GERMAN OFFENSIVE TACTICS.

Taihape Daily Times, 5 March 1918, Page 6

GERMAN OFFENSIVE TACTICS.

LONDON, February 20

Mr. Perry Robinson, correspondent of the Times at the British headquarters, states that the fiercest battle the world has ever seen is about to break. It may be days, but at the utmost weeks, before we have to withstand massed attacks of troops backed up by mechanical assistance, and trained to a degree never before seen. The German army and people are worked up to such a pitch of expectancy that a postponement of the offensive is impossible without a collapse. Like a horse trained to run at a certain date, theywould be overtrained unless soon brought to the post. Our men are calm and confident Ger- ' man aeroplanes are dropping wholesale behind the lines copies of the Continental Times and Gazette Ardennes, printed in English. The propaganda falls on stony ground.

M. Marcel Hutin, writing to the Echo de Paris, says that the main German offensive will be launched against the Britsih, with a great demonstration on the French front.

Reuter’s correspondent says there is no longer any doubt that the enemy attempt to break through may come at any moment, and while the French will undoubtless have to withstand the shock of heavy numbers, a grand attack will be hurled against the British somewhere between Arras and Fit. Quentin. Evidence goes to show that the coming offensive will be conducted upon principles of surprise. The winter training of the enemy divisions has been based upon the idea of repeating the tactics, which succeeded in Galicia, at Riga, and on the Isonzo, The enemy’s training exercises have been based on the principles of the infantry breaking through without artillery preparation. This confirms the belief that the Germans will employ tanks and it is probable that exciting tank duels will be witnessed. If this proves to be so numbers and experience will be on our side.

The enemy is also expecting great results from new poison gas, and we know they intend using gas shells in the freest possible manner. Another interesting fact has been revealed. While the new method of enemy attack has the entire confidence of the German officers, the men regard it with dismay, declaring that local successes only will be purchased at a frightful cost. Anyway, it is manifest that in the forthcoming gamble the German High Command intends to be reckless regarding wastage of men.

The special correspondent at French headquarters of the Daily Chronicle says: Some soldiers believe that the enemy will make a dramatic but limited, blow, on the French front, instead of an offensive on a grand scale. The Champagne sector offers difficulties for fin attack, because it is commanded by the crescent of hills on the Rheims Plateau and by the Moronvillcrs massif. The French desired information regarding the German fortress at Brimont. They therefore poured 5000 shells into the enemy’s lines in 15 minutes, and then made a raid. The officer who led the raiders pointed the direction in which they were to go with his cane. The French destroyed trenches, captured the occupants, who had been stunned by the bombardment, and secured valuable information. A corporal returned, carrying a German machine-gun and singing “The Toreador,” song at the top of his voice.