RESULT OF THE OPERATIONS

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 82, 5 October 1915, Page 7

RESULT OF THE OPERATIONS

SIR JOHN FRENCH'S DESCRIPTION. DEFINITE STAGE OF THE GREAT BATTLE REACHED. , t LONDON, 4rd October. Sir John French, in a special order of the day, dated 3rd October, says : "We have now reached a definite stage of the great battle. « "Our Allies southward ha.ye pierced the enemy's last line of entrenchments and effected large captures of prisoners and guns. The Tenth French Army on our right has been heavily opposed, but has been brilliantly successful in securing the Vimy ridge. ', "The operations of the British have been most successful and have had great and important results. The First and Fourth Army Corps, on the morning of the 25th, carried the enemy's first and most powerful line of entrenchments, extending our extreme right flank from Cernay to a point north of the Hohenzollern redoubt — a distance of 6500 yards. ''The position was exceptionally strong, consisting of a double line, including large redoubts, a network of trenches, and bomb-proof shelters. Some of the dug-outs in a large number of cases were 30ft below the ground. "The Eleventh Army Corps, Third Cavalry Division, and Twentieth Division were subsequently thrown into the fight, and after the vicissitudes attendant on every great battle, the enemy's second line of posts was 'taken, and the commanding position of Hill 70 was finally captured. "The British established and consolidated a strong line close to the German third and last line. "The main operations south of La Batflco were much facilitate fey aith»

sidiary attacks by the Third and Indian Army. Corps, and the Second Army. "The operations of the Fifth Army Corps east of Ypres rendered great help. "We made important captures. The •total British captures are over three thousand men, twenty-five guns, and many machine-guns. The enemy suffered heavy losses, particularly in his counter-attacks and endeavours to wrest back the captured positions. "I desire to express my deep appreciation of the Army's splendid work, and heartfelt thanks for the brilliant leadership of Sir Douglas Haig and the generals under his orders. In the main attack the troops displayed magnificent spirit, indomitable -courage, and dogged tenacity. The old army, new army, and Territorials vied with each other in heroism. lam confident that the same glorious spirit will continue until our. efforts are crowned witn final victory." THE KING'S MESSAGE. [ LONDON, 4th October. j The King has sent a message to Sir John French reading :—"I: — "I heartily congratulate you, and all rank's, on the success of your gallant efforts since the commencement of the combined attack. "I recognise that this strenuous and determined fighting is but the prelude to, greater deeds & nd further victories. "I trust that the sick and wounded are doing well." Sir John^ French replied: — "The forces j are deeply grateful for your Majesty's I message.' There are no sacrifices which [ ttye tioops are not prepared to make to uphold the traditions of the Army, and to secure a final and complete victory." IMPORTANCE OF THE PRESENT CRISIS. (TIMES AND SYDNKt SUN SBKVJCBS.) (Received October 5, 8 a.m.) LONDON, 4th October. Anthony Beltoe (?Hilaire Belloc) declares that if the present crisis turns in our favour it will decide the issUfc of the war. We must not expect, a con.tinued »pid aivance,...hut. rather, a^w&t

of rushes, ending in a full retirement of the enemy or a halt not far from the first line. The disproportion of German officers to men captured corroborates the evidence of a serious dearth of officers.