WHAT THE VICTORY MEANS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 1016, 8 November 1917, Page 5

WHAT THE VICTORY MEANS

GERMANS FOUGHT DESPERATELY Auatrfilisn-Now Zealand Cable Association. LONDON. Nov. 6. j Mr Phillip Gibbs writes:, “With thank-’ fulness we can record to-day what we bo- 1 Hove will prove to bo the capture of the Passchendaolo crest of the crown ridge, which made a great barrier around the, Ypres salient, hemming us into the flats and swamps. I The Canadians, after, heroically attacking this morning, fought their way through the ruins of Passchendaolo into the ground beyond. If the gains can be bold they will sot the seal to the most terrific achievement of war ever attempted and carried , through by British arms alone. Wc who i aro out here alone can know the valour and sacrifices which have carried the waves of our men up the slopes in the battles of the campaign, commencing at Massines and culminating at Passchendaclc. Only wo understand the meaning to-day of this battle, and wo thrill because it means victory. Mr Gibbs concludes: Over this ground the young manhood of Germany spent itself.' It was not’ worthless ground upon which they suffered agonies. They fought desperately. They came on again in massed counter-attacks, but were swept to pieces by our lire. 1 Passchendaolo must bo bold at all costs, and if lost must be regained at all costs. It seems likely ; that the enemy lias definitely lost Passchendaelc. The Canadians had more luck than the English. Australians and New Zealanders, who fought up the slope in an heroic endeavour. Nobody begrudges the Canadians the honour they have gained, not, oas- 1 ily, but at the usual price of victor \ — some men’s deaths and many men’s pain.