CASUALTIES IN FRANCE.

Taihape Daily Times, 13 December 1917, Page 5

CASUALTIES IN FRANCE.

AUSTRALIAN'S ESTIMATE. Referring to the question of reinforcements for the Australian folrce recently, B,Tigadier-Qeneral Jobson, who recently returned from the front, discussed the probable character of operations on the western front. In the past there had been little active fighting during the winter. It is highly probable that though there may be no actual advances attempted the artillery's activity on both sides will be such that this winter's casualties will be materialy heavier than those of the last, he said. The imminent release of 70 or 80 German divisions, with many guns, from the eastern front must mean still heavier fighting, and still heavier casualties. There will be more battles in 1918, and at shorter intervals, than there were in 1917. With the accession of men and guns Germany's defensive policy oh the western front will be a determined offensive A German offensive must be met by strenuous British counter-at-tacks to repel it which must cost us very dear, for counterattacks are the most expensive of any operation. It is very clear, therefore, that so far from expecting any reduction or even constancy in the casualty lists, we must resign ourselves to losses in 1918 of probably double those of 1917.

AIR RAIDS IN FLANDERS. Received 10.30. LONDON, Dec 12. The Admiralty reports: Naval aircraft son Monday night dropped many tons, of bombs at Mostaeker aerodrome, and Bruges docks. Results at the former place were difficult to observe, but a fire started at the latter. All machines returned. AIR RAID ON GERMANY. LONDON, December 12. Sir Douglas Haig reports: This morning our machines proceeded to Gelrmany to bomb certain factories. They found their objectives were obscured by clouds, but bombed a large railway station north-east of Pirmosels