Turning movement

Peronne occupied

Rolling up the German line

Progress on our left wing appreciably more marked than has occurred on any single day since the battle of Aisne commenced, is recorded in last night's official message.

It shows that on the left centre the allies occupation of Craonne plateau is beginning to have some effect. It tells us finally, that our forces are holding their own in all other parts of the long battle front .

The Allies have to expect dangerous attacks round Rheims and in the Woevre. They have to look for success on the extreme left and in the Argonne. So far as the points of danger, no news has reached to cause any concern. In brief our centres and our left may be deceived as going on as well a can be expected.

As to our offensive the reports are much better and it is developing in the way that we hoped for with undoubtedly great successes achieved.

More importantly is the advance chronicled in the extreme left where we learn that French troops have danced towards Roye.

It looks as though Von Kluck's flank will soon be turned and in any case the line of the Oise is certainly turned The German generals are fighting the type of battle they most detest they are committed to a parallel engagement and they have lost the strategical initiative with no prospect of regaining it.

Although the two battles in progress may last a few days longer, it is thought also that the end will come with startling suddenness and the character of the Germans defeat depends upon circumstances.

The sea circumstance we are not permitted to touch upon with any show of definiteness, although it is difficult to see why the authorities should have sent such an order.

The large mixture of reserve formations that the Germans have been obliged to resort to in order to keep their army up to normal strength is a sure sign of weakness and exhaustion and it seems that the Germans are also in dire strait with regard to officers