In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 24, 22 December 1916, Page 5

In the West

EFFECT OF SOMME OFFENSIVE. ktsf‘J « 3 V ■ ’• . ; f i: ■ •-!■ 2 CE R |VI A NS, LIN CT H E PINCH. T AsinJ— Gohyright.—Australian > lian and N.Z, Cable Association. (Received 12.10 p.m.) Paris, December 21. General de La Roix, analysing the results of the Somme offensive upon the Verdun situation, says: In June it was serious. The Germans had twenty-tWo divisions and six hundred batteries in action, with twelve divisions in reserve for the 1 rancoBritish offensive, and by 9th July were compelled to have eleven of their reserve divisions engaged on the Somme. Finally, the Germans were obliged to detach units from all the calmer sections of the front. During July the Crown Prince was compelled to give up }OO batteries, and during August he gave up part of his infantry and aeroplanes. Only 18£ Divisions were left in October, when another 100 batteries were taken.