1918-05-07 — Page 7

THE CAMBRAI BATTLES. CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY OF ENGLISH TROOPS,

for,

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, MAY 7TH, 1918.

bold determined, and rapid action definitely been stayed, the enemy had not make on them From the Banteux In the course of the morning and after sector were repulsed on December 5th, Unless opposition could be beaten down yet developed such strength about Bourlon Ravine southwards the divisions in line noon no less than five principal attacks and on this and the following two days quickly, no great results could be locked as it seemed might not be overcome by were weak and held vere extended fronts were nude in this area, and on one por further force fighting took place, in be the numbers at my disposal. Ashes On the other hand, the line held by us in tion of the attack as many as eleven which the enemy again endeavoured The Commander-in-Chief of the French already been pointed out, on the Cambrai this southern sector had been in our waves of Goripan infantry advanced without success to drive us from our Armies, to whom I secretly communicated at the battlefield 1 hind only samed possession for some months. Its defences successively to the assault On the whole positions on Welsh Ridge. The strength my plane, most readily agreed to afford at securing a defensive finnk to enable the were for this reason more complete and of this front a resolute endeavour was which the enemy bad shown himself able In addition to the advance to be pushed northwards and better organised than those of the groundnde to break down by sacer weight of to develop in his attacks made it evident tepa taken by him to engage the enemy's north westwarde, and this part of niy task gained by us in our attack. Moreover, numbers the defence of the London ter that only by prolonged and severe fight attention elsewhere, he arranged for a bad been to a large extent achieved. An the capture of the Bonavis Ridge had litorals and other English battalionsing could I hope to re-establish my right Sir Douglas Haig's despatch dealing strong force of French infantry and additional and very important argument added to the security of our position far (London) Division (T), the 2nd flank on the Bonavis Ridge. Unless this

VERY NEAR TO A SECCESS. BIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORT,

me every assistance.

After describing the preparations made

47th

the sector In this fighting the

Vision, and

the

Front during November and December, nart in the tion of our success, upon which a continuance of pressare on to meet an attack, Sir. Douglas Hag and there were accomplished many on Bourlon Hill were extended. I ha

66th (London) Division was done, the situation of my troops in with the operations on the Cambras cavalry to be in a position whener they in favour of proceding with my attack ther south

greatly distinguished themselves, the salient north of Flesquieres would hy could be moved forward rapidly to take was supplied by the situation in Italy.

deeds difficult and dangerous, even if our hol if the situation render possible the Cambrai front might reasonably be continues: Between the hours of swen the period which included what was to bring them into action. On Nov, 20th expected to exercise an important effect and eight a.m. on the last day of Novem-of great heroism.

Under the fury of the enemy's bom, therefore, to decide either to embark of these French units ere no matter what inensure of success attend bei the enemy attacked, after a short but bardment

•quoitly referred to in Pariamentary certain

actually put

in motion. The course ofed, my efforts. Moreover, two divisions intense artillery

were in the course or to withdraw to £ more; compact line my disposal, and from Vendhaille to Masnicies inclusive of being withdrawn from an exposed on the Flesquieres Ridge. Although this for their employ this day been placed at

position the following passnges-

a sap head in advance of our decision involved giving up important

the object of these operations

to the correct course under the

debates as the breakdown," contains events, however, did not open out the previously under orders for Italy had greater part of Preparation, on the ion Royal Fusilia the 17th Batta- another offensive battle on a large scal....

it.

May to

ment but the

ENEMY'S DEFENĊES.

some ten miles

his

in

try until the main position had been

Before withdrawing the more import-

our destroyed, and those of his guns which

As pointed out in my last despatch required opportu forces were held in with this accession of strength the pros. From Masnierca to Banteux, both inclu-fine between Bourlon Wood and Mouvres positions most gallantly won, 1 had no

readiness and within easy reach so long pect of securing Bourlon seemed good,sive, four German, divisions would ECC when the German attack burst upon doubt gain a local success by a sudden attack is there appeared to be any hope of it. After weighing these various considera to have been employed against the three theme oficer in command sent three conditions. Accordingly, on the night of at a point where the enemy did not ex Had the situation on Nov. 20th developed tions, therefore, I decided to continue the British divisione holding this area. Be of his platoons back, and, with a rear December, 4-5 the evacuation of the posi

tween Banteux, exclusive, and Vendhuille pect

attacks repeated.

