BAPAUME

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1917, Page 2

BAPAUME

The capture of B-ipaume by the British operating iu the Accra region, is an achievement of very groat importance. Bapaume was the objective of the big offensive last year, aud tk=it it did not pass into the hands of the British at that time was due to the awful weather conditions experienced. Last year’s campaign was a costly one for the British, but it laid tho foundation for the greater success achieved now. It was a period of bitter experience, and on the knotviedga gained, this year’s tactics were devised. The essential aid to the advance just now is the British artillery. This is overwhelming. Mr Philip Gibbs has indicated its devastating record, and the story he tells cauaot bat have a demoralising effect on tho enemy, Bapaume captured means that the British have overcome a post which at hast a year ago would have bean cooeidercd imptegoab’e—a veritable Gibraltar. To convert it into a prize of war was to reduce it .and its environments by artil ery fire. The British have thus ponnoed their way through, and the taste the enemy have had will doc pat them in good stomach fcr what is to come. The curtain of the drama is up and the great actiou is proceeding. Bapaume occupied means Britain prepared, and gives notice to all the world that the verdict of the previous Somme offensive that the enemy was a beaten enemy is now confirmed. Bapaume is a most conspicuous rails stone in the long, long trail that leads to Berlin—4he final objective of the war.