MR NEVINSON.S STORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1918, Page 2

MR NEVINSON.S STORY.

THE FIGHTING REVIEWED. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] (Received This Day at 1.20 a.m.) LONDON, August 25. Mr Nevinson states on Friday night and Saturday morning was one of the turning points of the Somme campaign and perhaps of the whole war. A high officer who speaks with knowledge and caution, says the enemy seems cracking. Mr. Nevinson adds that five months ago though we were cracking; therefore it is unsafe to prophesy, but there is no doubt the German armies opposing our own Third and Fourth Armies are discontented. Mr Nevinson describes a' walking tour over portion ,of the battlefield, which is full of interesting evidence of the enemy’s dismay. He reached the summit of a mound, on which Tliiepval is situated, where lie first met enemy soldiers. They were prisoners in a large batch docilely following three British guards. Mr Nevinson continued— l Over the whole of the next ridge and valley beyond, the 'Germans were scattered. They were evidence of a division which had lost cohesion and hope. I was unarmed, yet none attempted to shoot. Some lurked in hiding places, and if detected, they surrendered forthwith throwing away everything except their clothes and 'a sack containing food, soap, and razor. Nevinson saw a solitary British cavalryman armed only with an, empty German revolver, prowling round collecting small hatches. Their ■ talk among themselves .consisted 'of complaints against their superiors who had caused them to lose touch with their companions though- all seemed glad to be prisonered.