somewhat more favourably in certain operations to gain the Bourlon position. Flanders and those of our Allies else directions, the nature of which will be November 22nd was spent in organising one German division and portions of two use composed of the remainder of Lions held by is north of the Flequieres where bad brought about large, eoncen- come apparent in the course of this the captured ground, in carrying out others, were employed against the north company, held off the enemy's infan- Ridge was commenced. On the morning trations of the enemy's forces on the report, the pretence and co-operation of certain reliefs, and in giving other troops en half of the British division holding organised. Having faithfully accom of December 7th this withdrawal was threat:ned fronts, with a consequent these French troops would have been of the rest, they greatly needed. Soon after that front. On the Masnieres front the plished their task, this rearguard died completed successfully without interior

mid-day the enemy regained Fontaine 20th Division, composed of English, lighting to the end, with their Ences io. ence from the enemy. reduction in the garrisons or certain the greatest value.

notre-Dame; but, with

Scottish, Welsh, Irish, Guernsey, and New. the enemy. Somewhat later in the morn already troops other sectors of his line. Of these weakened sectors the Cambrai front had

The German defeners on this front had on the outskirts of Bourlon Wood and foundland battalions, although seriouslying an attack in force between the Canalant of the enemy's feld defenecs were

Cantang held by us, it was thought that threatened as the day wore on by the du Nord, and Mœuvres broke into“ been, selected as the most suitable for the been greatly improved and extended the recapture of Fontaine should not progress made by the enemy farther foremost positions, and isolated a rom wa had been unable to remove were The necessary south, whers their battery positions had pany of the 13th Battalion Esses Regi rendered useless The enemy did not surprise operation contemplation since the opening of our offensive in favourable for the employment of tanks, of resistance. The first of these three arrangements for renewing the attack been taken in reverse, inost gallantly beatment in a trench just west of the canal. Fiscover our withdrawal for some time, The ground there was, on the whole, April, and comprised three main systems prove very difficult.

A miccession. of powerful aserults, and were therefore pashed on, and our plans me favorable to mine an important part in trench systems, constituting part of the were extended to include the recapture of maintained their line intact. At the cessful resistance throughout the day, 5th, he began to feel his way forward, he After maintaining a splendid and sue and when, on the afternoon of December whites, and facilities existed for Hindenburg line proper, ran in a general Fontaine notre Dame Meanwhile, Early northern end of the Bonavis Ridge and whereby the pressure upon our main line did so with great caution. In spite of

north-westerly direction for a distance the concealment of necessary preparations.

which the advance of the enemy's infan- ler the attack, lt, niter breaking of six miles from the Cabal de l'Escaut in the night of November 22nd, a battain the Gonnelieu sector the swiftness with was greatly relieved, at four: p.m, this his care, on more than une occasion company hold a council of war, at which bodies of his infantry were caught in the this aron, we could secure Boarlon to turned abruptly dorth along the line of commanding tactical point in the Hin-try followed the opening of his bombard the two remaining company officers, the open by our artillery. through the German defence systems on at Banteux to Havrincourt. There it lion of the Queen's Westminsters stormed

The Canal du Nord for a distance of denburg Line west of Alœuvres known as ment appears to have overwhelmed or company sergeant-majer, and the platoon curage were shown by our covering Tadpole Copse, the possession of which troops, both in bine and immediate sergeants were present, and unanimously troops in this withdrawal, and an in- the north, and establish good Bank position to the cast, in the direction of four miles to Meuvres, thus forming & would be of value in connection with the support, almost before they had realised determined to fight to the last and have cident which occurred on the afternoon Cambiar, we should be well placed to in advance of the Hindenburg line the the latter had been secured seems to have been heavy enough to keep Headquarters

pronounced salient in the German front left dank of the Bourlon position, when that the attack had

The nature of the bombardment, which sent to notify this decision to Battalion Graincourt deserves special notice.

begun

no surrender. Two- runners who were of December 6th in the neighbourhood of exploit the situation locally be enemy had constructed a series of state STRUGGLE FOR BOURLON KIDOL

succeeded

getting Boarlon and the Sensee River and to the forward positions, including La north-west. The capture of Cambrai querie and the north-eastern corner

our men under cover without at fir through to our lines and delivered their covering party, consisting of two com of

