The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-06-01
THE GREAT BATTLE.
GERMANS STRIKE NEAR YPRES
AND IN AISNE SECTOR.
Alies Hold Line Firmly Against
Heavy Assaults I'm NOrth-Berlin
Claims Crown Prince Gained
GrOund-Tile Fighting Continues.

Germany's great offensive on the
western front has been resumed. With
only brief artillery preparation two
blows have been struck by the Teu-
ton armies, which have been reor-
ganized since disastrous losses were
inflicted on them by the French and
British during the Picardy and Flan-
ders battles in March and April. One
attack was on the line from Voorme-
zeele to Locre, southwest of Ypres:
the other on a thirty five mile front
from Pinon, north of scissors to
Rheims. This is .inown as the Aisne
sector.
In Flanders the Germans have
gained virtually nothing, but farther
south the Berlin official statement
claims that the German Crown
Princes troops have carried the
whole ridge Of the Chemin- Des-
Danes and now are fighting on the
| Aisne river.
The German attack in Flanders is
against positions taken by the French
| May 20. when they recaptured Bru-
lose and Locre and strengthened their
line on each side Of Hill a., which
they had retaken a few days before.
| On the Aisne front the present
rattle recalls the fearful fighting of
last summer along the Chemin- -Des-
Danes. where for weeks the German
Crown Prince hurled his men
against the French positions only to
see them crushed and beaten. Last
year seventy-five divisions were en-
goged in the German attacks along
this line alone.
Inc attack here is really in the ma
ture of line Strengthening opera
tlon. 1t is being launched from
l-aon as a center and is aimed at
the elbow in the line formed during
the fighting in Picardy in March and
April. Here. however, the Germans
must face permanent works which
have been occupied by the French
defended quite easily. .os.
Evidence that the Allied supreme
command was forewarned of the new
German attack may be found in the
tact that British troops are fighting
there. The German Crown Prince is
in command in this sector and this
may indicate serious effort to break
the Allied lines. Crown Prince Rup-
precht. Of Bavaria, is the nominal
commander in Artois and Picardy.
and the German Crown Prince for
d!nastic reasons will strive TO outdo
whatever success is attained by his
colleague farther north.
1t is probable that American
troops are engaged in the fighting in
both battles on the French fronts.
1t is known that American troops
are close bheind the Allies line in
Flanders. while some time ago it was
reported that they were near Rheims.
The late official reports note quite
severe fighting in various sectors,
among them the Apremort forest,
where Americans are known to be
holding positions at the present time.
| The reports say the Germans were re-
pulsed in all these attacks.
| 1t is officially reported from Wash
ingtOn that American positions in Pi-
cardy sector, near Cantigny and
Montdidier, have been subjected to
attack and that at places the Germans
| penetrated them. The enemy, how
ever. was driven out by the Ameri-
cans.
Almost coincident with the new
German assault the Italians launched
| n blow at the Austrian lines in the
mountain region to the northwest OF
Lake Garda. According TO reports
| they have carried Monticello Pass,
the village Of Presena, Monte Zigo-
Ion and the mountain spur to the east.
Before them lie parallel streams
leading down into the Lagarina val
ley and If they successfully carry out
their attack there, it is possible to
outfiank the entire Austrian position
in the north of Italy.