TRIUMPH OF TANKS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 145999, 4 December 1917, Page 7

TRIUMPH OF TANKS.

GREAT NUAFBER EAt PLOYED. WONDERFUL ORGANISATION. LONDON, Nov. 21. Air. Rem’ Robinson, the Times correspondent "at British headquarters, writes; —To-day’s attack was one of tho sharpest and most hitter surprises the Germans over experienced. While they concentrated their attention in Flanders wo attacked their three elaborate, enormously strong, scientificallyperfected trench lives. The most striking feature of tho fight after its secrecy was tlio overwhelming fleets of tanks which wore present in great numbers during the earlier stages. Tho field, unlike Flanders, was little shell-torn, and facilitated the rapid advance in the darkness. Tho tanks at last had their real opportunity. They were magnificently used. They crushed down tier after tied of the stoutest wire.

At many points wo hear intoxicating reports of tho tanks singly or in droves romping freely, and encouraging and guiding the infantry to various villages. The rapid-striding dawn, tho. smooth, dry country, and tho green grass cxI’.ilarated tho troops, who had been accustomed to the awful wilderness and hideous slime of shell-holes.

Great precautions had been taken to secure secrecy. After five o’clock the Germans were still uncannily Ouiot. There was occasional desultory shooting. It was hard to believe that we were on the verge of. a great battle. It was astonishingly audacious to send a large, noisy tank to force the teeth of the enemv linos, but it was not discovered until it was too late. The guns, ammunition, men, horses, and supplies, which were brought up in masses for the great moment, were not betrayed by a single false move.

Tiie organisation was as wftnderful ns tlie plan of attack was original, bold, and noon. It was dawn before the first German great gun spoke. Then red rockets leaned along tbe, whole line, nailing for help from tho gunners. Very little came. The, opposition through out the attacks was nowhere serious, and nnr casualties were extra,AOii£aril£,hiakb>