The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1918-09-27

LACK Of FEAR IN
CHAMPAGNE ATTACK
Continued From Page ~


but before the echoes Of the opening
barrage had died away the pursuit air
planes were over the German lines.
The clouds made il aDpeat improbable
that there would be any great display
by the aviators and the fog seemed to
hide the enemy but flying at a height
of less than 700 yards, the airmen swept
down without a hitch.
Fighting Severe.
The American attack began at $50
o'clock in the morning on a twenty-mile
front, between the Argonne and the
Mouse. The artillery preparation com
menced on the TANKS at II 80 o'clock
Wednesday night and on the whole
front at 2:O o'clock Thursday morn
ing. II was OF an extremely severe
character and was carried TO consid-
cradle depth. The German artillery,
which was not in position to bring a
powerful croSs-fire on the front of at
tack, wa subjected to a gas lombard
ment during the entire time. The night
was fine but a dense mist formed to-
ward morning, greatly increasing the
difficulties OF the young troops unac-
customed to night work,
Notwithstanding this the American
assault was successful everywhere. The
enemy's front line vas occupied in ad-
vance OF schedule and the progress
continues, although the enemy's resist
ance is stiiiening at certain places
where an attack apparently was ex-
pectod beforehand.
Important Points Taken.
The Germans were forced to give up
positions OF great strength which for
years had proved almost impregnable.
Consequently a feeling OF much salts
faction is permissible but it is too early
to announce definitely IN. results final
ly TO be attained.
The counter battery work of the Ger
mans to restrain our advance and his
machine gun fire caused trouble, His
air work was very imperfect early in
the day but improved later and was di-
teoted particularly against the Ameri-
can balloons. The American tanks did
well when they assisted in the ad-
vance.
The aimen swept down on tn. Ger
man troops in the line and on the
roads. Wagon trains were attacked
and dead horses and debris blocked the
path Of those who shortly afterward
sought avenues of retreat.
Gas Shells Effective.
As the skies cleared, the observers
appeared with their fighting escorts
and aided materially in correcting the
aim OF the artillery which had never
ceased its vigorous harrassing fire
Gas shells were used plentifully by the
Americans in only a few instances but
when they were used the work was
done effectively
One of the places subjected TO a
heavy gas attack was Nauquois. That
historic place was known to he well
fortified There vas reason 10 be-
lieve that the Germans might utilize
the forty miles OF subterranean pas
sages in the n~eighborhood 1t was
flooded with gas clouds and then en-
yeloped by artillery fire. Gas also was
used against certain woods around
which the Americans afterward
marched instead Of gong directly
through them.
Information obtained only the day
before the attack enabled the officers
OF the tank detachments to escape the
traps constructed at several places and
also the batteries OF Anti-tank guns.
Prison Camps Fill.
By mid-afternoon every division
headquarters began TO look like a pris-
on camp. Groups Of German prisoners
from a half dozen TO 100 appeared al
the headquarters al intervals. After be-
Ing lined up and questioned they we're
sent on to detention camps in the rear.
For the most part the captured men
were cheerful some apparently were
joyful.
MANY Of the prisoners were taken In
combat but the greater part Of them
rad been forced TO take cover under
the ,~mo,hering barrage and had been
iett behind by their re,reating compan-
Ions. With them il was a case Of up
raised hands Several Officers were
e.pturci hut in this hattie as in pre-
vouS engagements the officers were