The Daily News. MONDAY, MARCH 19, 1917. THE FALL OF BAPAUME.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 March 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, MARCH 19, 1917. THE FALL OF BAPAUME.

It is only a comparatively little while since the Kaiser was reported to have visited Bapauine and delivered one of Ilia theatrical orations to the troops, in which he promised victory should be theirs, but demanded that they should hold Bapaume at all costs. To-day's news contains the announcement tint Bapaume has been captured and that the British forces are still pursuing their advance. The great salient from Bapaume to Peronne has been the objective of the British offensive. It was expected that the capture of this line, which is about twelve miles in length; would entail severe fighting, but the Germans have been retreating along the salient, and they have intimated that Bapaume was to bo their swing pivot. Whatever the German intentions miy have been, or are, they have lost Bapaume, and its capture may be regarded as one of the most important, if not the most important), achievements of the war. A glance at the map of this sector will show that tho British have now straightened their line, and that tho capture of Peronne will complete the first stage of the advance that is intended to lead to final victory. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig stated some time ago that any of the positions on this sector could be captured when he was ready for the task, and-he has amply verified his prediction. It would seem fairly clear that the Germans are being forced to make a general retreat, or to make a vain endeavor to withstand the British offensive. They have elected to retreat as quickly as possible to a shorter line, possibly with the idea of carrying out the swinging movement through Belgium and France, but such a course presupposes want of strategy and offensive tactics on the part of the Allies. The dominant feature of the Allies' present offensive has been continuous pressure, and it would be only reasonable to assume that the same policy will continue with increased resolution and vigor. There is every indication that the German military authorities view i the Anglo-French offensives with the gravest concern, and well they may, for the havoc and devastation made by the British artillery is such as to strike terror into the hearts of the boldest. The enormous importance of the capture of Bapaume cannot be overrated, whilst its moral effect on the enemy cannot'fail ito be great. Tho Germans have the Allies can never break through the German defences. Sir Douglas 'Haig is showing that he can and will break through, and in this determination the French are one with, the British. The full story of British power is now being told by the grnis which leave nothing alive. Sir Douglas Haig now has the ball at foot and is playing the game in a way that leaves no doubt of victory. The big spring offensive is getting well into its stride, and Sir Douglas Haig and Jiis men well deserve the highest praise anl gratitude of the Empire for their brilliant successes. The latest cables show ihe rapidity of tho British movements as indicated by the number of other towns and villages captured. The French are meeting with equal success, so that we may regard to-day's news as being the best budget that we have received since the war coriimenced, and it is gratifying to know that the resistless pressure is .still being exercised on the retreatig eemy, whose rage is exhibited in the usual wanton destruction s.nd devastation,