Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 196, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 August 1918 — WEDNESDAY WAR SUMMARY [ARTICLE]

WEDNESDAY WAR SUMMARY

Three wedges were being driven into the German lines between Arras and Soissons today, each of which spells additional disaster to the hard pressed armies of the Kaiser. Ludendorf is using his reserves freely, especially against the 1 British, and counter attack after counter attack is being made, but the relentless advance of the allies continues. The censors late last night permitted the Universal Service correspondent at the British front to cable that the present battle, which has developed into one of the most vital actions of the war, promises even greater magnitude. “There is every indication that this is to be a fight to the last ditch,” he adds. “The German lines are crumbling and so is their morale.” On the north, the British, who were reported yesterday Jto have driven across the top of the Hindenburg line, but surely, over ground which has not been fought over since 1914. Further south, Field Marshal Haig’s armies are pressing forward toward Combles and Peronne, both bases vital to the German scheme of defense.

Ludendorf is hurling his heaviest masses of reserves into the Bapaume sector, -endeavoring to stave off the apparently inevitable, and there the British advance has been slowed down. On the Avre, where the French are fighting, a big hole has been crushed in the enemy line. Roye has been taken, the French have advanced on a wide front and have taken eight towns in the last twenty-four hours’ fighting. 1 Between the Oise and the Aisne Gen. Mangin’s tenth army continues to advance, increasing the threat to the Chemin des Dames positions, while the Americans at the Vesle are increasing their pressure on the; enemy.