THE FLANDERS ATTACK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16970, 2 October 1918, Page 6

THE FLANDERS ATTACK.

The capture of Messines Ridge, following the storming of Passchendaele Ridge and Houthulst Forest, opens an extremely promising situation in Flanders. The British and Belgian troops are now farther east in this region than ever before. They hold practically the whole of Houthulst Forest, which they did not capture last year, and instead of commanding only the crest of Passchendaele Ridge they have descended the slopes and are advancing on the plain towards Roulers and Menin. The severity of the third battle of Ypres last year is an indication of the value both sidos placed on the ridge, and its recapture at one stroke is a striking proof of the ascendancy which the Allies have established over the enemy. Passchendaele Ridge has the same value to the German forces in Belgium as the Hindenburg line h,as to the army occupying Northern France. Both aro bulwarks which are irreplaceable. There will doubtless be defences on the plain ,the Allies are now entering, but they cannot be of the some strength as the ridge. Every mile gained in Flanders is of enormous value. The thrust east of Ypres is steadily outflanking the' submarine bases to the north and the industrial region to the south. Roulers and Menin are I both north and slightly east of Lille, and the continuation of the advance which has been so auspiciously begun will quickly threaten that groat centre, the populous towns of Roubaix and Tourcoing, which lie beyond, and the coal belt of Northern France and Belgium. This is a region Germany cannot lose without decreasing her munitionment resources. She will' doubtless fight .hard before contemplating any extensive retreat at this point, but she will have to fight without the advantage of .the natural defences she has so often enjoyed, and the result of the, battle may prove disastrous for her. A crushing German defeat in Flanders is one of the immediate possibilities of tho situa- | tion. Such anxiety as may be felt in allied countries is due solely to doubt whether the weather will hold long enough to permit Marshal Foch to complete his task. It should be possible to continue the campaign for at least six weeks. The third battle of Ypres reached its greatest intensity last October, and the first battle did not commence till October 21 and continued till November 11. Much may happen before the weather breaks this year, and if the 'German . army escapes complete destruction it ' will at least be seriously weakened.