THE WEEK'S SURVEY NO NEW MAIN TRIAL OF STRENGTH

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 59, 7 September 1914, Page 7

THE WEEK'S SURVEY NO NEW MAIN TRIAL OF STRENGTH

OPERATIONS GREAT, BUT MERELY STRATEGIC INCIDENTS (Received September 7, 11 a.m.) LONDON, 6th September. The Press Bureau states/ in a general survey of the week's operations, that there has been no new main trial of strength. There have been battles in various parts of the front, which in other wars would have been considered operations of the first magnitude, but which are now merely incidents of a strategic withdrawal and contraction necessitated by the initial shock on the frontiers and in Belgium, and also by the enormous strength of the Germans thrown west. ALLIES' STRATECY IN HARMONY. While suffering heavily through weakness, the British acted in harmony with the French strategy. The British at Cambrai, on the 26th, successfully guarded the left flank of the whole French line from a deadly turning attack, which was supported by an enormous force. A MARKED AND SOLID SUCCESS. ' Since then< the Seventh French Army, supporting our left, and in conjunction with the Fifth Army on our right, greatly relieved the strain and pressure. The Fifth Army, on the 29th, advanced from the line of the Oise to counter the German advance. In a considerable battle to the south of Guise, the French gained a marked and solid success, driving back three army corps with heavy loss and in disorder. The Allies' general retirement, however, continued. The Germans were seeking persistently -after the British, But remained in practically continuous contact with oyt rearguards. NO HALT UNTIL MUCH SLAUGHTER TAKES PLACE. On Tuesday the Germans made a very vigorous effort at 'Compiegne, where the first British cavalry of the Fourth Guards' Brigades were principally engaged. The brunt fell on the Guards, who lost 300 killed and wounded. _ The Germans were not brought to a standstill until much slaughter had been inflicted. Till Wednesday, marching and fighting were continuous The casualties are estimated at 15,000, but many of the missing may rejoin the colours. The Allies' losses do not amount to one-third of those inflicted on the enemy, and the sacrifice is not out of proportion to the achievement. Nineteen thousand reinforcements have arrived. The British are now south of Marne, with French on either side. The First German Army is reported to bo between La Ferte-sous-Jouarre and Essisesvoffort (? Lizy-sur-Ourcq), the Second advancing east of ChateauThierry, the Fourth marching southwards between Suippes and Ville-sur-Tourbe. The British have established a personal ascendency over the Germans, who are conscious of the result, and are not doubtful of the numbers of the forces. Even the rifle fire devastated every column in the attack. Superior training and intelligence enable the British to cope with vast numbers. MARKED SUPERIORITY OF BRITISH ARMS. General French, in his report, dwells on the marked superiority of every arm of the service. The cavalry can do as it likes until confronted with thrice their number of Germans. Patrols_ simply fly before our horsemen, whilst troops will not face our infantry. In spite of almost tropical weather, and long, trying marches, the men are well and hearty, and the horses in excellent condition.