ENEMY DESPERATELY ATTACKING

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3154, 4 August 1917, Page 7

ENEMY DESPERATELY ATTACKING

GALLANT DEEDS BY THE ANZACS THE RUSSIAN RETREAT GRAVE REPORTS OF THE STATE OF THE ARMY To-day, the third day of the great Battle of Ypres, the situation, according to Mr. Philip Gibbs, is exactly the same as at the end of the first day. Incessant rain end a soaked battlefield, coupled with desperate attempts by the enemy to restore hig lost prestige, all combine to Tetard whatever Haig's plans may be for developing his offensive. Prom two sources to-day the work of the Ana tralians and New Zealanders in hold- ' ■ ing the extreme right of the new line- is highly praised. The comments on the battle are interesting. Sir William Robertson discusses tho question of the strength of the defensive in modern warfare, and comes to the conclusion that it is yet too early to determine whether a modern defensive can be rendered impregnable. At any rate, he eays: "If the array holding the defensive—as the Germans are doing—does not attack, the nation' behind it will give way. The odds are with the Allies." Colonel Ttepington, "The Times" military critic, considers that the opening phases of this, the third Battle of Ypres, will always remain a wonderful achievement for the British Army. The news from Russia is still depressing. The armies are still in retreat, and the situation is being discussed at Petrograd at a continuous session of representatives of the Soldiers' and Workmen's, and Peasants' delegates, representatives of the armies on the various fronts, and the Socialist Ministers. The reports on the state of the army are grave. The general disorganisation of the troops is ascribed to war weariness. All agree on the point that the Army must be regenerated and reorganised at all costs.