Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-04-11
HUNS CONTINUE
TO GAIN GROUND
British Will Probably Evacuate
Armentieres-Bethune Seri-
ously Threatened
GERMANS LOSE GIvENCHY
s,4ss Primary Training Planes and
Captured 5000 in New Offensive

London, April 10-Maintaining their
powerful attacks in the northern part
of the British line, the Germans con-
tinued to gain ground to-day. The ofh-
cial report from Field Marshal Haig
says that the British troops were forced
back to the line of Wytschaete, Messines
ridge and Ploegsteert.
The text of the statement reads
Following upon the bombardment al
ready reported, the enemy this morning
launched a fresh attack in strength
strength against our positions between
the Lys river and Armentieres and the
Ypres- Confines canal. Heavy hghting
has been taking place in this sector
throughout the day, as well as on the
whole front of yesterdays attack, north
Of La Bassee canal.
North of Armentieres the weight of the
enemys assaults pressed our troops back
to the line Wytschaete- -Messines ridge
and Ploegsteert.
Bodies of German infantry who had
forced their way into Messines were
driven out this morning by counter
attack.
South of Armentieres the enemy sue
ceeded after prolonged struggle in
establishing himself on the left bank
of the Lys river at certain points east
of Estaires and in the neighborhood of
Bac St. Maur.
This morning the enemy also crossed
the Lave at Lestrem. but was counter
attacked by our troops and driven out Of
the village and back across the river.
Between Estaires and Givenchy our
positions have been maintained. On
other parts Of the British front the day
again passed comparatively quiet"
Aor 4 IN, hn IN q
front the enemy's attack to-day was
repulsed." Major-Gen. F. B. Maurice.
chief director of military operations at
the war office announced this afternoon.
1.-The enemy has obtained no footing on
the high ground anywhere.
I'm this mornings attack the enemy
entered the British first line trenches
between the Rivers Lys and Doube. The
attack extended from ArmentiEres to
Messines.'
THE German gains today." continued
General Maurice, "in conjunction with
the results of his attack yesterday. have
placed ,Armentieres in an awkward
salient"
The Germans captured a considerable
part OF Ploegsteerte wood, General
Maurice said.
In the fight yesterday the enemy ad.
vanced in the center to a depth of 50t
yards" said General Maurice. 1t is quite
certain we lost some guns. In an advance
to such depth considerable Portuguese
artillery must have been lost, and prob
ably a number of prisoners"
In the retirement of the French to the
line of the Alette river two Frencl
battalions were cut Off and the Germans
took about 1000 prisoners. said Genera
Maurice.
"Armentieres." General Maurice wen
on, 'is now little more than heap O
ruins and its loss would not be vita
matter. 1t is not lost yet and we hop'
It will not be, but 1t may be.
Berlin, via London, April 10.-SiX thou
sand prisoners and one hundred guns wer
captured by the Germans between Armen
there's and La Bassee canal, the ofiicia
statement from general headquarters an
nounces to-day
The Germans have crossed the Lys rive
at several points between Armentiere
and Estaires, according to the evening
statement from general headquarters
North of Armenteres. the statemen
adds, I'VE penetrated the English lines o.
both sides of Waasten- Warneton."