THE CAMBRAI BATTLE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 143, 6 March 1918, Page 5

THE CAMBRAI BATTLE

WHY THE ATTACK WAS PROLONGED ASSISTED ALLIED FORCES IN ITALY ENEMY EFFECTED A LOCAL SURPRISE London, March 4. Sir Douglas Haig, in a dispatch dealing with the Battle of Cambrai, mentions that it was proposed to stop the •attack forty-eight hours sfter its commoncenient, or sooner, if the results did not justify its continuance. Detailing tno reasons for its continuance after the expiry of this period, Sir Douglas Haig states that the positions captured north of Flesquieres were completely commanded by the- Eonrlou Itidge, and must have been abandoned unless the ridge were gained. On tho other hand, the euemy showed signs of withdrawing, and the loss of the ridge would probably cause the Germans to abandon their carefully-prepared defence system for a considerable distance northward. The enemy was not yet too strong in the Bourlon region to bo overcome by tho numbers at Sir Douglas Haig's disposal. An additional important argument for continuing the attack was the enemy offensive in Italy: moreover, two divisions under oiders for Italy were placed at Sir Douglas Haig's disposal Therefore the prospect of securing Bourlon seemed good. ■ . Dealing with the enemy counter-afc-tnck on November 30, Sir Douglas Haig says:—"At the northern end _ of the Bon Avis Hidge and the Gonneliea sector the swiftness of tho enemy's advance after tho opening of tho bombardment appears to t have overwhelmed our troops, both in line and in immediate support, almost before thoy realised that the attack had begun. _ The nature of the bombardment contributed to tho success of the enemy's plans. No steadily-advancing barrage gave wnrning or the approach of the German assaulting columns, whoso secret assembly was assisted by the formation of tho ground and the, morning mist. It was only when the attack was unon them that a great number of low-flying German aeroplanes rained machine-gun firo upon our infantry, , while ostensivo use of smoke shells and bombs made it difficult for our troops to sec what was happening in other parts of the battlefield. There is little doubt that, although an attack was generally fexpected, the enemy effected a local surprise." Sir Douglas Haig says tho greatest credit was due to the troops at Masmeres, Boiirlon, and Moeuvres for

their gallant service on tins day. Their steady courage and staunchness Oavcd possible serious consequences. Dealing with the result of the battle, Sir Douglas Haig says .there'is little doubt that it was of considerable assistance, indirectly, to the- Allied forces in Italy. Large demands were made upon the available German reserves at a time when a great concentration of German divisions was still being maintained in Flanders. • There was evidence that German divisions intended for the Italian theatre were diverted to Cambria, and it was probable that further concentration of German forces in Italy was stopped at a most critical period, when the Italians were making their first stand on the Piavo. The .partial success of the enemy's attack might tend to show that the garrison on this front was insufficient, oither owing to want of numhers, lack of training, or. exhaustion. Sir Doiiglas Haig emphasised that

captured reaps and orders prove that the enemy aimed at far greater results than were achieved there. Convergent attaoks were to be made oil tho salient formed by tho British advance, two of which were to be delivered approximately simultaneously near Gonnelicu and Masnieres, followed by a still more powerful attack on Bourlon. Ihe objectives of,those attacks extended to tho high ground nt Beaucamp and Tresci'.ult. Tho enemy hoped to capture or destroy the whole of the British forces in the Cambrai salient. This hold and ambitious plan was foiled on the greater part of tho front by the splendid defence of the British divisions engaged. Though the defeiico temporarily broke down, tho recovery made by the weak forces still left and those within immediate reach was most praiseworthy. After paying a tribute to tho manner in which General Byng conducted the operations, Sir Douglas Haig states that the great offensive value of the tanks was conclusively proved. , In view of this experience, the enemy will hesitate to deplete any portion of his front in order to freo troops for decisive action elsewhere.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Router.