SECRET OF THE MARNE.

Colonist, Volume LXII, Issue 15307, 21 February 1920, Page 2

SECRET OF THE MARNE.

DEADLY THRUST LAUNCHED

BY BRITISH

A\ho delivered the final Wow -which compelled the Germans to retreat at the first battle of theT-Marne? -This is a question w hicH for five years has been a matter of acute controversy. The secret has been closely kept by the German Staff. It has • now been divulged by the publication of the instructions issued by the German Supreme Command on September 10, 1914, which prove that the advance of the British caused the German retreat. This in no way derogates from the magnificent achievement of the French Staff and troops, who bore by far the heaviest burden in that terrific struggle, and covered themselves with undying renown, and whose efforts enabled the British "Contemptibles" to make the deadly thrust. The German instructions have never before been, printed in this country. They' are taken from '.Die Marneschfecht,' a book recently published in Germany by General liaumgarten - Crusius, who himseif served on the staff of the Third German Army. They are given below in a literal translation, only the words in brackets having been added by the translator :—

"The First (German) Army (Kluck's) on September 9 (1914) was engaged in a battle—which was generally successful and specially favourable on the I'ight wing—against very superior French and British . forces attacking from Paris and from the south-east, ou a ; line from Nanteuil to east of Meaux. Its left flank on the Marne was. secured by a mixed brigade, and by the Second Cavalry Corps. Tlje Second Army (13ulow) had bent its right wing backwards near Montmirail and Fontenelle, and covered itself by the First Cavalry Corps on the Dollan sector, north-west ot Fontenelle. About noon of September 9. strong British forces thrust towards the Marne in the tod between tko First and Second Armies. The brigade covering the left wing of the First Army attacked tha advancing" enemy in conjunction with the Second Cavalry ! Corps and the Fifth Infantry Division, [ and so enabled the Frst Army to withdraw its left wing, which was in great danger in the direction of Coulombs as the result t>f thi» (British) thrust the Second Army was also Compelled to retire its right wing, notwithstanding the excellent progress of the attack winch its left was conducting, strengthened by half the . Third A/^iy. The '.Second) Army to-day holds, wit*j strong rearguards, the line Dormans-Avize-Pocanoy."