
ported destroying villages in his rear
The ruins of Peronne are reported 10
he turning Fires have been observed
by allied airmen at various points.
Huns Have Used 33 Divisions.
So far thfrty-three German divisions
have been identified in the fighting
The indications are that the enemy
reserves are gra dually being exhausted
and he is drawing troops out Of the
line to extend his flanks and cove
any gaps. This is an operation, how
ever. which can only be carried out Il
= limited degree
EXPECT Evacuation of Roye.
London, Aug. 13 (4:20 p m.).-Th'
evacuation of Roye is expected within
48 hours, according to information
here this afternoon. The allies slnc'
the start of their offensive, have gained
between nine and ten miles on a Tort!
mile front.
Huns Must Leave Lassigny
London. August 13 (4:25 p. m-)-
The fall of Lassigny expected hourly
probably will force the Germans to re
treat to the Sonme canal hne-an ao
ditional retirement of five to ten mile
all along the front-according to in
formation received here this afternoon
The Somme bridge at Peronne, ha
been smashed, cutting off the enemy
supplies from that direction and hin
dering the retreat.
Remove War Material.
Paris. Aug. 13, (4:10 p. m.)-Th
Germans have been hurriedly remov
ing enormous quantities of war ma
teriaI from Peronne, during the pas
4S hours and enemy troops are cross
ing the Somme-
Roads about Peronne are reporte
to be crowded with German transport
attempting to get this material bacl
TO a safer spot.
Huge ammunition dumps at Resson
Sur-Matz and Orviiliers containing
million shells were abandoned by tn
enemy in his flight and have been cap
tured intact by the French, it wa
learned today.
Fresh Attack This Morning.
tBy the Associated Pressl
Allied forces this morning began
general attack against the Germa
line running from Chaulne5 south t
the Disc river. a front of about TWEEN
ty-flve miles. Dispatches filed a
London shortly after nool. reporte
important gains a. various points, es
pecially on the vital sector south @
Lassigny near the Oise.
The Lassigny massif. the stee
slopes of which have been strongly de
Tended by the Germans is reported t
be almost within the grasp of tn
French, and unofficial dispatches sa
there is every prospect that this nat
rral fortress will soon be wrested froI
the enemy.
French Near Crest of Ridge.
Further south. the French have ad
vanced to the village of L'EconvilloI
iGnnfinned Page Twot