08 Aug 1918
Page 1
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Newspaper
Washington Post
Location
Washington, Washington Dc, United States of America
Date
Aug 08, 1918
Page
1
Allied forces pushed across the Vesle in bitter combat as Americans and French seize positions north of Rheims and near Montdidier. British gains along a five mile front north of Labassee and toward Lawe and Clarence rivers relieve pressure on the frontline.
American and French troops crossed the Vesle River east of Bruesene under heavy German counterfire. By nightfall the right flank reached the main highway and formed terraces north of the river, while the left wing closed in before dawn. Artillery duels persisted as bridges were completed and officers led the dash across the stream.
British forces push 5 miles of frontage forward to about 1000 yards depth between Lane and Clarence rivers in Flanders. Counterattacks by Germany repulsed. a few prisoners taken. In Morlancourt area southwest of the Somme, British regain ground from yesterday. Berlin reports nearly 200 more British prisoners and German gains near Saisson and Montdidier. The Vesle sector sees French repulsals of German attacks east of Braisne with 100 prisoners taken.
Gen Pershing notes heavy artillery and machine gun fire in the Vesle sector. Allied forces, with American troops, crossed the Vesle and held against two German counterattacks. The advance extended along the line between the Lane and Clarence Rivers, with gains near Rethel and Laon.
British and French forces report local advances and successful counterattacks around Montdidier La Grange farm and Morlancourt. Prisoners taken, posts rushed, and machine guns captured amid ongoing artillery duels east of Hobecdy and in the Lys, Somme, and Vesle sectors.
Reports from the Montdidier region describe intensified action near Sassogne west of the Vesse as Allied observers expect a significant blow. Aimed at boosting German prestige and morale, the plan involves coordinated pressure with the German fleet, hinted by an offer from Admiral Scheer to attack British naval forces.
In a letter to President Wilson made public in Camden New Jersey United States Senator David Baird says he does not share the President’s view that adopting the woman suffrage amendment is vital to winning the war. He cites New Jersey’s 50 000 vote against suffrage and says the issue should be settled after the war. He adds his mind is still open though principles lean toward opposing immediate action. He notes the letter replies to Wilson’s recent query about his stance.
Announcement by Gen March places Maj Gen William S Graves in command of the American force to guard Czecho Slovak rear movement in Siberia. Two regiments from the Philippines will form the van guard, with more troops to follow, while the size of the expedition remains undetailed. Allied leaders discuss unified command and broader intervention amid rising anti German sentiment and Bolshevik resistance in northern Russia.
Mutinies in the Austria-Hungary military and food riots across the empire described as a slide toward medieval disorder. Reports detail deserters rallying with brigands in Moravia and Bohemia, large-scale strikes at Skoda works, and clashes in Innsbruck and Budapest. An Austrian deserter recounts a May 23 mutiny in the Ninety-seventh regiment at Bakersbourg, with deaths and executions following.
War Department unveils a bold expansion of the draft age to 18 through 45, aiming for a 4,000,000 strong American army in Europe by midsummer 1919. Gen Peyton C. March testifies before Congress, citing inter allied Paris conference decisions, rapid training, and shipping capacity as key factors. Officials project about 3,090,000 troops for midsummer 1919, with optimistic notes pushing toward 4,000,000 if conditions hold.
Allied experts projected decisive blows against Germany by spring 1920 with an American army of 4 million. Some argued for 1919 instead, but the plan now accelerates. The enlarged program will be rushed through and men aged 18 to 45 will be liable for military service.
Four more Washington men fighting in France were added to the roll of honor. The names are James C Graham, Donald Green, William J Dougherty, and Theodore Rochester. Graham is missing in action, Green and Dougherty wounded, Rochester reported to have died of disease but likely wounded in early battles. Graham was 27, Dougherty a Spanish American War veteran, Green a McKinley Manual Training School graduate, Rochester a Seat Pleasant resident with four siblings.
The Vossische Zeitung critic Von Salzmann and Gen von Ardenne predict a planned strategic withdrawal by German forces. They say the Marne-Aisne defense will end, a new Vesle-Aisne front will form, and future fighting will hinge on a revived German offensive and cautious retreat tactics.
London reports rumors of a sailor revolt at Wilhelmshaven over submarine warfare. Propagandists allegedly urged mutiny and surrender, with over 50 submarines missing and 23 ringleaders said to be executed. Reports note conflicting facts and link the movement to antiwar sentiment and Admiral Von Holtzendorff’s resignation.
In a House of Commons address Premier Lloyd George highlighted Allied gains in the Soissons Rheims drive and the destruction of 150 German submarines, stressing Britain's navy and mercantile marine as pivotal to defeating Germany. He warned of no peace while war makers dominate the enemy coalition and praised Foch's counteroffensive as brilliant.
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