At 10.30 a.in, on the morning of Noven seriously alarming them, contributed to message. During the remainder of the panies of the 15th Battalion, London itself was subsidiary to this operation, Havrincourt Wood Behind it, and at her 23rd, the 40th Division attacked Bour the success of the enemy's plans. No afternoon and far into the following Regiment, 47th Division, much reduced the object of our advance towards that distances respectively serving from a lon Wood, and after four and a half hours steadily advancing bartage gave warning night this gallant company were heard in strength by the fighting at Bourlon town: bang primarily to cover our Blank little leas to rather more than a mile of hard fighting, in which tanks again of the approach of the German assault fighting, and there is little room for Wood, found their flank exposed by a and puzzle the enemy regarding our in- and from 3 to 43 miles, lay the second rendered valuable assistance to our intan columns, whose secret assembly was as doubt that they carried out to a man hostile attack farther east, and were

The enemy a laying out and third in German systems, known try captured the whole of the wood and sisted by the many deep folds and hollows their heroic resolution

enveloped and practically cut off These free lines of detence behind those which as the Hindenbarg reserve line, and the entered Bourlon village. Here hostile typical of a chalk formation and shield-

Early in the afternoon Inrge masses of companies succesfully cut their way counter-attacks prevented our further proed from observation from the air by an the enemy again attacked west of Bour- through to our advanced line of resist he bind already completed on the Cambrai Beaurevoir, Musnières, Marquion lines.

gress, and, though the village was at one early morning mist. Only when the lon Wood, and, though beaten off with nice, where they arrived in good order. front; and it was be expected that his

Time reported to have been taken by us attack was upon them a great number of great loss at most points succeeded in after having inflicted serious casualtics troops would be redistributed as sour as

this proved later to be erroneous. This

low-flying German aeroplanes rained straggle for Bourlon resulted in several machine-gun fire upon one infantry overwhelming three out of a line of posts on the enemy. A KATA

held by a company of the 1st Battalion The new line taken up by us rorre- days of fiercely contested fighting, in which while an extensive use of smoke shell and

on the right of ponded roughly to the old Hindenburg the 2nd Division.

tentions.

our pressure in Flanders was relaxed He had already brought inrge forces from Russia in exchange for divisions

THE ATTACK

All necessary preparations were com pleted in time, and with a secrety reflecting the greatest credit on all con- cerned. At 6.20 a.m. on Nov. 20th,

Buch skill and

A.

exhausted in the struggle in the Western without any previous artillery bombard English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish batte-bombs made. I extremely difficult Royal Berks Regineough repeatedly Reserve Line, and ran from a point about tanks and infantry attacked on a lions, together with dismounted cavalry, our troops to see what was happening attacked by vastly superior numbers, the one and a half miles north by east of

theatre, and it was practically certain that heavy reinforcements would be brought from bast to West during the winter. Moreover, his tired division, after a winter & rest, would recover their emciency

ment, tanks at in miley from cast of Gonnejiea to the Canal du Nord opposit Hermicas At the same hour, demonstra tions with gas, smoke, and artillery tock place on practically the whole of the British front south of the Scarpe, and

allowed to lapse, it would probably be Fontaine-lez-Croisilles. On the princi- opportunity for a surprise attack were Epeby and between Bullecourt and many mouths teiere an equally favour-pal front of attacks, the tanks moved able one would again offer itself. forward in advance of the infuntry, Furthermore, having regard to the future crushing down the enemy's wire and it was desirable to show the enemy that forming great lanes through which our

performed most gallant service, sit on other parts of the battlefield, or to remainder of these posts stood firm, and inflicted heavy loss on the enemy.

