THE EMPIRE'S WAR EFFORT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 170, 12 April 1919, Page 7

THE EMPIRE'S WAR EFFORT

INTERESTING REVIEW BY SIR DOUGLAS IJAIG

BUILDING UP THE GREAT

NEW ARMIES

AN ACHIEVEMENT TO BE PROUD OF

By TeiesraDli—Press A«oocjntion-Ooi>yncht (Eec. April 11, 8.50 p.m.) ' London, April 1. Sir Dounlaa Hnig, in a dispatch dated March 21, describes tho advance of the British forces in Germany and the occupation of tho Cologne bridgehead. He briefly reviews the chief features of military interest "in the operations of tho British armies on the West l'ront during i:lie time he was in command, and (hanks tlio able and gallant officers who assisted him.

Dealing with the new armies, Sir Douglas Haig says:-—"The whole Empire may ] bo proud ot' ila achievement in building 1 armies 011 more than a Continental ; scale, capable of beating the bost troops »!' the strongest military nation before 1 the war. That we were able to accomplish this stupendous task is due partly 1 to the loyally and devotion of our Allies, 1 and the spleudid work of the Navy, bnt 1 mainly to the wonderful spirit of the British race everywhere throughout the , world. At the outset lack of instinctive discipline placed the new'lroops at a dis- : advantage/ but during the last two years the discipline of all ranks in the new armies, from whatever part of the Empire they came, was excellent. Tho universities and public schools of the ' Empire again proved that they are unrivalled in the formation of character, which is tho root of discipline. This does not mean that the universities and public schools enjoy a monopoly of the dualities making good officers. The life of the British Empire generally proved sound under the severest tests, and while giving men whom it was an honour for nnv officer to command, it furnished officers of the highest standard from all ranks of society in all quarters of the 1 world. Promotion has been entirely by merit, tho highest appointments being onen to the humblest, provided the necessary qualifications of character, skill, and knowledge, were present." Sir Douglas Haig concludes with a very warm and sincere acknowledgment of Ihe great debt, of nil ranks in the nrmies in France to "our kinsmen and kinswomen of the British Empire for their unfailing support,, by thoughts, prayers, and work, during the long years of war. Their trust and confidence never wavered: their labours never ceased. No sacrifices or hardships or priva- 1 •lions were ton great, provided that thereby the needs of the troops might adeoualelv b? supplied.''—Aus.-N.Z. C'ablo Assn.-Reuler. I I 1 > ' . ' [