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Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1931, Page 4

Tfik passing of “Papa” Joffre recalls the first strenuous days of the Great War, when events of great moment happened with such suddenness. It was the period before the world had settled down to the realities of the conflict. The magnitude of what was being entered upon was realised by a very few, and most people were looking for a swdft victory and early ending along satisfactory lines. The boldness of the enemy attack in entering Belgium and striking directly at Frence, soon brought to mind the stern realities of the situation.. The enemy was more amply prepared than any of the other combatants, both in men, munitions and in a well considered plan, The allies were thrown immediately on their resources, which were ill-prepared, and there was the lack of unified command. The Gormans marched onward victoriously. The tabloid army which England was able to throw ac-ross the Channel at such short notice, well prepared in every detail, was hopelessly outnumbered, and not sooner bad the advance penetrated far enough to meet the foe, than the memorable Mons retreat and series of wonderful rear guard actions began. The French were hurriedly organising to meet the onslaught. History discloses there was much confusion of the allied command at this stage, The British and French armies did not co-operate as they should have done, hut the enemy continued its ruthless advance, nnd the stern ’facts of the sweeping advantage being gained had to be faced, The great haste of the German advance was probably its own undoing, for there was not time to consolidate at any stage, while the excitement of the rapid advance was the cause of a lack of military precaution, and so the German wave went on till it almost spent itself. It was at this psychological moment that J off re had his advantage, and the miracle of the Marne resulted. The French had a defensive scheme for their beloved Paris, and the capital was already in danger. Joffre summoned all his available forces and using every kind of available transport, threw his whole force upon the enemy. The latter had outrun its safe formation. It was caught in a difficult position. There was almost a debacle, hut German discipline saved tue situation. The enemy was in retreat, and the French pressed with vigor, Tt was .the- first change in the dour progress of the war. The altered conditions gave heart to the French. In a moment Joffre became the hero of the hour, and well he might, for what happened by the checking of the Germen advance, saved the whole war. The Kaiser had planned to be in Paris by a certain date. Joffre’s tactics upset that plan, and the disorganisation which followed gave the allies time and opportunity to meet the desperate issue of the situation. Because of that, the name of Joffre stands in high respect ami esteem, and will always have a place in important pages of the history cf the Great War.