The sun., 1918-07-30
FINEST GERMANS
BEATEN BY U. S. MEN



troops already in the line, but served
as reenforcements.
The first efforts OF the Guards and
Bavarians were partly successful. and
the Americans were forced to withdraw
from Sergy and a few other positions,
including the town Of Seringcs-et-Nesles
But the Germans could not force the
main body across the river
The stream is narrow and shallow
and some detachments at times were
driven back, but always there remained
enough Americans on the north bank to
heck the German rushes. and in every
instance the Americans returned to the
fray with great spirit.
1t was a veteran American division,
and to-days opposition to the terrific
onslaught made against II justified the
confidence of the stan that 1t was more
than equal to anything the Crown Prince
had to offer.
The Germans were not content with
the stubborn resistance which has
characterized their fighting SO much
lately Artillery supplemented the ma
chine guns and infantry. and the
trained guard and Bavarians began
their work in manner rejecting their
confidence.
In the repeated changes in position
both sides employed all the tactics Of
modern warfare. After artillery prep
aration direct advances sometimes were
made. At other times enveloping
movements were tried With the
Americans there operated a few light
french armored motor cars. which did
brilliant work in rushing the line. at
times their guns replying point blank
to those OF the Germans
Scores OF times the khaki and gray
clad men met In the streets OF the little
towns and on the slopes Of the river
banks in hand to hand encounters. The
bayonet was used. but the Americans ef-
fectively used their pistols as we'll
There was much fighting actually in
the water. where the Germans attempted
to rush their antagonists to the south
bank OF the stream. There were times
when the blood tinted and muddled
stream gave evidence of the violence Of
the conflict. There were many deaths
as result OF slightly wounded men
being drowned
1t was late this afternoon when Sergy
for the sixth time was In the possession
OF the Americans. At the same time IL
was reported that every other position
held by the Americans Sunday night had
been retaken.
From other points OF the long line
from scissors around TO Rheims come
reports OF the allied lines everywhere
holding and at some points advancing.
on the American right the brilliant
cavalry support OF the French has con-
triouted materially to the American sue
cess.
To-day was clear, but with light
clouds. There was little wind and the
weather generally was ideal for aerial
activity. Both sides took full advantage
OF this.
The heavy guns OF the Allies. ignor-
Ing to great extent the engagements
In progress almost under their muzzles
roared with redoubled fury during the
day, their charges falling among the
massed troops and the reserves and the
long lines Of transports on the road.
The allied aircraft again assisted in
harassing the troop movements and also
carried out observations The Germans
employed observation and combat planes.
but the superiority Of the Allies in the
air was marked
Although the German operations have
materially stiffened there apparently Is
no good military reason TO believe that
the strength Of the defense Is Intended
otherwise than as a determined effort to
check the great pressure OF the allied
troops while the Germans are in re-
treat and also perhaps to administer Sc
rious losses 10 the Americans
1t Is generally believed that the Ger
mans will not make a stand until they
have reached more advantageous ground,
although It Is possible that they may de-
eide TO turn about along the higher
ground they already have gained. For
the next few kilometers the advantage
In the terrain In with the Germans.