New-York tribune., 1918-08-24

last reports were pushing steadily on
ward
Gomiecourt, by reason of its terrain
apparently was considered the pivot of
turning movement, for, once having
taken 1t, the British sent troops swing
ing down south in the direction of Ba-
paume. The Germans on this portion
of the battlefront were badly disor-
ranlzed. There were Germans all over
the place, but they seemed to have no
ideas of counter attack. Some appar-
entity did not even know exactly where
they were.
The fighting south of Gomiecourt to-
day was especially severe. Incidentally
of Achiet- Grand. At the same time
the British here, having launched an
other frontal attack on the cnemy's
stronghold again were in hard fight
| ing. While the battle was raging here
British planes were helping the fight
ers on the ground by heavily bombing
or using machine guns against the en-
emy. Among other things obtained
were several direct hits on building
at the rear Of which were several tour
ing cars. Tho building apparently was
a German headquarters.
South of Achiet-le- Grand the British
dld not start to-day's operations so
! early as further north. The New Zca-
landcrs here stopped work to let a
German counter develop. They played
dead until the advancing enemy in
fantry was almost on top of them
Then they put down q heavy machine
Germans, who surrendered in a body
rather than be killed in their tracks.
This happened just north Of Mrau-
mont
Many Of the prisoners were non
commits ssioncd officers. and all of them
appeared to be glad that they had been
captured When asked about the Aus
trians the prisoners expressed the
greatest contempt for their allies as
soldiers, saying they were no good
whatever
Slightly to the south the British have
crossed the Ancre River and started
back in the general direction of Cour-
celette. Already they are reported to
be southeast Of Grandcourt. This move
menaces from the rear the German
stronghold at Thiepval which is an
old fortress.
At Albert the British pushed forward
toward Tara Hill At the back Of that
town an airplone report at about noon
tire position. About the same time
German shells started breaking on
Tara, while British shrapnel could be
seen bursting some distance on the
other side Of it, showing where the
enemy had been driven. Large num-
bers of prisoners were taken in this
locality
Gaining on Bapaume
The British troops seem to be pro-
crossing well up the road from Albert
to Bapaumc. Welsh troops are par
ticipating in the fighting in this neigh
borhood.
South Of Albert Meaulte appears to
be in British hands, having been capt
urcd early in the day. Thence the
line extends southeasterly. with break
where the Germans last evening man
aged to take Happy Valley, just north
west OF Bray, by throwing in fresh
troops of the 25th Division, which ap-
parently were brought up for this spe-
cial purpose.
The Germans suffered severely here
during the first attack. The fighting
was very heavy. Since then the Cor
mans have been constantly heavily
fred upon. Happy Valley truly is a
shambles. It's name bellies it,
South Of the Sommc the Australians
were most successful in the part they
played in to-day's battle. They easily
attained all their objectives and ap-
parcntly hold Chulgnolles, Chuignes
and Herleville and are pushing east
ward of these villages a little distance
to make sure Of holding them
In this region 33 German officers and
900 men of other ranks were made
prisoner. Eleven of the captured off
GERS were from one regiment
The Germans offered heavy resist
snce at Ckuignolles, but, with the as
sstance of tanks. the Australians ham
mered through the enemy and swept
on, leaving the town and its environs
hlied with dead Germans.
On the ridge south Of this town there
also was fierce fighting, which almost
reached the handto hand stage before
the Australians made it clear to the
Germans that they were not to be
stopped and showed thom over tho
ridge and onward.
Just now large numbers Of guns are
roaring away all along the line. AT
some places they are steadily hammer
ing; at others it is rolling un into
intense drumtirc. telling where the
lighting is going on. The German shells
seem to be coming in from long dis
,ances. Evidently their guns have
been moved backward for safety. The
German artillcrymcn apparently have
not tho greatest confidence in the mil
lfy of their comrades in the infantry to
ward off the blows being delivered