follow the movements of the enemy. During the afternoon of November Path, short, there je little doubt that, although which had been overpowered were re-lesquieres to the Canal du Nord about In when two days later, the three ports La Vacquerie north of Ribeeourt and village, and captured the whole of it in these areas of the battle at the moment in and around them that the bodies of between two and two and a half infantry. attacked Bourlon an attack was expected generally, Jet gained such a heap of German dead layne and a half mile north of Haveincourt Later in the evening a fourth attack upon of delivery the assault effected a local car own men were hidden. All accounts miles in front of the line held by us

the less,

go to show that the enemy's losses in the prior to the attack of November 20th was made on this day in the Hindenburg offered during the morning by isolated on this sector of the battle front were an important section of the Hindenburg after fierce lighting. Further room Line, west of Meuvres, but the enemy's parties of our troops and by machine: enormous. One battery of eight machine-trench system, with its excellent dug-outs resistance in the of this area was gun detachments in the neighbourhood of guns fired 70,000 rounds of ammunition and other advantages. very strong. On the evening of NovemLateau Wund and south-east of La into ten successive waves of Germans. ber 25th a fresh attack by the enemy re- Vacquerie, as well as at other points. tained Bourton Village,

In more than he could not with impunity reduce his

troops, offered vigorous resistance, and are Brown to one instance heavy losses caught by our machine-gun fire, in enhe material results of the throa of the 15th Battalion, East Surrey enemy by machine gun fire at short they ndanced. Great execution also was had captured and retained in our posses- finde, and were shot down in line as stated in general terms very shortly. We incurring grave rieks. Against these artillery, they rolled on across the Ger

the enemy's held

North-east of La Vacquerid the done by our field artillery, and gguments in favour of immediate action machine-guns and driving two days later four attacks, in some of which the enemy's up to the crest line and fired direct upon German front line from La Vacquerie to

corner of the vill the south-east renge

until touch was re- 92nd Field Artillery Brigade repulsed course of the battle guns were brought son over 12,000 yards of the former 1uct to weigh the fact that my own

icons bid Beer, engaged for many to ground: Close behind our tanks our The continual fighting and the strength infantry approached to within 200 yards be Camby, at short range. At one point & point opposite Boursies, together with mouth in hews, nighting and that own infantry followed, and, while the of the enemy's attacks, however, had told of our guns before the surviving gunners west of Bourlon the momentum of his between 10,000 and 11,000 yards of the

tanky

patrolled the line of hostile

elenred the German infantry borne the brunt of the struggle. This the breech-blocks

ntry heavily on the 40th Division, which hieromeving the breed to withdraw, after first advance carried the cotmy through Hindenburg Ling village od niecourt

For all these reasons, if the existing subsidiary attacks were launched east of our positions in the wood was benten off surprise.bborn resistance WRE whole of his constantly repeated attacks We therefore retained in our possession

(successfu), the conditions of the struggle had greatly taxed their strength. - Only

While considering these

infantry could pass. Protreted by smoke

from their

thig

up

lines of infantry.

in

Âક

ESULTS OF THE BATTLE.

though the efforts had been uniformly trench dug-outs and shelters, division was accordingly withdrawn, and pieces East of Villers Gaislain the our front line and a short way down the serve Line and the villages of Ribecourt, part of the lossess in my divisions had Hindenburg line and its outer defence again pressed back slightly in the north the high ground were still offering a direct fire from our field artillery at by us in the course of the operations, both the main system of the on the following day our troops were troops holding our forward positions on southern slopes of the ridge. There how Flesquieres and Havrincourt. A total of ever, the German masses came under 145 German guns were taken or destroyed been replaced, and many recently arrived were raipdly overrun, and tanks and drafte, still far from being fully train infantry proceeded in accordance with

ern outskirts of Bourlon Wood

strenuous resistance to the enemy's attack short range, and were broken up. Our and 11,100 German prisoners were cap- od, were included in the ranks of the programme to the attack upon

With the enemy in possession of the on their front at a time when large forces local reserves at once counter-attacked tired. On the other hand, the enemy "the Amics. Under these conditions it was Hindenburg reserve line.

ridge above Fontaine notre Dame, as well of German infantry had already ad-

and succeeded in closing the that ha a serious matter to make a further, heavy At the end of the first day of the Burlon Wood, our position in the wood Villers Guislain South of this village afternoon the enemy again forced his way Connelicu

us of part of the high ground west of vanced up the valley between them and been made in our line. Early in the bad groupied an unimportant section of call on my troops at the end of such a attack, three German systems of defence itself was a difficult one, and much of a single point known as Limerick Post, into our foremost position in this There is little doubt that our opera

our front line

Vondhuille and

strenuous year.

