The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1915. BELGIUM’S GALLANT PART.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 54, 2 November 1915, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1915. BELGIUM’S GALLANT PART.

A report was recently issued ot the Belgian Army’s operations from the outbreak of the war to the 31st December. 1911. it gives an excellent - idea of the magnificent work performed by the gallant Army of King Albert in resisting the first onrush of the German invasion at the beginning } of the war and the subsequent «plendi ( j work of the Belgian troops in their j backward flight through Belgium to j their present line of defence. It was on 29tit July, 191-1, that the Belgian! army was strengthened by the recal to the colours of three annual classes of militia. Then the general inobil isation was ordered on Hist July, am was completed without hitch six days later. The Belgian army strength was then 117,000 men, afterwards reinforced by 18,500 volunteers. These troops formed six divisions and a cavalry division, but the numbers on not include the garrisons'of the fortresses of Jiiege, Namur and Antwerp. When the Germans issued their mandatory note of 2nd August, 191-1, the Belgian Government was left in no doubt that the violation of their country was imminent. Orders were accordingly issued to the Belgian army to resist invasion, and principles were laid down for the general conduct: of its field operations. The basic idea was that alien the Belgians acre confronted hy greatly superior forces they aero to occupy positions chosen to cover as much as possible of Belgium, and there await as an advance guard the French and British armies. The idea was to avoid battle n.s much as possible with the huge masses, of the enemy until the arrival of the Allies, and, above all. to keep open l ho lino of retreat for an ultimate j junction with French and British ! irmies. What happened in that world-' amons struggle hardly needs recapi- I illation ai this stage. Crushed by iverwhelming numbers, and forced >aek until the line of (he Vsor was cached in October, 191-1, the Belgian Vrmy readied the line of the Yser mm the sea to Zuydsehoote, its ight flank being in touch with Brush troops, which idled the interval boween it and the French. By this, 1 he Belgian army was now reduced o 82.000 men, with only IS.OOO rifles, ts mission was to cover the left flank f the Allied armies, which had not et .strongly occupied tin* region etween Arms and Ypres. and to precut the Germans from innkiu<r their my towards Dunkirk and Calais, Not |

much time was given for preparation. The German attack began on 18th October, and was carried on with great determination and in groat force until the 24th. The Belgian troops fought with the utmost bravery and tenacity. The Germans were able to push back the Belgians across the Yser between Nieuport and Dixmude. and in places to advance as far as the railway between those two towns. On the 24th October French reinforce-

ments came up, and next day preparations were begun to open the sluices at Nieuport. On the 28th the water began to-pour over tbe country, between the railway and the Yser, and to drive out the Germans. By 30tl October this great battle had ended in the failure of the German attack carried out by seven German divisions The casualties in the Belgian a nip are estimated at 1 1,000. Since tin end of October the Belgian army Inn held its position against every assault and hag strengthened it by the roocenpation of points on the right bank of the Yser. It has been refitted, and is a compact and formidable lighting force, which the Germans have loaVned to hold in respect. Beeently the Bel

gian Government called the remain der of Belgian young men to the col ours, and when they have been trained they will be incorporated in tin fighting lino. The Belgian army i. a tried and seasoned field force, its soldiers lighting side by side with the British and French comrades in tin struggle for liberty, and looking for ward with indomitable courage and patience to the day when the Hum will be driven back and Belgium do livered from its despoilers. There ai signs that the blessed day of Get many’s downfall is nearer than n dared hope.