29 Mar 1918
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 14 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Mobile News Item
Location
Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Mar 29, 1918
Page
1
A fragmented report outlines Secretary W. G. McAdoo planning a Mobile stop in April as part of a broad campaign tour. Local officials and committees prepare to meet him at the hotel with a reception and escort, signaling a major effort to promote the drive and public support.
An American patrol, under enemy observation, climbs over the trench line in broad daylight to verify German presence. The group reaches the front trench before retreating, reinforcing US resolve while Allied leaders consider reshaping command with generals Foch and Pershing amid war council discussions.
The report describes American troops in France optimistic about a coming big fight with German forces. It notes strong curiosity among ranks from bases to front lines and mentions concern over German advances near Amiens and the Somme. French and British fronts see intense action with Haig’s forces defending against repeated German assaults.
British forces hold at Arras as French units strike German lines near Noyon and Mont Didier. American troops are reported in the sector while London papers suggest a Franco British command collaboration under General Foch. Further west, limited action continues with Allied artillery pressing enemy positions.
A wounded soldier recalls being gassed on March 17 during the St Patrick’s Day events. He mentions yellow gas and fears for his friend Fritz as the incident unfolds. He believes he will recover in time with God’s help.
An Indiana league outfit travels to meet the Cantonment eight miles from the city for a morning game with Hattiesburg. Possible lineup includes Short Stop Pond, Third Baseman, Outfielders Brown Orcutt and others.
The ducal title has been offered to and accepted by Duke Wil to become Crown of Lithuania. The report, dated March 29, notes a dynastic plan tied to the Frank n lineage and mentions eight children in the context of the succession.
Moncel fell to French troops as French and British units checked a German drive north of Montdidier. German losses were described as extremely heavy in what observers called a costly setback.
British forces report maintaining lines north of the Somme and gaining ground in places after counter attacks. The army says they captured prisoners and machine guns while inflicting heavy enemy losses, despite repeated assaults and subsequent withdrawal to outpost lines. South of the Somme heavy fighting continued with British troops withdrawing slightly from their advanced positions.
American military observers express confidence the allied offensive will not be delayed and that a substantial American force will join once signaled. Major General March, acting chief of staff, says no cause for alarm over the German advance and that the allies will see the operation through to victory.
American staff officers monitored front dispatches hourly but could not determine if the French counter assault between Noyon and Montdidier signals a major counter stroke or serves only local aims. The War Department awaited Pershing’s offer to Foch and had no further guidance on American participation.
General J Franklin Bell testified that Britain withdrew before the German advance as part of a prearranged plan and that the allies had known of German intentions shortly after they were faced with the decision. The statement came in Washington as AP reported remarks on the military maneuver.
The News Item will publish an extra edition around noon due to high interest in the Allied front battle. It will present early morning AP bulletins as a chronicle for readers seeking more details, not as conclusive news.
Paris reports from the Mont Didier area describe repeated German counterattacks repelled by stubborn French defense. Allied forces claim gains near Plessier-de-Roye and Mont Didier with heavy German losses and continued French resistance.
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