The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1918-07-18
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the Marine, on the westerly side
of the German Marine salient.
The attack appears to be a
significant counter stroke to the
German drive along the Marne-
acknowledgements front. From
various sources come reports
that the battle is progressing
favorably to the allied forces,
which presumably include Am
erican troops.
The front of the attack runs
from Fontenoy, six miles west
of Scissors, to the town of Bel
leau, on the Clignon river. Few
details of the battle are yet
available, the main fact, official
ly stated, being that at various
points along this front progress
of from mile and a half to two
miles has been made and that
prisoners have been taken.
Threatens Hun Positions.
This railway was about four miles
from the allied front when the attack
was started today.
If the attack of the allies is what
1t appears to be it Is a serious threat
tn fhn xxyho
of the Aisne. Rapid progress by the
allies to the eastward would compel
the abandonment of the German often
sive which is now apparently directed
toward Epernay, to the south Of
Rheims mountain. 1t might, il sue
cessful even bring about a German re-
tirement from the whole Scissors
Marne-Rheims salient with potential
disastrous results to the enemy in the
loss of men, guns and materials.
During the last three weeks the
French have carried out a number Of
local operations southwest of Sois
sons, along the line where the present
allied effort is being made. By these
operations the French line from the
region of Ambleny. south of Fontenoy,
to Longport, nearly eight miles farther
south was advanced and Strengthened.
Before todays attack begun the
French held positions along a series
of ridges on FIVE mile line from Am
strong entertainments farther south.
Front, 1o5 Miles.
The part American troops are TAX
ing in the sllied counter blow is yet
unknown. The line mentioned in the
off oio1 tot oric hou
ever, includes a section of the posi-
lions held by the Americans in the
neighborhocd of Chateau Thierry
be at Belleau and they have been men
toned as being as far north as the
town of Torcy. which is the south side
of the Clignon river, above Belleau
woods.
Measuring from the Aisne river
around the Chateau Thierry salient
and thence to Massiges in the Cham
payne, the eastern limits of the pres
ent struggle, the length of battle line
is about los miles which is the widest
front that has been in active battle
on the western front since the early
days of the war.
Official reports appear to show that
the Germans broke against the Marine
Champagne line; not gaining fur
Their ground over night At Nanteuil
La Fosse, the region southwest of
Rheims, heavy German attack was
crushed while an assault by guard
regiments east of Rheims was broken
by the allies.
According to unofficial reports to-
day the Germans have made some
slight progress south of the Marine in
the region of ST. Agnan. but this ad-
vantage was apparently only local.
What appears to be more important
local success by the French is report
ed from the eastern point Of the front
south of the Marine. The French are
said to have here recaptured the town
of Montvoisin, the village of Chene La
RENE. and the important heights in
the vicinity of those villages COM
handing the river Marine.
Changes Form Of Front.
The situation on this front presents
interesting possibilities. The battle
line, which the German offensive
caused at the Marine early in June,
closely resembles the letter V, with
the acute angle blunted. Since their
attack on Monday morning the Ger
mans have made progress which has
changed the form of the line to that
of the letter U the right leg Of which
is shorter than the left
From, Fontenoy at the tip Of the left
leg, to Rheims, on the end of the right
is about 81 miles. The distance from
Aisne to the present battle front south
of the Marine is about Is miles. 1t is
along the left leg of the U that the
allied onslaught began this morning.
Behind the allied lines is the forest
of Villers Cotterets, with a network
of strategic wagon roads and three |
railway lines, In front of them there |
is an important railroad line running
southwark from scissors to Chateau
Thierry. presumably used as a supply /
artery for large proportion Of the |
enemy troops along the Marine river.
Combats Are Violent.
Strenuous efforts are being made by