Evening star., 1918-08-23
Albert Retaken by British;
Foe Suffering Huge Losses

the Germans launched another vicious
counter attack against the British
positions on the outskirts of Mirau-
mont. but after sharp fighting were
driven off. In the face of streams of
bullets from bTAzing machine guns the
German ranks withered or were dis
perSed.
The British are still west of Achiet-
le-Grand, but patrols have been In
the town. The boche counter attacks
here, as well as at Miraumont, were
carried out by. fresh troops which
have been seen rushing toward the
front from the rear in an effort to re-
lieye Gen. Otto Won Bellows harassed
18th Army
British Retire Short Distance.
At Achiet-le-Grand the attacks
were in such strength that the British
retired for short distance from
the outskirts of the town and con-
tented themselves for the time being
with pouring bullets into the enemy
forces. who, in their eagerness to
win something, no matter how small.
rushed right into the center of the
target formed by the town
Southwest of Miraumont the Brit
ish. at latest reports, had the enemy
with his back to the River Ancre
Tanks have been working well to
the front of the British lines almost
everywhere. The battle was fought
under a scorching sun, the men fight
ing over the dusty, shell-churned
ground. open-shirted, or without up
per garments. the sweat streaming
Heaps Of German Dead.
At many places heaps of German
lay baking in the sun, along with
the usual debris which covers a bat
tlefield. Efforts are always made by
the burial parties to clear away the
dead. but within the zone of roar
ing battle it is not often possible to
accomplish this task.
The total number of prisoners taken
is still uncertain. but 1t is known
that at least 5000 have been cap
tured. In compariso with those
taken yesterday. the prisoners today
were tired, dirty. hungry and thirsty.
lery officer. who arrived at the cages
with all the elegance that usually
surrounds officers in Emperor Charles
army. He had his soldier servant
with him, but the servant got lost in
the mix-up, much to the annoyance
of both man and master. they were
put in separate cages.
Incidentally. the German prisoners
took occasion to make fun of the
Austrian soldier. but many of their
remark SHOWcu CltdTIy lHelr COH-
tempt
The Austrian officer said he had
been at this front for a month with
a battery of Austrian guns. In re-
sponse to questions. he declared that
he did not dislike the Germans.
You may think it queer of me, but
managed to get along alright with
them" he remarked.
Brigade Commander Taken.
Among other prisoners was a brig
ade commander, who. when captured.
was about to telephone back for
artillery support. Just at that mo-
ment a stock British soldier put his
head in the window and informed the
commander that he was prisoner.
Later on, after the commander had
reached the prisoners cage, one by
one his officers began to arrive at
the same place. The commander stood
at the gate, and, with a smile and a
handshake, welcomed each newcomer.
The British cannon are drenching
the enemy with steel from the front
and from the fianks. The Hun is get
ting it from all sides, and from the
air. as well.
The British losses so far have been
extraordinarily light. The tank cas-
ualties have been few also.
The German guns are very active.
hurting everything. including gas. at
Dit