On the other hand, has been broken through to a depth of the ground to the south of it was still garrisoned by troops of the 1/5th Bat-locality, opening a gap between the 16th tions were of considerable indirect from the nature of the operation, the size some four and a half miles on a wide of the force which, could be employed front, and over 3,000 prisoners had exposed to the enemy's observation Ittalion (King's Own) Royal Lancaster Battalion and the 115th Battalion Loosistano to the Allied forces n Was bound, in any case, to be compara- already been brought in. But for the was decided, therefore, to make another Reginent and the 1/10th Battalion Liver att tively small, since success depended so wrecking of the bridge at Masnières and tine-notre-Dame and Bourlon

effort on November 27th to tillage, lantry throughout

Fon-pool Regiment, held out with great, gal- the wo battalion commanders with Linly few of the strength of the

Regiment. Counter-attacks, ed much on sevect, and it is impossible to the check at Flesquières still greater and to gain posession of the whole of heavily attacked. The progress made by of their headquarters, once more restored German forces on the front of my

the day, though all available men, including the personnel. In view keep, secret the concentration of very results might have been attained

the Bourlon Ridge. In this attack, in the enemy, however, across the northern the situation. On the morning of Nov. 21st the attack which tanks co-operated, British Guards end of the Bonavis Ridge and up the deep beaten off with the heaviest losses to the was maintained during our preparations All other attacks were attack, and the success with which secrecy Iarge furers. The demanden on Flesquières was resumed, and by temperarily regained possession of Fon- gully between Villers Gaislain my resources, therefore, should not be a eight a.m. the village had been turned taime-notre-Dame, taking some hundreds Gonneliou known as 92 Ravine, turned troops at Masnieres, Bourlon, and pared defences would be captured in the and enemy. The greatest credit is due to the I had calculated that the chemy's pre-- different from the north-west and captured: The of prisoners, and troops of the 82nd our positions on the ridge as well is in Mauvres for the very gallant service per first rush. I had good hope that his

obstacle which more than anything else factors, preparations were quietly car had limited the results of Nov. 20th was village. Later in the morning, however, the defences of Villers Guislain, Gonne their steady courage and staunchness in would then be so enfeebled for a period

Division ̈onco

more entered Bourlon both villages. Takeng in flank and rear formed by them on this day. But for resisting power behind those defences ried on, so that all might be ready for thereby removed, and later in the mom the attack if I found it possible to currying the advance once

heavy counter-attacks developed in both lieu, and Bonavis were rapidly overrun defence, the success gained by the enemy that we should be able on the same day more became localities and our troops were unable Gouzeaucourt was captured about nine on the right of our battle front might to establish ourselves quickly and com it out. The success of the enemy's offen-

general sive in Italy subsequently added great The forty-eight hours after which it During the afternoon the enemy also it were reached, and

to maintain the ground they had gained. am, the outer defence of La Vacquerie bave had gerious consequences pletely on the dominating Bourlon Ridge furee to the arguments in favour of un- had been calculated that the enemy tacked our positions at Tadpole Copse, which had been brought up close to the Un December 1st fighting, contards and to secure our right flank alone a line

number of guns

- FIGHTING AT GONNELIED AND MASNIERES.

from Fontaine notre-Dame to Mocuvres, dertaking the operation, although the reserves would begin to arrive had in means at my disposal for the purpose effect expired, and the high ground at days of constant fighting, therefore, pe battle front about Masnieres and Mar completed the capture of the St, Quentin mcluding the Bonavia Ridge, Crevecoeur,

but was repulsed. As the result of five

them to cover the fiercely on the whole front. The were further reduced as a consequence Bourlon village and wood, as well as cer held a strong position on the Bourlon of the Italian situation.. I decide tain important tactical features to the ill and in the wood, but had not yet fell into the hands of the enemy. Ridge and entered Gonnelle, where they Even if this did not prove possible and Rumily to Fontaine-notre-Dame- ed, that, despite the various limit-east and west of the wood, still remained

At this point the enemy's advance was captured over 350 prisoners and a large ing factors, I could master enough force in the enemy's possession. It now became succeeded in gaining all the ground re checked by the action of our local reserves, number of machine guns Tanka took within the first twenty-four hours, to make a first success sufficiently sure to necessary to decide whether to continue feature. The two following days passed with all possible speed to bring up addi-ridge.

