* * * * * In the afternoon, the advance continued south of the Aisne, being more rapid in the centre than on the wings. The River Vesle was reached towards 7.30 p.m. in the neighbourhood of Bazoches and Magneux, Fismes, and Braine fell into the hands of the enemy. * * * * * By the evening of the 27th it was known that German first-line divisions alone had been engaged and that they had advanced from nine to twelve miles in the centre without excessive casualties, driving back the 11th French and 9th British Corps, which had fought with the greatest courage and determination in an endeavour to make up for their deficiency in numbers by superhuman bravery and endurance. The 64th Infantry Regiment in particular covered itself with glory. * * * * * On the 28th, at day-break, the Germans resumed their attacks with increased vigour, especially on the wings, where their success on the previous day had been less marked. To the west, the 30th French Corps, which had suffered heavily on the 27th, was reinforced by fresh divisions, with orders to cover Soissons, which was in danger of being encircled. This corps succeeded in checking the enemy to the north, on the Cuffiès-Crouy-Bucy-le-Long line, but on the right the Germans crossed the Vesle during the night, driving a wedge into the Murton Valley and advancing eastwards towards Soissons. Some of their advanced detachments reached the town, but were immediately driven out. * * * * * In the centre, the 11th Corps was again compelled to fall back; Mont-Notre-Dame, Bruys and Dôle Woods were taken by the enemy, who reached Loupeigne. * * * * * To the east, the fighting was also bitter. The British 9th Corps lost the Saint-Thierry Hills and fell back, especially on the left, where the Germans, advancing beyond the Ardre, got a footing on the tablelands to the north of Arcis-le-Ponsart. * * * * * However, the French 21st Corps (General Degoutte) came to the rescue and on the extreme right, Colonials and Algerian troops of the 45th Division prevented the enemy crossing the Vesle, west of Rheims. * * * * * The Germans, whose casualties were heavy, had been compelled to engage their second-line divisions. [Illustration: GENERAL DEGOUTTE.] [Illustration: THE GERMAN ADVANCE FROM MAY 29 TO 31.] The Attack on the Wings.--The Race to the Marne.