Second Edition. WITH THE BRITISH TROOPS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14463, 30 November 1914, Page 7

Second Edition. WITH THE BRITISH TROOPS.

FIELD-MARSHAL FRENCH’S DESPATCH THE BATTLES OF YPRES AND ARMENTIERES. Press Association—Telegraph.—Copyright. Received November 30, 2.25 pm. LONDON, November 29. - Field Marshal French, in a despatch covering the battles of Y pres and Armentieres, describes the transference of ; British troops from the Aisne to Fland- ■ ers for the purpose of strenuously supporting the Allies’ northern flank, and! so out-flanking the enemy, the excellent Anglo-French feeling rendered this delicate operation so successful. The despatch shown that about this time Major-General Rawlinson, with cavalry and infantry operating in support of the Belgian' army, were assisting in the withdrawal from Antwerp, consequently I the battle line in Flanders formed by the j British forces was from the 'Aisne, ad- j vanning northward, and Major-General Rawlisonn falling back to the line of the Yser. It is noteworthy that the Field Marshal says the position on La Bassee throughout has defied all attempts to capture it either by the French or British. Major-General Rawlinson’s successful operations in the neighbourhood of Ghent and Antwerp had a great influence on the course of subsequent operations. His forces fought with the utmost gallantry without supports. A question of vital importance arose on the 19th October, when the Belgians, after their hard fighting, were exhausted and in need of support to resist the threatened turning movement, which was calculated to lay bare the Channel ports. Thereupon, at the risk of having to operate on an extended front elsewhere, he directed General Haigh to move the first army corps northwards of Ypres, and so avoid sucli disastrous consequences as being outflanked towards Calais. General Haigh’s object was to advance throughout for the eventual capture of Bruges, subsequently, if it was possible, to drive ■ the enemy towards Ghent. BRITISH AND FRENCH HARD PRESSED. MARVELLOUS FIGHTING POWER DISPLAYED. General Haigh advanced, but owing to large and unexpected reinforcements for the enemy arriving and pressing bo Hi the British and French, he took up a position on the outskirts of Ypres. Meanwhile, the remainder of the British line was successfully resisting the enemy’s attacks with .marvellous fighting power , and indomitable courage. No more arduous task was ever assigned British soldiers, and never was the call answered more magnificently. Ho decided, after a consultation with Genera! Joffre, to hold our hues against the enemy’s attempts.to outflank or break through. General Joffre promising reinforcements. The Field Marshal was present with General Haigh at the most critical moment during the whole of the great battle, when the first divisions were retiring at Logue. / “ A GREAT RALLY. GERMANS BADLY PUNISHED. Received November 30, 2.55 p.m. LONDON, November 29. The division, however, rallied and recaptured Gheluvelt. This rally at such a time was fraught with momentous consequences. If one unit can bo singled out for especial praise it is the Worcesters. In the meantime the enemy’s centre was heavily pressing the third and the cavalry corps. , As the position of the cavalry at St. Ypres was in danger, a counter-attack was planned by Colonels Hunter, Weston, and Anley, and successfully beat the Germans who suffered great loss. The staunchness of the Royal Lancasters and Lancashire fusiliers was commendable. Thye were well handled by LieutenantColonel Butler. Sir John French makes special notice of the excellent work of General Poultoney and his staff, the divisional regimental leaders and men holding the front, for very undue length and invariable success, courage, tenacity, and cheefulness.