BATTLE OF BELLICOURT

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 80, 30 December 1919, Page 5

BATTLE OF BELLICOURT

AMERICANS CRITICISED BY GENERAL MONASH. London, December 2S. , General Monasli, in tho "Sunday Times," describes tlio battlo of Belllcourt, in which he commanded two inexnerionced Amoriciin divisions, besides the Australian Corps. Owing to tho Americans' loss of cohesion and control, and their neglect to mop up the ground ns tlicv advanced, lie says, the enemy reappeared in strength from dug-outs behind the Americans and held up two Australian divisions advancing to carry out the second phase of the operations. "While I feel obliged to state the facta regarding tho partial failure of tho Americans to carry out their part of my battle plan. T unhesitatingly say they fnmrht most .bravely, and advanced most fearlessly to tho assault."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

ARTICLES ON AUSTRALIAN VICTORIES SARCASTIC-COMMENT BT BRITISH OFFICER. London, December 28. _ Captain Martin, of the London Regi; meat, in a letter to tho "Sunday Times, declares that General Moiinsh was particularly unfortunate in his references (in his' nrt'.elos on the Australian victories) to the achievements of tho London Territorials who formed the loft Hank of (lie Australians in tho August offensives, in which tho Londoners captured many prisoners and much material. . General Monasli was still more unfortunate, he says, in declaring that Ihe Londoners failed to capture the Chijiillv Spur until he took over the command of the operations. Captain Martin savs lie regrets that, an eminent Australian general should make untrue statements and false charges against English troops without troubling to verify lv'n data. "AA'e all know, ho said, "that the Australians and Americans won the war; but due credit should be given to the English troops for minor successes."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable,Assn. ■