EXPECTATION OF FURTHER GERMAN THRUSTS IN WEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16848, 13 May 1918, Page 5

EXPECTATION OF FURTHER GERMAN THRUSTS IN WEST

I* REINFORCEMENTS IN FLANDERS AND ON SOMME.

HEAVY BLOWS AT THREE POINTS PREDICTED.

Australian and N.Z. (Received 6.5 p.m.) ' > LONDON, May 10. A high authority states: Nothing of great importance has occurred in France. The attack on the La Clytte-Voormezeele sector was merely local. The Germans have put in considerable fresh divisions on the Somme and in Flanders since last week, and it is almost certain he will continue to attack the heights in Flanders, and also endeavour to capture the high ground in the direction of Amiens. Bad weather began 24 hours before we entered Kirkuk, in Mesopotamia, and prevented us from capturing more Turks. Our transport operation is fraught with considerable difficulties. The operations have had a good effect on the Persian border tribes, many of whom are now co-operating with us. Sir Edmund Allenby's decision to retire to the original bridgeheads east of the Jordan was not influenced by the loss of nine guns, but was entirely due to the fact that his operations had been delayed at the moment when success depended on rapidity. The operations could not obtain the results at which he had aimed. The Rotterdam correspondent of the Daily Telegraph states that the Austfians and Germans are being re-grouped and fresh artillery massing for the resumption of the battle on at least three points. These are Flanders, the Amiens salient and the Italian front. There are indications of at least two attacks being made simultaneously. Although there are few Germans in Italy Ludendorff is master of; the Austrian armies, and has imposed his will upon war-sick politicians regarding the part Austrians must play. The German Staff's energies are now devoted to the problem of developing greater speed in following up any initial success. The generals responsible for the St. Quentin attack attribute its final failure to incomplete co-operation between artillery and infarit.-y. Contrary to expectations, the further infantry advanced the more essential artillery co-operation became, as the retreaters were always drawing nearer their own fixed batteries. The Germans are seeking fresh devices, including the application of the tank principle to shifting batteries. Fresh troops are being subjected to extraordinary intensive training, with special attention to open order work, all soldiers using live bombs. There have been some casualties in this training, but they are considered to be justified in accustoming men to handling live missiles.