CHAULNES AND ROYE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16218, 24 August 1918, Page 4

CHAULNES AND ROYE.

WHY THEY HAVE NOT FALLEN. Chaulnes and Roye, on the centre of the Allied attacking front, are still strongly held by the enemy, and the earlier unofficial reports of their capture I)3* the Allies have been denied. It may appear strange to many that the Allies should make such rapid and apparently irresistible progress towards these vital points, and yet be stopped when they are almost within reach, of them. The explanation, however, may he found in the fact that their importance is as apparent to the enemy as it is to the Allies. When a breach is created in an opponent’s line his forces fall back along the most suitable, roads and railways to a new line, where it is intended a further stand shall be made. It is natural, therefore, that he should find himself stronger, around centres like Roye and Chaulnes, where main roads and railways converge. By feeding in reinforcements from the opposite direction the enemy adds to his strength there, and, as the advancing forces have by this time got well ahead of their artillory, the increased resistance which they encounter must have its. effect. During his drive in March last, the enemy enjoyed many advantages which do not at present operate in favour of tho Allies. Every advance which he made then lengthened the Allied lino, and rendered more difficult their task of repairing the breach which had been created opposite St. Quentin. In the present ease every Gorman retirement shortens their front and reduces the task devolving on the defence. In spite of their advantages in March last, the Germans had to depend upon a great weight of men in order to sustain mobility after the second and third day*s. They did not hesitate to make heavy sacrifices of men in order to overcome Allied resistance at points which they considered vital. The Allies do not appear to have been anxious to follow this costly example at Chaulnes and Roye.