THE BATTLE OF CAMBRAI.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11478, 5 March 1918, Page 5

THE BATTLE OF CAMBRAI.

DESPATCH FROM HAIG. WHY HE PRESSED ON. ' Received March 5, 10 a.m. Loudon, Marcli. 4. Sir Douglas Haig in a dispatch to the war ollice, dealing with the battle of Cambrai, mentions that it was proposed to stop attacks forty eight Hours after their commencement, or sooner, if tlx© results did not justify continuance. In detailing the reason for continuance after the ex ; : iry of this period, Sir Douglas Haig states that the positions captured north of Flesquieres were completely commanded by the Bourbon ridge, and must have been abandoned unless the ridge was gained. On the other hand the enemy showed signs of withdrawing, and the loss of the, ridge would probably cause the Germans to ■ abainrouj; carefully prepared defence systems for a considerable distance north-ward. The enemy was not yet too strong in the Bourbon region to he overcome by the numbers at Haig’s disposal.

AN ARGUMENT FOR CONTIN UATION.

Ail additional important argument for continuing the attack was the enemy offensive in Italy; Moreover two divisions under orders'for Italy were placed at Haig’s disposal. Therefore the prospect of securing Bourlon seemed good. THE COUNTER ATTACK. Dealing with the enemy counterattack on the thirtyfirst of November Haig says «t the northern end of Bomiirs .Ridge and the Gonuelien sector the swiftness of the enemy’s advance, after the opening bombardment, appears to h.-ve overwhelmed our troops both in the line and immediate support, alifiost before they realised the attack..!) id begun. The nature of the bombardment contributed to the success of the enemy’s plana.

THE DIFFIOULVT OF THE TROOPS.

No steadily advancing barrage gave warning of the approach of the German assault columns, whose secret assembly was assisted by the formation of the ground and morning mist. Great number of lowllying German aeroplanes rained machine-gun fire upon our infantry, while the extensive use of smoke shells and bombs made it difficult for our troops to see what was happening on other p;rts of the battlefield. PRAISE FOR THE TROOPS.

There is little doubt, although attacks were expected generally, yet these were'Under difficult conditions. While this assua.lt effected a local surprise. Haig says the greatest credit is due to the troops at Masnieres, Bonilor and Moeuores for their gallant service on this day. Their steady courage and staunchness again saved Opposition from serious consequences.

VALUE OF THE OPERATIONS,

Dealing with results of the Oambrai battle Sir D. Haig says there is little doubt that it was of considerable indirect sasistance to the Allied forces in Italy, where large demauds.wero made upon available German reserves,at times when the great concentration of German divisions was still being maintained in Flanders. Evidence is that German divisions intended for the Italian theatre were directed to Cambrai. It was probable that further concentrations of German forces in Italy were necessary at the most critical f period when the Italians were making their first stand on Piave.

german;;partial success. The partial success of the enemy’s attack may te> d to show that the garrison on this front was insufficient, either owing to want of numbers, lack of training or exhaustion. Haig emphasises the point that captured maps and orders prove that the enemy aimed at far greater results than be achieved. THREE CONVERGENT ATTACKS.

Were to bo made on a salient formed by -the Britisli advance. Two of these were d elivered apuroxima'tely simultaneously near joimeliea-imd Masnierea, followed by r< siill more powerful attack on Bouriou. The objectives of these