quired for the security of this important and meanwhile measures had been taken as effective part in the fighting for the second day would be at our disposal before the enemy's reserves could begin, justify undertaking the attack, but that the operation offensively or to take up a comparatively quietly while the troops tional troops. About midday the Guards the degree to which this success could be defensive attitude and rest content with engaged were relieved and steps were came into action west of Gouzeaucourt, Masnieres. During the afternoon and Meanwhile, with no wire and no pre- Bevere fighting took place also at to arrive in any formidable numbers. followed up must depend on circum. what had been attained.

unertaken to prepare for a deliberate while cavalry moved up to close the gap evening at least nine separate attacks pared defences to liamper them, it was stances. It was calculated that, provided DECISION TO GO ON.

attack which might give us the tactical on their right and made progress towards were beaten off by the 29th Division on reasonable to hone that masses of secrecy could be the last It was not possible, however, to let points we sought. Meanwhile, on other Villers Guislain from sorrento large hostile reinforcements matters stand as they were. The positions parts of the front the organisation of south-west on the south and this era repulsed in the neighbourhood through, whose task would be thoroughly

front, and

hostile would and it possible to now positions was proceeding as were likely to reach the scene of action captured by us north of Fleequieres were our n

The attack of the Guards, which for forty-eight hours after the commence completely commanded by the Boarion rapidly as conditions would allow delivered with the greatest gallantry and Bourlon. With the Bonavis Ridge in the command and inter-communication in the of Marcoing, Fontaine-notre-Dame, and to disorganise the enemy systems of Ridge, and unless this ridge were gained GERMAN ATTACK-EARLY WARNINGS,

the_Canal de however, Masnieres whole area between

except

zeaucourt and made progress on the

was

ment of the attack. I informed Generalit would be impossible to hold them, Baring the last days of November in ground known as the St. Quentin Ridge was exposed to attack on three sides, and Escaut, the River Senseo, and the the Hon Sir Julian Byng, K.C.Bat excessive cost. If I decided not to go

resolution, drove the enemy out high amy's hands, K.C.M.G. M.V.O to whom the execu on a withdrawal to the Flesquieres Ridge creased registration of hostile artillery, east of the village In this operation ᎵᏗ . the right of December 1-2 our Canal du Nord as well as to the east and tion of the plans in connection with the would be necessary, and would have to be the movements of troops and transport the Guards were materially assisted by troops were withdrawn under orders to a north-east of Cambrai, ma Cambrai operations was entrusted, that carried out at once. On the other hand, observed behind the German lines togethe gallant action of a party of the 28th line west of the village. On the after

My intentions as regards subsequent the advance would be stopped by me the enemy showed certain signs of anther with other indications of a like an Division, who, with a company of North noon of December and a series of heavy exploitation were to push westward and after that time, or sooner if necessary intention to withdraw, unices the results then gained and the been formed at road junctions,

Craters had tare, pointed to further eforts by the Midland Royal Engineers, held on attacks developed against Welsh Ridge, north westward, taking the Hindenburg

and troops general situation justified its continuance could be seen ready to move east. The had wrested from him. The front effect old trench near Gouzeaucourt. Valuable and further assaults were ade on our River Scarpe, and capturing all the enemy to regain the positions throughout the day to a position in an in the neighbourhood of La Vacquerie, Line, in revered from Meuvres to the The general plan of attack was to dis- possession of Bourlon Ridge would enable ed by this increased activity included work was also done by a brigade of field positions in the neighbourhood of Mas enemy's defences and probably most of his pense with previous artillery prepara- our troops to obtain observation over the that of our advance, as well as the ground artillery of the 47th Division, which rieres and Bourlon. These attacks were garrisons lying west of a line from tion, and to depend instead on tanks to ground to the north, which sloped gently to Vendhuille and beyond. The massing moved direct into ection from the line broken in succession by our machine gun Cambrai northwards to the Senseo and smash through the enemy's wire, of which down to the Sensee River. The enemy's of the enemy's infantry, however, his of march. there was a great quantity protecting defensive lines south of the Scarpe and obvious anxiety concerning the security battalions of tanke which when they re tempts against Welsh Ridge and gradual Time would have been required to enabl During the afternoon three fire, but the enemy persisted in the at south of that river and the Scarpe his trenches. As soon as the advance of Senseo River would thereby be turned of his defences south of the Sensee Biverceived news of the attack were preparly gained ground. By nightfall our line us to develop and complete the operation the tanks and infantry, working in close his communications exposed to the the tactical importance of the highing to move away from the battlefield had been pushed back to a position west but the prospects of gaining the neces en-operation, began, the artillery was to observed fire of our artillery, and his ground about Bourlon, and the fact that to refit arrived at Gouzeaucourt and and north of Gonnelien Next day the sary time, by the use of cavalry in th assist with counter-battery and barrage positions in this sector jeopardised. In we were still only in partial possession aided the infantry to hold the recaptured enemy renewed his attacks it great force manner outlined above, were in m work; but no previous registration of short, so great was the importance of the of it, all pointed to the principal attack ground. Great credit is due to the offi guns for this purpose could be permit ridge to the enemy that its loss would being delivered in the Bourlon sector-

