THE WAR IN 1918

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1928, Page 3

THE WAR IN 1918

LORD RAWLINSOX’S JOURNAL

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received this day at 9.30 a.m). LONDON. March 7. Lord Rawlinson’s war journal dealing with the attack on August Bth. 1911:’. says:—“lt was a most anxious business marshalling fourteen divisions of infantry, three of cavalry, more than two thousand guns and -lot) tanks on a ten mile front, without giving tlie enemy an inkling.” But on August 9th Rawlinson was able to write: "We have had two splendid days. The Canadians and the Australians have done splendid work. The surprise was complete and the tanks were up all the time. Some armoured ears surprised the German headquarters at breakfast. Nearly twenty thousand prisoners were taken and everybody did splendidly, hut I think the spirit of Colonial infantry was probably the dec-" factor. T am very proud to * mumauded so magniiicenL an ar-*;.- in this historic battle.

Under date August l!th. Rawlins m vs: “I visited the Australians and

In'nrd ninny ext I'nnrdinnry stories. |.|o gives n sample: “A company of Australian officers tinder A. S. Gaby was held up on August Bth by a German xtrongpoint. Gaby crawled through a wire and jumped on the parapet alone with a revolver. and compelled fifty Germans and four machine gunners to surrender, but alas. |,c was killed on August Vltli. lb' must, get him the post humous Victoria Cross.” Of (be night of August ItlUli Rawlmxon wrote: “The Second and Third Australian divisions are determined to get hold of Mont. Saint Quentin Pennine. If they can do it quickly I shall be delighted, but I doubt as to the Bosche giving up so important a position without a stiff fight. The next entry, August 31st reads: o.\s I was dressing Ibis morning a. message was received that the Australians had captured Mont Saint Quentin. It is indeed a magnificent performance and no praise is too high.”