FLOODS AND BOGS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 103, 24 January 1918, Page 5

FLOODS AND BOGS

THE TERRAIN ON THE WESTERN FRONT ENEMY IN FLOODED DUGOUTS London, January 22. Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: "Tho relief from the incessant infantry work is reflected in tho clear drop in tho British casualties and the splendid emptiness of the wards. Even the cases of sickness aro not heavy. In spite of tho weather tho health of tho troops is wonderful. Muddy scarecrows from the enemy's waterlogged trenches tell miserable tales of the discomfort of the flooded dug-outs and the shortage of food due to the difficulty of getting up supplies. Undoubtedly there is a relaxation from tho old discipline of tho German Army. Apparently tho officers are afraid to punish severely even tho gravest offences. It is noteworthy that deserters aro not shot, ■ but aro sent back to prisons. The German Higher Command is trying to build up a mighty bogey that musses are coming from tho East, hoping to demoralise the Allies, who aro unlikely to be deceived by 6Uch 'camouflage.' M,v personal opinion is that no great operations will take placo for at least a month. No Man's Land is a flood, and the roads and trenches are bogs."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.