THE FLANDERS BATTLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16824, 15 April 1918, Page 4

THE FLANDERS BATTLE.

Encouraged by the success of their initial efforts in Southern Flanders, the Germans have apparently withdrawn all their available forces from the Picardy region, and devoted their resources to a desperate attempt to overwhelm the British Second Army, and to force their way to the Channel ports. After a fortnight of intense effort, the Germans have completely changed their plans, and instead of Amiens, they are now striving to reach Hazebrouck. Apart from local actions, designed to prevent the movement of reserves, the struggle is now concentrated on the plain of Flanders, and with the advantage of the elaborate system of railways, which enabled him to effect the first great concentrations, the enemy is pouring reinforcements into the battle. But as in the struggle for Amiens, the impetus of the enemy's first attack has been checked, and such progress as the Germans are now making has been bought at a heavy prico. The salienl created during the first four days of the battle has been both deepened and widened, so that the centro of the German attack is within seven miles of Hazebrouck, with the German right beating against the fringe of the Ypre'ridges. The attacks upon the Messines-WyHchaete ridge have been continued with a reckless disregard of the cost, but it seems the crest of the ridge and the ruins of the two villages are still held by the British troops. The position is, however, far from secure. Advancing from Warneton, the Germans have pressed their way into the Douve Valley, outflanking the isolated height of Ploegsteerfc Wood, which has been resigned to them, and they have attacked the British positions about Wulverghem, in th« valley west of Messincs, and on the high ground of Neuve Eglise. It thus appears that the enemy threatens to turn the whole position in the Ypres salient, established during last year's campaign, and to place the Second Army in a serious predicament by seizing Hazebrouck, and thus cutting its main line of supply. In the face of this perilous situation, Sir Douglas Haig has appealed to his army, acknowledging its triumphs of courage and endurance during the past three weeks, and calling upon it to make yet another heroic effort. French reserves are being hurried to the threatened front, and other measures are no doubt being taken to neutralise the enemy's advantage of superior numbers. With the effort to hold the enemy to the present limit of his advance, the battle will reach its climax, and its issue will probably appear with the next few days.