The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 1916. TUE ALLIES' OFFENSIVE.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 July 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 1916. TUE ALLIES' OFFENSIVE.

Now that we arc in possession of the details of the main incidents connected with the forward movement of the Allies on the Western front, it is possible to comprehend the magnitude and intensity of the operations. The main features of the offensive were the careful preparations which A - ere made (no chances being taken) and the irresistible nature of the attacks. We can hardly realise what is meant by shells bursting at the rate of 300 a minute, and it is not surprising that the Germans were at first dazed and stunned. They, too, rained an inferno of shells on the Allies and fought with grim determination, but nothing could stop the Allies from capturing the first and second lines in the vast area between Montauban and Assevillers. When it is considered that this wellconceived and splendidly-executed offensive marks the opening of a new chapter in the. struggle, its importance will be more fully realised. It .must not,however, be expected that the piesent operations will become a decisive factor the wai, though they are certainly a =tep in that l.rection. The attack was against the southern flank of a strong line held by the enemy and affecting thsir railwa.v communications. It was

also a blow at the German armies on the Meuse. Hitherto the Germans have not experienced the unpleasant sensation of being harried, but they are now feeling what the process is like, with the result that he-ides meeting with heavy casualties they have lost over hoik; men tukvii prisoners. One very useful purpose was served by the Allies' attack, and that was the discovery of the location of every German battalion—a matter of the utmost importance in directing artillery fire. Both north and south of the Somme there was desperate and prolonged fighting, in which the Allies gained and held important positions. As an illustration of the preparedness of the British in men and munitions, the offensive movement tells its own story, and it is most encouraging to learn that the gunnery of the British is proclaimed to be far superior to that of the enemy. One of the hottest engagements was that at Damloup, which the Germans, after a violent bombardment, took, hut only to be immediately hurled out of possession. It speaks volumes for the splendid fighting .power of the French, who had to face thirty-nine German battalions on their front on Saturday, that they not only inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, but succeeded in disorganising the German hosts. The brilliant record of the Scottish regiments at M' ntaubay is worthy of these renowned fighters, and clearly indicates that these fearless and intrepid men, who may fairly be regarded as types of Kitchener's Xew Army, will carry the cause of the Allies to a decisive victory. The thorough development'of the offeni sive will at first inevitably be slow, but as it proceeds we may reasonably expect it to gather impetus. At present the outlook is most encouraging, and there is every indication that the moral effect on the enemy is as striking as the actual attack itself. Progress still continues, but it is evident that to the best of their ability—and that is considerable —the Germans will struggle desperately to stem the advance. .For that the Allies are now prepared. They have made the plunge, and there is no looking back. No matter what the cost, the road to victory must be traversed. It must be remembered that the Allies' real work has only just commenced, but we may take the success of the initial step as a good augury for future triumph.