Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 May 1917 — BRITISH CROSS HINDENBURG LINE [ARTICLE]

BRITISH CROSS HINDENBURG LINE

Fresnoy is Captured From Germans by Canadians. TERRIFIC BATTLE CONTINUES General Haig’s Troops Reported to Have Occupied Bullecourt; French Gain in the Ciiampjigne Region. London, ’May 4. According to tho Reuter correspondent at British headquarters in France the latest reports tell of tierce fightiitg in Bullecourt, on the outer edge oi' which the British troops established themselves, and of a, very heavy eoiinter-attack winch haS driven the British through Cherisy again. Jx>ndon, May 4.- —The British forces have taken the village of Fresnoy. Fresnoy was taken by the Canadians. The British troops have reached Cherisy, crossed the Hindenburg line toward Reincourt and are reported to have taken Bullecourt, says Reuter’s correspondent at British headquarters. Another of the continuing British attacks was launched against the Germans early in the morning. Hard lighting is in progress under a warm 1 spring sun. Fighting of terrible Intensity raged throughout the day at the main point* of the British attack. “The battling,” says the correspondent, “has been In many places of ding-dong order, which renders it extremely difficult to define the situation, but I think it may certainly be claimed as a successful day for our gallant troops. The 4uost conspicuous gains have been on the flanks of the long front, While .towards the center, up the valley of the Scarpe, we, have made less progress owing to the intensity of concealed machine gun fire. Canadians Tske Fresnoy. “Despite the opposition of massed German forces, the Canadian troops took Fresnoy. Oppy, however, still proved too strongly held to attempt to carry it by direct frontal attach without courting a heavier casualty list than the enterprise warranted. The wood in front of the ruined village literally was Infested with machine guns. “South of the Sensee the battle developed into a most successful sweeping movement, our troops reaching Cherlsy. Converging tactics upon Reincourt carried our advance across the Hindenburg line and threatened to cut off the garrison at Bullecourt. The garrflfem was reported to have been captured, but the report was not confirmed. French Score Big Advance. Paris, May 4. —The French made an Important gain on the Champagne front Wednesday night, reducing the position which was still being held by the Germans in the new lines east of Mont Haut and capturing the German garrison of more than 300 men, the war office announced. There was active patrol fighting on the Chemin des Dames line.