on the whole front from Gonnelieu to opinion good enough to justify theat probably cause the abandonment by the

cers and men of the Tank Brigade con Marcoing, and ultimately gained posse tempt to execute the plan. I am ted, as it would rouse the enemy's sus Germens of their carefully prepared DISPOSITIONS FOR DEFENCE cerned for the speed with which they sion of La Vacquerie North of Lapinion that on November 20th and si picions. The artillery of our new Armies defence systems for a considerable this

Measures were accordingly taken, both brought their tanks into action. Mean Voqueris repeated attacks made about we went very near to a succes sufficientl was therefore necessarily subjected to a tance to the north of it. The successive by the Third Army, and by the lower while, the defence of La Vaqueria had Manieres and Marcoing were repulsed complete to bring the realisation of ou severe test in this itself entirely worthy of the confidence had placed a very severe strain upon the eventualities. Arrangements, had, baline had been established to the north a retained by us beyond the Canal del reasons for my decision to continue t

the ation and proved days of constant marching and fighting formations concerned, to prepare for been successfully maintained, and our Ma

fin severe fighting, but the positions still full programme within our power. T Plery thus.

In it. The infantry, tanks, and endurance of the troops, and before a wade after our last attack to relieve the tont village in touch with our

with our troops and were extremely exposed, and Sght after November 21st have alreat working rough all further advance could be

WONDERFUL. DEFENCE OF ENGLISH TROOPS. to be spent in such fresh divisions as were available,

In the northern area, from Fontaine drawn under orders to the west banks of resting and relieving them. This need for and when these reliefs had been satisfac day. If this were successfully ace delay was fegrettable, as the enemy's Tory completed. I felt confident that the Dotre-Dame to Tadpole Copse, the Ger. the canal.

defence

of this sector could be considered an attack was not launched until some were increasing, and fresh German

from two hours later. This was the enemy's

British

were to endeavour to break

all

the enemy's lines of defence on the first time would have to undertaken, troops holding the Bourlon positions by in fasnieres during the night our troops were with been explained. Though in the event i

of WITHDRAWAL FROM POURLON By this time the enemy had evidently

advantage was gained thereby, I sti commider that, as the problem present itself at the time, the more cautio course would have been-- difficult

plished and the situation developed 10tons were known to be arriving, but secure Lovering our right flank main attack, and was carried out with become exhausted by the efforts he had justify. It must be remembered that

passed through to raid the enemy's

favourably, cavalry were then to be

Communications, disorganise his Bystem of command, damage his railways, and command, it was unavoidable tenes of about 1,000 yards, fire

It was to be remembered, however, that divisions were disposed and, though a heavy preliminary bombardment, and December 4th, passed comparatively we stood, but of abandoning tactis covered by an artillery barrage, the quietly. For some days, however, local positions of value, gained with gro enemy's infantry advanced shortly after fighting continued in the neighbourhood gallantry, the retention of which seem me am, in dense waves, in the manner of La Vacquerie, and his attitude remain not only to be within our power

Leoal attacks in this likely even yet to lead to further suc of his attacks in the first battle of Ypres ed aggressive.

interfere as much as possible with the arrival of his reinforcements. It was explained to all commanders that every thing depended on secrecy up to the moment of starting, and after that on

the hostile reinforcements coming up at these had been fighting for several days this stage could at first be no more than and were constiquently tired, I felt con enough to replace the enemy's losses; and fident that they would prove equal to elthough the right of our advance had stopping any attack the enemy could