ENEMY COMPELLED TO BREAK UP EIGHT DIVISIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16946, 4 September 1918, Page 5

ENEMY COMPELLED TO BREAK UP EIGHT DIVISIONS.

BATTALION STRENGTH REDUCED IN MANY CASES. Australian and X.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, Sept. 2. The facts ascertained regarding the enemy's man-power show that there are 196 divisions on the battlefront now. compared with 204 when the offensive began. The enemy has been compelled to break up eight divisions for drafts to replace losses, and has also broken up several assault battalions and reduced the battalions to three companies instead of four in at least eight divisions. Only two Austrian divisions are on the west front, and their fighting capabilities and quality are doubtful. Obviously the, enemy's man-power situation is not good. It is significant that he has made several changes in his high command. Two army commanders have retired, and the Crown Prince has been deprived of half his army corps, which has been transferred to von Boehm. Amsterdam reports state that 150 senior German officers, ranging from generals to colonels, have been relieved of their commands on the western front. The Crown Prince and Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria are not likely to return to the western front for a long time. Prince Rupprecht is living in a chateau in Bavaria, and the Crown Prince is at Potsdam.