IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1915, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

~ AU REVOIR. eiK JOHN FRENCH TO HIS ARMY. J". CONFIDENT OF VICTORY. Received Dec. 20, 8.30 p.m. Xiondon, Dec. 119. Sir John French, in his farewell message to the troops, said: "In relinquishing my command I wish to express to the officers and men with whom I have been associated my heartfelt sorrow at parting before the campaign has been brought to a victorious conclusion. I have the firmest conviction that a glorious ending to your splendid and heroic efforts is not far distant, and I shall ■watch the progress towards the final goal with intense interest and with confldent hope. The success hitherto attained is due to your indomitable spirit and dogged tenacity, wtyich has not known defeat, and the heroia courage abundantly displayed by the rank and file of toy splendid army, which will ever remain jkhe pride and glory of my life. I have commanded, during the abtyeea months of incessant fighting, regulars and territorials, and the old •my and the new army have ever flhown these magnificent qualities. From my fceart I thank them aU. At the sat .moment of parting my heart goes out to those who have received lifelong injury, and I think sorrowfully of the great and glorious host of beloved comrades who have made the greatest sopiiice of all jby laying down their Jives for their country. saying good-bye to the British ariny in France I ask them to accept this expression of my deepest gratitude for their heartfelt devotion, and my earnest geed wishes for the inevitable glorious future."

SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORT. ■m. *1 >1 •J' , A OAS ATTACK. . Received Dec. 20, B.S pan. ' London, Dec. 20. General Haig's despatch say 9: Early on Sunday morning the enemy discharged gas against our line norths «*t ofYpres, accompanied by a heavy boi»bardment. Except in a few places where thte enemy were driven bade hefore reaching our lines, they were tenable to leave the trenches owing to our fire. Our protective measures against gas are effective, and our line everywhere ig intact. Hostile artillery are unusually active east of Ypres and west and couth of jMessines. We brought down an enemy aeroplane east of Arpientieres.