SURPRISE IN THE WEST.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11478, 5 March 1918, Page 7

SURPRISE IN THE WEST.

GERMAN OFFENSIVE TAOTICS. Loudon, Feb. 20. Mr Perry Robinson, correspondent of the Times at the British headquarters, states that the fiercest battle the world has ever seen is about to break. It may be days, but at thevtmost weeks, have to withstand missed attacks of troops backed by mechanical assistance, and trained to a degree never before seen. The German army and people are worked up to such a pitch of expectancy that a postponement of the offensive is impossible without a collapse. Like a horse trained to run at a certain date, they would be overtrained unless soon brought to the post. Ourlmeu are calm and confident. German aeroplanes are dropping wholesale behind the lines copies of the Continental Times and Gazette Ardennes, printed in English. The propaganda falls on stoney ground. M. Marcel Hutiu, writing to the Echo de Paris, says the main German offensive will be against the with a great demonstration on the French front.

Reuter’s correspondent |snys that the enemy attempt to break through may come at any moment, and while the French will doubtless have to withstand the shock of heavy numbers, a grand attack will be hurled against the British somewhere between Arras and St. Quentin.

Evidence goes to show that the coming offensive will be conducted upon principles of surprise. The winter training of the enemy divisions h s been based upon the idea of repeating the tactics which succeeded in Galicia, at Ragi, ami on the Izouzo. The enemy’s training exorcises have been based on the principle of the infantry breaking through without artillery ' preparation. This confirms the belief that the Germans will employ tanks, and it is probable that exciting tank duels will be witnessed. If this proves to be so numbers and experience will be on our side. The enemy is also expecting great results from new poisoujfgas, and we know they intend using gas shells in the freest possible manner. Another interesting fact has been revealed. While the new method of enemy attack lias the entire confidence of the German officers, the men regard it with dismay, declaring that local successes only will he purchased at a frightful cost. Anyway, it is manifest that in the forthcoming gamble the German High Command intends to bo absolutely reckless regarding wastage of men.

The special correspondent at French headquarters of the Daily Chronicle says: Some soldiers believe that the enemy will make a dramatic, but limited, blow on the French front, instead of an offensive on a grand scale. The Oharujiiigne sector offers difficulties for an attack because it is commanded by the crescent of hills on the Rheims Plateau, and by the Moronvillors massif. The French desired information regarding the German fortress at Brimout. They therefore poured 5000 shells into -,the enemy’s lines in 15 minutes, and then made a raid, xho officer who led the raiders pointed the direction in which they were to go with his cane. The French destroyed trenches, captured the occupants, who had been stunned by the bombardment, and secured valuable information. A corporal returned, carrying a German machine gun, and singing ‘‘The Toreador” song at the top of iiis voice.