LETTER FROM GENERAL GODLEY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1755, 22 November 1917, Page 3

LETTER FROM GENERAL GODLEY.

“THE BOCHE IS ABSOLUTELY BEATEN.’’

Communications recently received in Wellington from General Sir Alexander GodleyshoAv his high appreciation of the qualities of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces under bis command.

In a letter received by Colonel G. F. C. Campbell, Coast Defence Commander, General Godley, speaking of the third battle of Ypres, says that “it began splendidly, but the Aveather interfered very gi’eatly with the operations. If it had only rained for a fcAV days it Avould have been all right, hut it was so. persistent and so heavy that the Avholo country avus converted into a morass, which made operations impossible, and gave time to the Bochc to complete his wiring, strengthen his blockhouses, strong points, etc., and generally to pull himself together. This meant starting afresh, without all the roads and railways and necessary paraphernalia to give us as good a start as the first.” Dealing Avith the position at the front, General Godley states that the Avhole question now is one of man-power; and the Bocho is absolutely beaten, and be knoA\ - s it. But unless avc can produce enough men and keep hammering at him, and' driving him back the Avar will still go on for a long time. The tone of the Boche Avritiugs and speeches is entirely different uoav from what B Avas.” In a letter received by Colonel Campbell from General Chaytor, commanding the Ncav Zealand Mounted Rifles in Palestine, he forecasts the present advance. He states that Avhen the Turkish front at Gaza is broken, “the cavalry Avould have the best slioav .of modern times,” alluding to the suitability of the country for cavalry operations. The successful advance that is noAv taking place seems to affirm the opinion expressed.