The British attack between the Ancre and the Somme, which
was in progress on Thursday week when we went to press, was completely successful. Albert was cleared of the enemy, in the course of a two-mile advance on a six-mile front, and 1,400 prisoners were taken, the total for the two days being over 5,000. On the south of the Oise General Mangin continued to press the enemy, taking St. Aubin and Pommiers, slightly north- westof Soissons. On Friday of last week the British thrust developed on a front of thirty miles—from Mercatel, five miles south of Arras, to Lihons, south of the Somme and close to Chaulnes. On our left English, Scottish and Guards battalions took five villages and many prisoners; in the centre, the enemy's hold on Thiepval, a strong point, was seriously threatened. To the south of the Somme, English, Scottish and Australian troops advanced, inflict- ing heavy losses and taking many prisoners. Bray was captured by the Australians late on Friday night.
