GENERAL HAIG’S REPORT.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1917, Page 3

GENERAL HAIG’S REPORT.

' THE ROYAL ENGINEERS. A GREAT TRIBUTE.. rAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION & REUTER.] LONDON, June 19. General Haig continuing his despatch 1 says. The systematic destruction of , roads bridges, and railways made unprecedented demands upon the Royal i Engineers who already were heavily ( burdened by work entailed in prepara-, tions for the spring offensive. Our steady progress in the face of great difficulties was at least a testimony of the (energy and thoroughness wherewith those demands were met. The ( bridging of the Somme at Brie is an example of the nature of the obstacle wherewith .we w T ero confronted and the rapidity of their removal. In this instance six gaps had to bridged across the Canal and River Somme, whereof a considerable width vas ovei a swift-flowing stream. The work commenced on the morning of March 18th. By ten the same night the infantry footbridges had been completed, and by five on the morning of the 20th a medium type of bridge for horse transput t and cavalry was completed. By two in the afternoon of the 28th heavy bridges capable of taking all forms of traffic, replaced the lighter type. Throughout the winter transport problems were serious both in the battle area and behind the lines. On the rapid solution thereof success or failure neces- - sarilv largely depended. At the close of last year’s campaign the steady growth of our armies and the rapid expansion of our material resources already taxed the roads and railways to their utmost. The existing broad and narrow gauge rails were insufficient to deal with the nicerasing transport, which had by this time became almost overwhelming. An increase of railway facilities of every type and" on a laigo scale was therefore imperatively and urgently necessary. Great quantities of material and rolling' stock were required immediately, while subsequently our wants were considerably augumented by a large programme of new construction hi the rear of the enemy’s withdrawal. ; The task of obtaining the amount of railway material required for carrying ■ our the work of construction at the rate our plans rendered necessary, besides i providing labour and material for the ; repair of roads was one of the very great : est difficulties, and their successful 1 accmplishment reflects the highest credit on the transportation service. General Haig concluded.—The loyal l cooperation and complete mutual un- . J derstanding of the Allies and ourselves

throughout the Somme Battle was continued and strengthened. The events in winter, particularly the circiimstances attending the enemy’s withdrawal during the latter part of the period, under review was most gratifying. There was a considerable tract of jmuntry won back in France by the combined efforts of the Allied troops, which is regarded with, satisfaction- by all ranks in the British Army and Franco. At the same time I wish to express mv feelings of deep regret provoked at the sight of the destruction that the war has brought on the once fair and prosperous countryside.