Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 68, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 March 1918 — HUNS START NEW DRIVE AT ARRAS—TIDE TURNING [ARTICLE]

HUNS START NEW DRIVE AT ARRAS—TIDE TURNING

With The British Army in France, 28.—Another sector of the front was added to the north end of the new battle line today when the Germans attacked heavily on both sides of the Scarpe towards Arras. Bitter fighting took place from Gavrette, on the north to Boyelles, below the river, and in some sections the Germans succeeded in pushing forward somewhat in the face of desperate resistance. Whether the enmy was really making a serious threat against the battle scarred city of Arras cannot yet be said, but it is patent that as a diversion which might prevent the British from moving troops and guns southward to the main battle front it would be of advantage to the Germans who have not yet got there artillery forward. ~ „ „ Father south astride the Somme, there are indications that another intense conflict is imminent. The Germans this morning were advancing - from the neighborhood of Bray, while south of here the British were conducting operations in the direction of Sailly, Laurette and Proyart. Ail along) the British front there is heavy fighting. The assault opposite Arras was preceded by a heavy enemy bombardment, which began early in the morning. The Germans directed their infantry drives towards the high ground represented by Orange Hill and Telegraph Hill, near Arras, both of which elevations were the scene of desperate engagements during the battle of Arras. The fighting on Telegraph Hill just below the Scarpe was particularly bitter and at latest reports this hill was covered with Skirling masses of British and Germans battling at close quarters. The fighting yesterday in the north centered about Boieleux, St. Mare, Ayette, Courcelles and Ablaineville. Here the Germans made a succession of heavy assaults for the purpose of obtaining high ground, but in each case the attacking infantry either came against a stone wall defense or was immediately thrown out by vigorous counter attacks.